Choosing Inflatables: Everything you need to know

Inflatable boats can be fun, fast, durable, easy to use, and can also be tough workboats. The biggest advantage of inflatables is that they are relatively light weight, and some of the smaller ones can be deflated into a fairly small size so that they can be packed in a car trunk, minivan or SUV. They are also much less expensive than most rigid boats. The small ones can be rowed or paddled, although oars and paddles will not work against a good wind or current (unless you have some of the new, strap-on skegs.) These are often used as tenders for larger boats. Almost all of them, except the very smallest (mostly those for children) have the facility to carry outboard engines, and some very large ones have integral engines and fuel tanks. Some can be converted into small sailboats, and some have special rudders that can be used to propel the boat.

There are two basic types -- "plain" inflatables and rigid hull inflatable boats (RIBs). The very basic plain ones have fabric floors that some people find difficult to stand on as they get into and out of the boat.   Some inflatables have wooden slats, plywood boards or aluminum floors that make the boat more rigid and provide a more stable floor.   There are also inflatables with inflatable floors. All of these can be deflated and collapsed for easy carrying. All of them have transoms that will hold outboard engines. These are often made from folding plywood. All of these come complete with some sort of pump -- usually bellows -- for inflation, a valise in which it is packed and a repair kit. Some include collapsible oars. There is one new form of inflatable that is essentially a catamaran -- with smaller diameter buoyancy tubes attached beneath the main buoyancy tubes. This inflatable has better performance than conventional inflatables

Then there are the RIBs. The RIBs have a rigid hull made from rigid polyester, fiberglass, or aluminum attached to inflatable buoyancy tubes which form the sides of the boat. The aluminum hulls are lighter weight than comparable fiberglass ones. All of these have stable, rigid floors. One of the attractions of RIBs is that they have v-shaped hulls that provide better directional stability. Many RIBs have built-in molded fiberglass transoms.   They tend to be a little longer than the models described above, but their inflatable tubes deflate for ease of stowing and carrying.

At the very top of the market, there are RIBs that have many of the qualities of hard dinghies.   These have more and better seating, internal storage, instruments, deck lighting, integral fuel tanks, and 4-stroke engines of 25-100 HP. The largest of these RIBs is 16 feet in length.

Finally there are the "fun" inflatables -- canoes, kayaks and sailing dinghies.

There is something for everyone -- in terms of size, stowage space and price -- in the inflatables market.

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