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Inflatable boats, also called rubber boats or dinghies, have been around some form or another for thousands of years. They are now available in various sizes and models and include inflatable kayaks, sport boats and inflatable catamarans. Their versatility and relatively low cost have contributed to their popularity, and lovers of water increasingly discover the benefits of owing an inflatable boat.

Evolution of the inflatable boat

Historical records indicate that the first inflatable boats were animal skins filled with air. Over the years, many cultures have created different versions of inflatable boats, and in 1839 the Duke of Wellington tested the first inflatable pontoons. In the decades that followed, many new models were presented and some of them have been used by European military forces.

The inflatable boats were used to transport torpedoes and other cargo. They also allowed troops to make discreet landings in shallow water, and their compact size and storability made them easy to bring, even on the steps of land where it was not possible to put a traditional boat.

One model, the Zodiac, grew to be very popular with military and contributed significantly to the development of the inflatable boat industry calendar, both in Europe and the United States. After World War II, surplus inflatable boats were sold to the public and the general public had the chance to discover how easy and enjoyable of these boats can be.

Since then, inflatable kayaks, sailing inflatables, inflatable canoes, sport boats and belly boats have been added to the mixture. Some inflatable boats run 45 feet or more and may include direction to the interior, premium features, and even the cabins full. Inflatable boats have evolved so that today the only thing on some inflatable boats is the collar around the perimeter gunwales of the deck.

Hull designs and types of inflatable boats

Inflatable boats come in rigid hull design and soft-bottom style. Soft-bottom boats have floors made of fabric and slats (usually wood) that passes through the beam. This design is generally in small inflatables ranging from 6 to 8 feet in length only.

rigid hulls, or ribs, were introduced in 1967 by Tony Lee-Elliott and advanced by Admiral Hoare and the Atlantic College in Wales. In contrast to vessels of soft-lands, which have a fabric hull with inflatable or wood keel, fiberglass semi-rigid or hard aluminum hulls and large, inflatable tubes. It can combine the best characteristics of both types of vessels.

Some ribs incorporate the V-shaped bow similar to that of a traditional boat. This design consists of a separate inflation tube along the entire length of the boat under the floor. Once inflated, it pushes the material downstairs to form the V-shape that helps the management. The flotation collars on many coasts are removable, which makes them easier to store and clean.

RIBs typically range from 10-30 feet in length and are powered either by an outboard or inboard motor turning a water jet or Z-Drive. They were originally used as lifeboats in 1970, and later as boats or tenders on larger pleasure yachts. Many of today’s sport boats used for fishing and water skiing are made with RIB designs.

Inflatable Sports

Inflatable sport boats generally describe recreational boats that are used for fishing, water skiing and other activities where a motor is necessary. Depending on the size of the boat, an inflatable sport boat can be used with an engine that generates up to 40 power units, they can be deflated and stored for easy transport or used with a trailer to avoid having to inflate at each use. Inflatable sport boats typically cost much less than their traditional counterparts and, because they are lighter, use less gas.

High Performance

Several companies also have high performance inflatable boats that are used for racing, rescue, and other activities where speed is essential. These high performance boats generally have additional inflation tubes that lift the boat out of water to create additional hydroplaning effects. They typically use larger motors, sometimes up to 400 horsepower. Because of their speed, they are more difficult to navigate and require an experienced captain.

Dinghies, kayaks and other craft personnel

On the other side are the canoes and inflatable kayaks that rely on human power and are used by one or two people at once. These boats often resemble their traditional counterparts, but they have inflatable bodies, making them much lighter and easier to carry. They are often less expensive.

In more recent years, sailboats and catamarans inflatable bags have also been introduced. They are usually between 12-14 feet long and, like inflatable canoes and kayaks, only accommodate one or two people.

Belly boats are yet another category of inflatable watercraft. These floats are sometimes called pontoons, but should not be confused with the large flat-bottomed boats and often carrying large numbers of people on the lakes. Belly boats were specifically designed to be used for fishing and often look like floating donuts with a seat. Some may have two small pontoons with a seating area suspended between. Most are less than eight feet long and have room for one person.

Yacht Tenders
Personal Belly Boats to High Performance riders – An Overview of Inflatable Boats

The upward trend in the fastest kayak in the industry is clearly the use of inflatable kayaks. Today’s technology makes these inflatable crafts more rugged and maneuverable, while remaining lightweight and portable. Even experienced kayakers are gradually it chose to inflatable kayaks.

Inflatable kayaks are extremely portable

If you have ever owned a hard shell kayak, you realize how it can be difficult to transport your kayak. You have little alternative to strapping your kayak on the roof of your vehicle. Then you have to drive on a road accessible ocean, lake or river. Then you have to carry your kayak awkwardly hard shell with water. Hopefully the water is not too far from where you had to park your vehicle.

With an inflatable kayak, you simply fold the deflated kayak into a backpack and you can go anywhere. Most inflatable kayaks are less than forty pounds in weight and some are even less than thirty pounds. They are also very compact when folded deflated. transported in the back of your car is not a problem at all. Then think of all the mountain trails, you can take your inflatable kayak. You could easily paddle on lakes or rivers remote. Or how about taking your kayaking vacation with you? Bring in your luggage on the plane and you could be kayaking almost anywhere in the world. That would be pretty difficult to do with a hard shell kayak. You can take an inflatable kayak on a city bus or bike to the water. During the offseason, the kayak has minimal storage space.

Inflatable kayaks are sturdy and durable

When most people think of an inflatable kayak, they picture a boat cheaply made plastic for children. They picture a kayak that would burst from hitting the smallest rock or branch. If you owned one of the older, cheaper style inflatable boats, you know, you also have to invest in repair parts or a roll of duct tape.

high quality inflatable kayaks are changing people’s impressions of inflatable boats. New inflatable crafts are made from puncture and abrasion resistant rubber, often reinforced with polyester fabric. This is much stronger than the PVC material used for most inflatable boats at low prices. Under normal circumstances, it is unlikely that you puncture these new rubber materials. Even if you did, most inflatable kayaks have at least three separate air chambers.

Inflatable Kayaks are easy to use

What’s easier than carrying your kayak right edge of the water and inflated with a foot pump within five to ten minutes? Most people have pumped up an air mattress at least once as a child. Then, after it is filled to the proper air pressure, set your inflatable kayak in the water and take like any other kayak. You can straddle the kayak and then sit down. Or you can place your paddle in the kayak to brace yourself you are in.

Kayaks are very stable, but with inflatable kayaks it can be much easier to return if you fall. Simply enter the cockpit of the kayak and pull you up as you get out of a pool. It’s an inflatable kayak very convenient for diving or swimming. Before returning, it is easy to empty all the water is on board. Some inflatable boats are even self bailing.

Another misconception about inflatable kayaks is that they have very poor maneuverability. People think you have very little control in an inflatable kayak. This is not the case with many new inflatable kayaks. Many of these inflatable boats have optional foot controlled rudders to make for easy turning without missing a single shot. Some of these optional rudders just help the kayak track straight. A large number of inflatable kayaks have maneuverability comparable to hard-shell boats.

Where can I use an inflatable kayak?

Inflatable kayaks are manufactured in a variety of styles to accommodate almost any conditions. For the casual kayaker, there are cheap models are best suited for flat water lakes and rivers. There are more expensive models designed for moderate or advanced whitewater. Many models are even suitable for surfing. Many people like to use their inflatable kayak for fishing or hunting. You can access more remote locations or fish directly from your kayak. Inflatable Boats are also great for shallow water, it would be too difficult for a boat hull hard to manage.

Conclusion

For either a beginner or an advanced kayaker, inflatable kayaks are becoming a popular choice. They are extremely versatile and much cheaper than a hard shell kayak. For less than half the price, you’d be able to take your kayak to a variety of places you never thought possible. If you would not likely be able to perform one of the barrels, you can still have fun with an inflatable kayak. Once you try an inflatable kayak, you’ll wonder why you ever used a hard-shell.