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