INFLATABLE BOATS – An Overview
Choosing an Inflatable Boat can be a bit overwhelming, there are many different types and designs and there are a few things you need to consider before diving head-first into a purchase. PVC, Hypalon, Roll-up, air floor, or rigid hull, these are the questions that you have to answer, and help you pick the Inflatable Boat that’s right for you. Manufacturers can choose from several different types of materials used to create the tubes on an inflatable boat, this article will concentrate on the two most durable fabrics: PVC and Hypalon are the two fabric types used by every major Inflatable Boat brand and are a proven and time-tested way to build an inflatable.
Fabric types
Hypalon is a synthetic rubber coating applied to the exterior of the fabric and provides surprising strength and the neoprene coating on the interior helps with sealing, these Inflatable Boats are hand glued and are more durable but do cost more than PVC Inflatable Boats. Due to being so hardy, they’re considered ideal for boating in extreme conditions or for boaters who won’t be deflating their boats repeatedly. These boats are normally guaranteed for at least 5 years or longer with 10 years being the customary warranty for Hypalon/CSM boats. PVC is a type of plastic coating laminate around a nylon fibre core and are usually are more often done by machine, so they’re not nearly as labour intensive and therefore cheaper than Hypalon 
Inflatable Boats. PVC is very tough and is easier to repair, not quite as durable as Hypalon, however choosing a PVC boat for hot climates will take extra effort to maintain, use of a boat cover is recommended as well as liberal use of 303, a UV ray protectant, PVC provides great value for those using their inflatable in cooler climates and are ideal for Recreational Boating.
Hull types
There are three different hull types available for Inflatable Boats, roll-up, air floor, and rigid hull. A roll-up hull has a removable floor system, comprised of wooden or aluminium panels and secured in the boat using aluminium rails called “stringers”. The stringers act as the backbone of the boat. Roll-up Boats are usually lighter than the rigid hull boats, but heavier than air hulls. Air Floor Boats use an inflatable bladder as the floor with drop-stitch construction, this means that the small strands of fibres inside the bladder prevent ballooning and distortion. When properly inflated, air floors are as rigid as wood, and can support the weight of several adults and their gear. The air floor remains a popular choice for an Inflatable Boat due to easy storage transportation and simple preparation they are also very light weight and can be inflated just about anywhere. Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RIB’s) provide the best performance, they are usually rated for higher horsepower outboards than comparable length roll-up or air floor inflatables. The RIB has planning characteristics similar 
to traditional hulled boats and can be used for a variety of purposes, virtually all of the name brand luxury inflatable boats are RIBs. Hull construction can be made from fibreglass or aluminium, with a keel guard fitted protecting the hull from rocks and beaching. Buying a RIB almost guarantees the need for a trailer for transport, so keep that added expense in mind when choosing an Inflatable Boat.
Summary
Given that there are several different Inflatable Boat designs, having a roll-up, air floor, or rigid hull is simply a matter of preference. Inflatable Boats with roll-up and air floor hulls are easier to store and transport. Rigid Inflatable Boats have a rigid hull and all but the rigid portion can be deflated, so you will need to consider your logistics in order to move the boat from place to place, boats with rigid hulls are more expensive, and need additional equipment in order to transport them. Hypalon fabric is a more durable (and expensive) option than PVC, but either type will offer years of boating service.
BEST SELLING INFLATABLE BOATS – AMAZON
There are many stores selling inflatable boats in both online and offline sports and fishing stores, buying your Inflatable Boat from a wholesale outlet will usually mean a better discount and cheaper purchase price. Here at My Boat Space there are other tips and ideas for choosing and buying Inflatable Boats and accessories
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West Marine Seat Brackets For Inflatable Boats $4.99 West Marine Seat Brackets For Inflatable Boats . Seat Bracket for Inflatable Boats |
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West Marine Halkey Roberts Valve For Inflatable Boats $6.99 West Marine Halkey Roberts Valve For Inflatable Boats . Halkey-Roberts Valve for West Marine All Inflatable Boats |
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West Marine Storage Bags For Inflatable Boats Hp V 420 $49.99 West Marine Storage Bags For Inflatable Boats Hp V 420 . Storage bags for inflatable boats. |
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West Marine Storage Bags For Inflatable Boats Rib 310 $99.99 West Marine Storage Bags For Inflatable Boats Rib 310 . Storage bags for inflatable boats. |
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West Marine Seat Bags For Inflatable Boats Hp V 350 & Rib $29.99 West Marine Seat Bags For Inflatable Boats Hp V 350 & Rib . Seat Bags for Inflatable Boats |
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NRS Tear-Aid Patch $28.95 Each TEAR-AID repair patch is made from an exceptionally tough, matte finish, abrasion resistant, elastomer that resists puncture and tearing. It is combined with an aggressive adhesive formulated for high bond strength…. |
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Big Mouth Toys Inflatabuffet Portable/Inflatable Buffet and Salad Bar, White $9.90 Nothings better than serving cold drinks and fresh food at gatherings. The inflatable buffet provides a simple and efficient way to do this. Just inflate the buffet and watch the buffet turn into a large water proof tray. Fill the tray with ice and add the beverages and food of your choice. When not in use just deflate and fold for easy storage. A must have for entertainer!… |
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Brand-New Inflate & Take Cupcake Carrier Trays Stack And Attach Together For Multiple Layers $34.95 Inflatable cupcake carrier – holds 24 cupcakes on the go.Trays stack and attach together for multiple layers.Accomodates all sizes – even super-sized cupcakes & muffins.Set contains (2) 21″x17″x4″ trays, 12-cupcake capacity each.Storage lid, hand pump, carrying strap and storage case…. |
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Rapture of the Deep – Humpback Whale Singing $11.53 Very good song diversity; no added music, just whales. One Humpback Whale is an excellent recording of a close whale, just a few hundred yards away; originally recorded on digital audio tape, all giving the whale great presence and clarity. Recorded near the Virgin Islands from a small inflatable boat using a professional underwater microphone (hydrophone)…. |
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One and Mostly One Humpback Whale $9.96 One Humpback Whale is an excellent recording of a close whale, just a few hundred yards away from the boat/ hydrophone, originally recorded on digital audio tape; all giving the whale great presence and clarity. Ten years of trying, plus good luck before getting this. Mostly One whales were not seen but estimated at 1-2 miles away (good guess). there’s no added music, just whales… |