| Inflatable boats have been around for a very long | | | | Marines. Other uses include such things as personal |
| time and play an integral role in everything from | | | | automobile transport across water, though a |
| leisure time on the water to safety. The earliest | | | | special boat is required for this. In addition, you will |
| known inflatable boats were actually | | | | find these boats used as personal transport |
| manufactured from animal hides stitched together | | | | devices, particularly in island nations. |
| and then filled with air. However, modern boats | | | | Types of Inflatable Boats |
| have come a long way from their origins. That | | | | You will find several different types of inflatable |
| said, you'll need to understand a bit more about | | | | boats on the market today. For instance, inflatable |
| the history of these boats to appreciate their | | | | kayaks have recently changed the face of river |
| uses, the many available types, designs and even | | | | exploration and water sports, while rigid-hulled |
| the right choice in fabric. | | | | inflatable boats offer benefits for everything from |
| The History of Inflatable Boats | | | | fishing expeditions to ferrying cars across water. |
| As mentioned, the earliest known inflatable boats | | | | You will also find fully inflatables with rigid flooring, |
| were made of stitched animal hides. The pilot | | | | which provide benefits for those who lack the |
| would lie across the boat and paddle using his or | | | | space for storing and transporting a traditional rigid |
| her hands. As you might imagine, they were of | | | | hulled vessel. The vast diversity of types is |
| little use other than in helping people cross rivers, | | | | supported by the almost limitless design capacity |
| though they certainly played an important role in | | | | of inflatable vessels. |
| some forms of trade and even warfare. The fate | | | | Concerns with Fabric |
| of the inflatable boat seemed sealed, until rubber | | | | The fabric used to manufacture inflatable boats is |
| came onto the scene in the mid 1800s. | | | | of the utmost concern to anyone interested in |
| In 1839, the first inflatable pontoon was designed | | | | purchasing these vessels. For instance, while |
| and manufactured by the Duke of Wellington, | | | | rubber played an integral role in earlier designs, this |
| utilizing the vulcanization process discovered by | | | | is not the case today. |
| Goodyear in 1838. In 1844, inflatable boats were | | | | In the modern industry, you will find materials |
| developed to aid arctic explorers in their quest. | | | | such as heavy-duty PVC, as well as Hypalon and |
| However, it was not until the early 1900s that | | | | neoprene fabrics. These provide numerous |
| inflatable boats began to come into their own. It | | | | benefits over older construction methods. For |
| was actually the advent of WWI and | | | | instance, Hypalon offers considerable resilience, as |
| catastrophes like the sinking of the Titanic that led | | | | well as resistance to UV light, scratches, cuts and |
| to the development of recognizably modern | | | | more, while polyurethane provides a very rigid |
| inflatables. | | | | inflatable surface, though you'll find this fabric used |
| As mentioned in numerous investigations, the | | | | mostly in Navy applications and other areas where |
| tragedy of the Titanic could have been prevented | | | | rigidity is required. |
| with the use of advanced inflatable boats or life | | | | Your choice in fabric should be directly related to |
| rafts. Even if the ship had carried a full | | | | the type of use you will put the boat to. For |
| complement of wooden lifeboats, only half of the | | | | instance, if you need an inflatable raft for |
| passengers would have been saved. Inflatable | | | | whitewater excursions, then a higher quality |
| craft could have made an incredible difference in | | | | material is required. If you will simply be paddling |
| the outcome of this tragedy, as well as in | | | | around a lake or in a calm ocean bay, then a |
| numerous other maritime disasters. | | | | lighter material might be all that is required. |
| Inflatable Boat Uses | | | | However, it is essential that you choose a |
| Once, inflatables were used primarily as lifesaving | | | | material that will stand up to UV rays, will be |
| devices. Typically, they would be found on larger | | | | resistant to scratches and gouges, and will ensure |
| craft, as inflatable rafts or similar designs. | | | | that your choice in inflatable boats holds up for |
| However, the story has changed today. For | | | | years of use. |
| instance, currently, these boats are used as | | | | No matter what else, you should ensure that you |
| tenders during deep ocean dives. They are also | | | | choose inflatable boats that match your usage |
| used as fishing boats, as recreational vehicles and | | | | needs, as well as your budget. When you find the |
| more. You will find that inflatable boats are | | | | right mixture of reliability, durability, quality fabric |
| capable of doing almost anything a traditional boat | | | | construction and other considerations, you will |
| is, with the added benefit of easier transport and | | | | discover that these boats have an enormous |
| lower weight. | | | | amount to offer. Inflatable boats can be the right |
| Current uses include oceanographic exploration, as | | | | choice for almost anyone. |
| well as military uses in both the Navy and the | | | | |