| Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable | | | | Tell someone on shore the names of all people on |
| catamarans, and inflatable sport boats have | | | | your inflatable boat, where you plan to go, and |
| several advantages over their traditional | | | | when you expect to be back.o If you have a |
| watercraft counterparts. They typically cost less, | | | | cellular phone, bring it with you in case of |
| are easy to transport, and can operate in more | | | | emergency.o Be sure to bring enough life vests or |
| shallow waters than a deep hull boat. But many | | | | other allowable floatation devices for yourself and |
| people don't realize that inflatable boats are just | | | | all passengers and make sure everyone puts |
| as safe, or even more secure, than traditional | | | | them on before leaving if required by law to do |
| boats. Because of their safety reputation, | | | | so.o Also pack paddles, maps, flares, and other |
| inflatable boats are now essentially the standard | | | | essential navigational and safety equipment.o |
| for use by the military, coast guard and other | | | | When loading your boat, distribute weight evenly |
| rescue agencies worldwide. | | | | from side to side and front to back. Tie down |
| Buoyancy | | | | loose cargo so it doesn't shift.o Check weather |
| Buoyancy is one of the main concerns with any | | | | conditions for the area and consider bringing a |
| watercraft. How high a boat sits in the water and | | | | waterproof weather radio or hand held VHF |
| how well it stays afloat are important contributors | | | | Marine radio.o Learn about navigational concerns |
| to overall safety. Buoyancy also helps determine | | | | related to the specific body of water on which |
| the amount and weight of cargo that a boat can | | | | you plan to use your inflatable boat and don't |
| transport. | | | | exceed the capabilities of you or your boat. |
| Inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks tend to be | | | | On The Watero Require all passengers to remain |
| more buoyant than traditional watercraft, mainly | | | | seated while the boat is in motion, and never |
| because of the inflatable collar or tubes. The | | | | allow anyone to ride on the bow of the boat. If |
| inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out | | | | anyone must stand up, be sure they maintain |
| over the entire area of the boat, making it more | | | | three points of contact.o If using a motor, keep |
| resistant to sinking. In addition, the collars or tubes | | | | your hands away from the propeller and be sure |
| on an inflatable boat are usually designed with | | | | passengers remember to stay clear of the prop |
| separate chambers so that if one chamber | | | | when they are in the water.o Always use the |
| becomes deflated, the overall buoyancy will not | | | | stop switch lanyard that attaches to the driver |
| be noticeably affected. | | | | that will kill the engine should you fall overboard. |
| Stability | | | | Test it before leaving port to be sure it is |
| Not only does the design of inflatable boats | | | | operating correctly.o Be aware that heavy rains |
| contribute to increased buoyancy, it also helps | | | | and other water changes can create problems |
| make the watercraft more stable. Unlike | | | | with debris floating in the water or hidden under |
| traditional V-hulled boats, an inflatable boat sits flat | | | | the surface.o Do not operate the inflatable boat |
| in the water and has a low center of gravity, | | | | under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.o |
| making them virtually impossible to tip. They are | | | | Remember that the captain of the boat sets the |
| better able to handle rough water, and people | | | | standard for safety, and you are responsible for |
| standing up in the boat are not going to cause the | | | | the operation of the boat as well as your |
| craft to capsize. And swimmers and divers can | | | | passengers' behavior. |
| use the sides to pull themselves up without | | | | Special Safety Considerations For Inflatable Boats |
| causing the boat to rock or flip. | | | | When using an inflatable boat, it is also a good idea |
| Power & Maneuverability | | | | to take along a foot pump and a repair kit. Even |
| With the right size motor, inflatable boats can be | | | | though boats with independent inflatable chambers |
| quicker and more powerful than traditional boats | | | | can still operate when one chamber deflates, |
| because they are much lighter. For this same | | | | there may be instances when you may need to |
| reason, they are much more responsive and easy | | | | patch a puncture or re-inflate the boat at some |
| to maneuver. In fact, because inflatable boats are | | | | point. It is important to have the necessary tools |
| so light and quick, it is important that you do not | | | | as well as an understanding of how to make |
| use too large of a motor. For general boating and | | | | repairs. |
| fishing on inflatable boats, an 8 horsepower motor | | | | In addition, organizations such as the U.S. Coast |
| is adequate for watercraft up to 14 feet. Larger | | | | Guard, the National Safe Boating Council and the |
| boats and inflatable sports boats for activities | | | | American Boat & Yacht Council provide |
| such as water skiing will require a motor with | | | | information on boating safety. The Coast Guard, |
| around 30 horsepower. | | | | many state agencies, and private groups offer |
| Other Safety Factors | | | | water safety classes and Web sites such as |
| As with traditional boats, there are a number of | | | | BoatEd and BoatSafe offer online testing and |
| other precautions that help increase the overall | | | | certification approved by many states. |
| safety of inflatable boats. The following list | | | | Although it is unlikely that your inflatable boat will |
| provides comprehensive guidelines, both for | | | | capsize if you follow these safety precautions, it |
| preparing to use an inflatable boat and for | | | | is also a good idea to know how to swim. Those |
| operation while out on the water. | | | | who enjoy boating on a regular basis may also |
| Before Leaving Porto Familiarize yourself with all | | | | want to consider a CPR course. |
| aspects involved with the operation of your | | | | In addition to being easy to use and often less |
| inflatable boat and make several practice runs | | | | expensive than traditional boats, inflatable boats, |
| before heading out on the water with | | | | inflatable kayaks, and other inflatable watercraft |
| passengers.o Familiarize yourself with the water | | | | are more safe and secure in key areas such as |
| safety regulations for your area.o Explain basic | | | | buoyancy and stability. Following the tips listed in |
| boat operations to all passengers and make sure | | | | this article will add to the overall safety of your |
| that there is someone else in the boat that can | | | | boating experience and enhance your enjoyment |
| operate it in case you become unable to do so.o | | | | of your inflatable boat as well. |