| The three big factors to consider when looking to | | | | it shows up when you use them! It shows up |
| purchase an inflatable boat are: quality, durability | | | | when you try to put them together, all the parts |
| and price. | | | | fit! It shows up in the water, the performance is |
| Quality | | | | better! It shows up over time, they last longer! |
| There are a number of companies that are well | | | | Durability |
| known as makers of high quality inflatable boats. | | | | If you want a more durable boat you will need to |
| Companies known for their high quality boats | | | | buy a boat that is designed for primary use. Yes, |
| usually have the highest prices on boats of | | | | it will cost more but you will be getting a boat |
| comparable size and design. | | | | that will last for 15 to 20 years without any |
| High quality companies still offer boats of different | | | | troubles! Buyers must be careful here, just |
| sizes, and designs with a range of durability to fit | | | | because you buy from a high quality |
| the needs and budgets of different boaters. If | | | | manufacturer does not mean you are buying the |
| you want the best quality manufacturing stick | | | | most durable boat. |
| with one of the known high quality brands. | | | | Quality construction with light weight material will |
| Buying a high quality brand means you are getting | | | | not last very long with heavy use. It is not very |
| the best fabrics and the best quality control | | | | durable, but it may be the perfect boat for some |
| available. Buying a high quality brand means you | | | | uses. The entry level light duty boats offered by |
| are getting the best service and support for our | | | | the high quality brands compare very closely to |
| product. Some of the high quality brands are huge | | | | some of the low cost brands, but the lower price |
| companies - others are small. | | | | of the lesser known brands often tips the balance |
| Many inflatable boats are made in Chinese or | | | | in their favor. |
| Korean factories, with Chinese or Korean designs | | | | Today, even the high quality manufacturers are |
| and Chinese or Korean quality control. Some of | | | | finding ways to make a cheaper boat to compete |
| these factories are quite happy to put any brand | | | | in the "low price" category. As a buyer you should |
| name on the boat. These are called "re-branded" | | | | know that any brand or model that competes on |
| boats. | | | | price alone is sacrificing durability to do it! |
| With the internet at our fingertips it is easy to | | | | Price |
| find different "brands" that are obviously the | | | | Everyone loves to save money. Just because you |
| same boats. Because of the lower level of quality | | | | want to buy a cheap inflatable boat does not |
| control and the inferior designs of many cheap | | | | mean you want a piece of junk. Among the low |
| inflatable boats, the labels "Made In China" and | | | | price inflatable boats you will find many companies |
| "Made in Korea" have become synonymous with | | | | that are willing to compete on price. These are all |
| low quality. | | | | Chinese or Korean made boats, often sold as |
| Interestingly, many products that are made in | | | | "re-branded" boats. |
| China or Korea are very high quality. But these | | | | Some brands do not compete on price alone. |
| products are usually North American, European, | | | | They are lower priced than the high quality |
| Australian or New Zealand designs, with North | | | | brands, but will cost more money than re-branded |
| American, European, Australian or New Zealand | | | | import boats of comparable size and style. None |
| quality control. | | | | of the re-branded import companies build a true |
| The real challenge comes in figuring out which of | | | | heavy duty boat, and very few even build a true |
| the cheap inflatable boats are higher quality Asian | | | | "sport" boat (a more durable recreational boat), so |
| products and which are inferior quality. The most | | | | if you want a durable boat, do not buy one of |
| important points to consider when looking at | | | | these brands. |
| cheap inflatable boats which are "Made In China" | | | | The brands that compete on price focus on light |
| or "Made In Korea" are:who created the | | | | duty boats. Which is not surprising, because the |
| designwho is responsible for the quality | | | | light duty price range is the one that will sell the |
| controlwhat is the reputation of the company | | | | most boats! Do not be fooled by marketing and |
| selling the boathow long has the company been | | | | flashy pictures. Companies create a product with |
| aroundwhat are other customers saying about | | | | a lower price by cutting corners. Cutting corners |
| the product | | | | means a lower quality product with a much |
| The companies to be careful with are those that | | | | shorter life expectancy. All inflatable boats look |
| simply re-brand a boat made in a factory where | | | | good on the showroom floor! Ask lots of |
| they have no input or control over design, quality, | | | | questions, do lots of reading. You will be much |
| or materials. It is very hard to see quality just | | | | happier with your purchase in the end. |
| looking at a boat in a store or on the internet, but | | | | |