Inflatable boat repair stations-what to look for

As you may already know, specialization in themaintain a warranty. Any way you look at it,
design of today's inflatable boats and inflatablecloser is better.
kayaks is now in the forefront of the minds ofPricing Years ago, inflatable boats and inflatable
the manufacturers and designers. Each distinctkayaks were the most expensive boats on the
group is specifically designed for a different set ofmarket and only a few people could afford them.
applications and is built and equipped with differentThis was due to the use of exotic materials and
components and equipment. Most inflatable boatsthe hours of meticulous hand labor which went
and inflatable kayaks today fall within one theseinto their construction. Now, the boats still use the
specific categories.best materials, but in the late seventies, the
If all you need is a small inflatable boat or inflatablecompanies started investing millions of dollars in
kayak to get you from ship to shore, then acomputer-driven assembly equipment. This
typical inflatable tender is the best answer. Ifenabled prices to be dramatically reduced as
you're after a medium sized boat for diving oreconomies of scale rose, enabling more and more
watersports there are many choices as well. If aconsumers to enjoy affordable inflatable boating.
large rigid-hulled inflatable (Rigid Inflatable Boat orZodiac and its sister company, Sevylor, are now
RIB) for recreation, rescue or work is what youthe leading low-cost producer thanks to these
need, there are again many exotic designstechnological investments. So be wary of inflatable
available with a wide variety of standard andprices substantially below the Zodiac/Sevylor line.
optional components. The choice of inflatableThey may be either produced in developing
boats is quite wide through the entire spectrum,countries by unskilled labor, or marketed by
ranging from very compact models with simplecompanies who are unaware of the importance
slatted or inflatable floors, to larger tenders withof profit margins. They will be glad to see your
inflatable or wooden keels and solid wooden ordollar today but may be unwilling or unable to fix a
aluminum floors, up to the fiberglass or aluminumproblem later, or supply that much needed spare
rigid-hulled inflatables. To avoid confusion, beforepart.
buying, or even shopping for an inflatable, discussWarranties You may be enamored with inflatable
and decide on exactly what the uses orboat competitor's claims, all of whom will promise
requirements will be for your new inflatable boat.they have the best or longest warranty. There
This will minimize the models to choose from,was even a lifetime warranty offered some
which in turn will minimize confusion.years ago by an inflatable boat company that
Dealer Location and Reputation The location ofsoon enough disappeared. A lot of manufacturers
the inflatable boat dealer or inflatable kayak dealeruse attractive warranties as a substitute for
or repair station is important because you don'tquality or proper boat design, or simply to shore
want to have to travel too far for you inflatableup a lack of product features.
boat needs. Whether it's parts, repairs or justYou should also be sure in your own mind that
technical support and friendly customer servicethe company will be around long enough to deliver.
tips, a close dealer can be a close friend. InZodiac has been building inflatables for over 50
particular, as a new boat owner and perhaps newyears and offers a limited 5-year warranty. And
to inflatable boats, you may have questions, needthey have the whereforall to be around for a long
to claim warranty, or need regular servicing totime.