Inflatable boat types

Historical records indicate that the first inflatableDepending on the size of the craft, an inflatable
boats were animal skins filled with air. Over thesport boat can be used with a motor that
years, many cultures have created variousgenerates up to 40 units of horsepower They
versions of inflatable watercraft, and in 1839, thecan be deflated and packed away for easy
Duke of Wellington tested the first inflatabletransport or used with a trailer to avoid having to
pontoons. In the decades that followed, manyinflate at each use. Inflatable sport boats typically
new designs were introduced and some of themcost much less than their traditional counterparts
were utilized by European military forces.and, because they are lighter, use much less gas.
The inflatable boats were used to transportHigh Performance Several companies also make
torpedoes and other cargo. They also allowedhigh performance inflatable boats that are used
troops to make discreet landings in shallow water,for racing, rescue, and other activities where
and their compact size and storability made themspeed is essential.
easy to bring with, even on overland marchesThese high performance boats generally have
where it would not have been possible to bring aadditional inflation tubes that lift the boat up off
traditional boat.the water and create additional hydroplaning
One of the models, the Zodiac, grew to be veryeffects. They typically use larger motors,
popular with the military and contributedsometimes up to 400 horsepower. Because of
significantly to the rise of the civilian inflatable boattheir speed they are more difficult to navigate
industry, both in Europe and in the United States.and require an experienced captain.
After World War II, surplus inflatable boats wereInflatable Canoes, Kayaks, and Other Personal
sold to the public and the general population had aWatercraft On the flip side are the inflatable
chance to experience how easy and enjoyablecanoes and kayaks that rely on human power
these boats can be.and are used by one or two people at a time.
Since then, inflatable kayaks, sailing inflatables,These watercraft often look similar to their
inflatable canoes, sport boats, and belly boatstraditional counterparts, but have inflatable bodies,
have been added to the mix. Some inflatablemaking them much lighter and easier to transport.
boats run 45 feet in length or more and mayThey are often less expensive as well.
include inboard steering, luxury features, and evenIn more recent years, inflatable sailboats and
full cabins. Inflatable boats have evolved so muchinflatable catamarans also have been introduced.
that today, the only thing inflatable on some boatsThey usually range from 12 to 14 feet in length
is the collar around the perimeter gunwales of theand, like inflatable canoes and kayaks, only
deck.accommodate one or two people.
Hull Designs & Types of Inflatable Boats InflatableBelly boats are yet another category of inflatable
boats come in rigid hull design and soft-bottompersonal watercraft. These floats are sometimes
style. Soft-bottom boats have floors made ofcalled pontoon boats, but are not to be confused
fabric and slats (usually wood) running across thewith the large, flat-bottomed craft often seen
beam. This design is generally found in smallercarrying large numbers of people on area lakes.
inflatables ranging from about 6 to 8 feet in lengthBelly boats were specifically designed to be used
only.for fishing and often look like floating donuts with
Rigid hulls, or RIBs, were introduced in 1967 bya seat.
Tony Lee-Elliott and advanced by Admiral HoareSome may have two small pontoons with a
and the Atlantic College in Wales. As opposed toseating area suspended between. Most are less
soft-bottom boats, which have a fabric hull withthan eight feet long and have room for just one
inflatable or wood keels, RIBs have hard fiberglassperson.
or aluminum hulls and large, inflatable tubes. ThisYacht Tenders Falling in between inflatable kayaks
allows for a combination of the best featuresand other personal watercraft and the larger
from both types of boats.sport and performance boats are the Yacht
Some RIBs incorporate the V-shaped bow similarTenders. These are typically inflatable boats that
to that of a traditional boat.range in length from 6 feet to 20 feet and, as
This design consists of a separate inflation tubethe name implies, they are often used as lifeboats
running the length of the boat beneath theand runabouts on larger vessels. Yacht tenders
floorboards. Once inflated, it pushes the floorcan also be used for fishing, general boating, river
materials down to form the V-shape that helps inrafting, and other activities where a motor is not
steering. The flotation collars on many RIBs areessential. Many tenders can be paired with a small
removable, making them easier to store and toelectric motor if needed.
clean.These categories of inflatable boats provide a
RIBs typically range from 10 to 30 feet in lengthgeneral overview of the choices available. There
and are propelled by either by an outboard motorare many variations and unique designs within
or an inboard motor turning a water jet orthese categories.
z-drive. They were first used as lifeboats in 1970,In addition, some larger models of inflatable boats
and later as dinghies or tenders on larger pleasurehave inboard steering stations, cabin areas, and
yachts. Many of today’s sport boatsother features similar to traditional yachts.
used for fishing and water skiing are made withAs the inflatable boat industry continues to
RIB designs.advance and grow in popularity, we are likely to
Inflatable Sport Boats Inflatable sport boatssee many new and innovative designs in the
generally describe recreational boats that are usedfuture, providing even more opportunities to find
for fishing, water skiing, and other activities wherethe inflatable boat that fits perfectly with your
a motor is required.budget and boating needs.