Whether you are looking for a fun way to spend the day with family and friends or want a more adventurous fishing trip, rigid hull inflatable boats can be a great option. However, you need to know what to look for when purchasing one. You may spend more than you need on a boat that won’t perform well or doesn’t fit your needs. It’s also important to know what inflatables are available, which can help you get the best deal on a quality boat.
They have horsepower:
A semi-rigid inflatable boat is more expensive but usually has more horsepower. These inflatables typically feature a center console with a steering wheel, dashboard gauges, and throttle levers. This makes navigating the boat easier and safer. The stern of these boats can also be mounted with an outboard engine. A center console can also make a RIB more functional, providing better weight distribution.
Inflatable keel:
An inflatable keel is another feature of an inflatable boat. The air in the keel compresses and creates a small V-shaped bottom along the hull line, which improves seakeeping. This helps to reduce the slamming effect of the boat. This feature is only present in some inflatables but is available in some brands.
They have inflatable tubes along the gunwale:
A rigid-hull inflatable boat has inflatable tubes along the gunwale. These tubes are very useful in improving stability and enhancing performance. These hulls are very stable and can be powered by an outboard engine. These types of inflatables are often called pontoon boats. In addition to being very stable, they are very light.
They can be folded and rolled for easy storage:
An inflatable boat can be folded and rolled for easy storage. Many are also designed to be stored on a trailer. Inflatable boats can be made of multilayer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other synthetic polymer fabrics. These materials are highly resistant to gasoline, motor oils, and ultraviolet radiation. A PVC hull is a superior material to rubber. The material is also cheaper and easier to repair.
They have a folding deck:
Some inflatable boats have a folding deck. The deck can be either aluminum flooring with stringers or a slatted laminated deck of moisture-resistant film-faced plywood. The floor can be removed to access the boat easily or store the boat on land.
