Background (Please skip if you have read 'What is a SIB?')
In the simplest of terms an inflatable boat is, just as it says. a boat that can be inflated. The type of inflatable boats you are about to learn about here today are not the cheap off the shelf toy shop varitity but a craft that is capable of much more, and if looked after correctly can last many years and take you to many places.
Wikipedia refers to them as follows:
An inflatable boat is a lightweight boat constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes containing pressurised gas. For smaller boats, the floor and hull is often flexible, while for boats longer than 3 metres (9.8 ft), the floor typically consists of three to five rigid plywood or aluminium sheets fixed between the tubes, but not joined rigidly together. Often the transom is rigid, providing a location and structure for mounting an outboard motor.
Some inflatable boats can be disassembled and packed into a small volume, so that they can be easily stored and transported. The boat, when inflated, is kept rigid cross-ways by a foldable removable thwart. This feature makes these boats suitable for liferafts for larger boats or aircraft, and for travel or recreational purposes.
While Wikipedia is useful source of information it is far easier to look at inflatable boats in two formats. SIB's (soft hulled Inflatable Boats) capable of being folded down into a smaller transportable size and RIB's (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats) have a single sold hull and inflatable tubes and are transported on boat trailers.
Here at the Inflatable Boat Owners Network our primary area is SIB's. While some of its members do infact own RIB and other watercraft, SIB's are our main area.
Why SIB's?
A inflatable boat (SIB) offers it user the opportunity to get out on the water with out the added customer of storage, in fact the average inflatable boat (SIB) takes up the same space as a few push bicycles, a wardrobe or a chest freezer. This means it can be stored in a shed, garage or outbuilding with little annual cost.
There lightweight construction makes them both easy to move and cheaper to construct which keeps the cost of manufacturing and supply to a minimum. This lightweight construction also means they require less power to get them moving so engines can be small than that of a rigid craft.
The portability and affordability of an inflatable boat (SIB) make it one of the most popular watercraft for people new to watersports, as well that those wanting to step up from other watercraft like paddleboards and kayaks. In fact some people who find they dont use larger craft like a yachts, fishing boats or powerboats sometimes opt to downsize to an inflatable boat to enable them to still get access to the water.
With all the positives or owning an inflatable boat, it has to be said that while they are a a very versatile product they are also filled with air. Punctures do accrue however rare so some care should be taken that would not be necessary with a rigid watercraft.
While an inflatable boat is a great product to own, it is not for everyone. It requires more time to set up than other watercraft and also more time to pack away, and like all other watercrafts. It has its limitations. YouTube is your friend, if you want an idea of what it is like to own an inflatable boat take a look at one of the many YouTube videos including video of how to setup the many different makes and model of inflatable boat. also check out the other areas of our website for inspiration and advice,
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Different inflatable boat types are listed below.
Rigid Deck
Rigid deck inflatable boats are constructed of aluminium, Wood or GRP with an inflatable keel. They consist of sections that join together at form a solid deck that are then secured in place by stringers (bar of aluminium) that are placed along the tube edge. Solid floor inflatable boats take the longest to setup and are normal heavier compared to there air deck counterparts. However they are normally supplied in two bags, one containing the boat and another containing the deck making transport easier.
Example boat: 4 metre boat weight 75-85kg
High Pressure Air Deck
High pressure air decks consist of a single deck shaped slab similar to that of an already assembled rigid deck, The air deck is placed inside the boat, once inflated to pressure if forms a flat surface within the boat with the inflatable keel underneath. some models are supplied with a single piece keel board to help rigidity. as the deck is separate it can be removed for maintenance and cleaning.
Example boat: 3.8 metre weight 55-60kg
High Pressure V Air Floor
High pressure V floor boats (VIB's) have a fulling integrated floor that is also the hull of the boat, once inflated to pressure it forms both the internal floor of the boat and the keel. Due to the design the high pressure floor/keel is more vulnerable as it is also the base of the boat, As the floor follows the shape of the hull it does not form a flat deck. That said they are also the lightest air type product on the market.
Example boat: 3.8 metres 45-50kg
Intergrated Air Deck/Hull
Full integrated air deck and hull inflatables are mainly reserved for application where rapid deployment is needed eg Fire and Rescue services. the flat deck and keel are a single integrated compartment and can be read to use in minutes.
Example boat: 3.8 metres 60kg
Slat Floored
These flat bottomed craft are considered the most lightweight and portable on the market. Normally reserve for use as tenders because they do not cut through the water like other inflatables.
Example boat: 3.3 metres 35kg
Transporting and launching is cover on the other 'How to..' page however weight is always a key factor when purchasing an inflatable boat. When comparing two similar craft of the same design, and dimensions, but with very different weight caution should be taken. The lighter craft would naturally mean less material within its construction.
Layout
The simplicity of an inflatable boat means that they all have the same basic shape, some makes and models are keyed toward specific sport others carry a more traditional layout that has been proven to be functional and durable. If you are consider customising your new inflatable boat with some of the many mounted accessories it is advisable to consider where you will place these accessories before purchase as this can effect your choice of layout. Some boaters choose to layout for mounting accessories only to decide not to purchase or fit them. It is advisable to consider this before you purchase.
Boat Size
Before purchasing an inflatable boat you should think carefully about how many people and also how many items you want to carry, Inflatable boat by design are not the most spacious of watercraft and can be limiting when it comes to available space. All inflatable boats have a maximum payload. If you intend to store your inflatable boat deflated within its transport bag most manfatures will have these dimensions on literature, brochure and or websites.
Outboard Capacity
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When consider the purchase of an inflatable the maximum outboard HP and weight is another factor. This is covered in more detail on the other 'How to...' Page.
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PVC or Hypalon
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These are the two main materials made when constructing the flexible part of an inflatable boat (sponsons). In general PVC fabric won’t last as long as Hypalon fabric if the boat is subjected to prolonged periods of direct sunlight and no measures have been taken to protect the PVC fabric from the sun (i.e. boat cover). If you only use the boat occasionally such as on weekends or while on holiday then it isn’t much of a factor. Even if you leave your boat outside, using a boat cover when it is not in use can solve the issue.
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[A quote from Zodiac the biggest name in inflatable watercraft}
Inflatable boats are constructed from either PVC or Hypalon, and the trade-off here is between price and durability. PVC is extremely popular because it’s lightweight and affordable. It’s easily folded, and recent developments in polymers mean that modern PVC can also be remarkably strong. Some come with threads woven into the material, and these threads are measured in denier. A higher rating denotes a stronger thread, but you should also pay attention to the nature of the weave, as a more tightly-woven thread (for instance, 6×6 per cm rather than 3×3) is likely to prove more resilient. On the downside, PVC remains susceptible to extended exposure to sunlight, heat, and humidity.
Hypalon, on the other hand, is a weighty, expensive, and extremely robust fabric. That’s why it’s commonly used in the construction of heavy-duty RIBs. Plainly then, your buying decision should be based partly on budget but also on your intended usage. If you want to keep your tender ready-built and routinely exposed for frequent use, then Hypalon is the answer. However, if you want a more compact and portable boat for less regular use and for stowing away between outings, a modern, lightweight PVC craft is likely to prove the better compromise.
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This makes PVC the most popular for recreation SIB world wide. PVC as a material is constructed using different techniques and design which means differences in durability and ultimately cost. from Chinese PVC to more sophisticated material like DTEX, VALMEX and HYTEX