Hi there, my name is Tom Fontana, welcome to my site.
PumpupBoats.com is a site I created to help people navigate the world of inflatable boats. You’ll find loads of useful how-to articles, reviews on various products, and lengthy guides on everything that involves inflatable watercraft.
What are my credentials for creating such a site?
Well, I’m NOT a boat salesman, that’s for sure :-) Ever since I was 3 years old, water has been a part of my life. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and was forced to swim every day while my body was in growth.
During this time, I fell in love with “water”, which has lasted till this day. I have tried and experienced everything that involves the water:
scuba diving
surfing
kite surfing
white water rafting
wake boarding
water skiing
boating
Boating is one of the most enjoyable water activities I have experienced. It gives you the freedom to reach exhilarating speeds, go to places only a few get to visit, snorkel in remote locations, and have fun with my family and friends.
Traditional boating is an expensive hobby that only the privileged get to enjoy.
Modern inflatable boats offer everybody the chance to get out onto the water. They are accessible, inexpensive compared to traditional boats, compact and easy to move from A to B.
Over the years, I have accumulated a lot of experience with inflatable boats. This is the knowledge that I will share with you on PumpedBoats.com.
Please do leave a comment on the articles or get in touch with me if you like, or read my articles below.
Before going on the water, it is important to check and inspect your inflatable boat to guarantee that there are no leakages, punctures, or damage that may result in mishaps during your boating trip. However, accidents do happen: You drop your utility knife while fishing. Your dog’s claws puncture the boat. A shark takes a bit out of your boat. …
Are you searching for a reliable touring kayak? How about an inflatable one? The Advanced Elements Expedition AE1009-XE, which I will highlight in this review is one of the best touring kayaks money can buy, inflatable or hard shell. I will go into the features below and what others say about it. Features of the AE1009-XE I have to admit, …
Brand new inflatable boats can cost hundreds of dollars. Better quality boats cost upwards of $1000. That’s why it is no surprise that more and more people are opting to go for used or second-hand inflatable boats. So if you’re planning on purchasing one but do not have a clue where to start… FEAR NOT! Here are 10 helpful tips on …
If you run a trolling motor on your boat or any other accessories that need to be powered (stereo, fish finder, etc), you will need a marine battery. While searching for batteries, you will come across the term battery group size. But what are battery group sizes exactly? What is the meaning of Battery Group Size? The term “battery group …
If you have a large family or like to entertain friends on the lake, you will need to get an inflatable boat that has the capacity to carry 6 people. Unfortunately your choices are limited, since not many inflatable boats are made for 6 people to fit. Even the ones that are advertised to fit 6 people are usually rather …
So you’ve bought your new inflatable boat, only to realize the valve looks way different than the one on the inflatable raft you had when you were a kid. Reading the instructions, you realize it is a Halkey-Roberts valve. But how do you use it? What on Earth is a Halkey-Roberts valve? The Halkey-Roberts valve (also called HR valve) is …
Circuit breakers play a critical role in all electrical systems. You have them in your home, in your car, and you need circuit breakers for trolling motors as well. If you’re new to electric trolling motors, you may not even know what a circuit breaker is and why you need one. I sure didn’t at first! This guide will teach …
If you love kayaking and you have a dog that you cannot simply leave behind during your kayaking trips, you have no option but to carry your dog along. But is that a safe thing to do or are kayaks built to carry non-humans too. Let’s find out. Can you take a dog inflatable kayaking/boating? Yes, you can take your …
Inflating a stand-up paddle board is not hard, and all you need is a pump and some elbow grease. Or you can make it even easier and use an electric SUP pump. Here are the steps to inflating a SUP and a few tips to make the process go more smoothly. Inflatable SUP valves Before explaining the inflation process, I …
Many Ohio natives will attest that kayaking is one of their favorite outdoor activities. You’ll find calm lakes to float along, as well as raging rapids for an adrenalin rush in Ohio. Here are the best places to go kayaking in Ohio.