best products Archives | PumpupBoats.com

Hydrofoil on a motorized SIB: yes or no?

Many inflatable boat owners like to upgrade their SIBs either aesthetically or mechanically. As a first upgrade, I always recommend the installation of a hydrofoil on your outboard motor. It has numerous advantages, makes your motorized boat faster & safer, and best of all, it is cheap.

What is a hydrofoil?

A hydrofoil is a lifting surface in the form of a foil, which is operated in water. It bears similar appearance and purpose as airfoils, which are actually the wings of an airplane.

Boats and watercraft that have hydrofoils installed are termed as hydrofoils.

The term Hydrofoil actually refers to the wing-like structure fastened on struts below the hull of the boat. This feature elevates the hull of the boat a little out of the water during forward motion to reduce the drag on it.

In theory, hydrofoil technology increases fuel efficiency and speed in boats during operation, by stablizing them and getting them on plane quickly. Read more

February 26, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

best products

Top life vests for your SIB adventures

A life vest, also known as life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD), is considered fundamental safety gear for fishing, boating, and other various water sports.

It is designed to keep one’s head above the water to prevent drowning. It is a must-have onboard your boat, but remember that it’s not enough to just stow it nearby during a trip or an operation!

Most drowning accidents occur even when life vests are available nearby, but victims chose not to wear them because they know how to swim.

Here are some frightening statistics on why you should always use life-vests:

The majority of people who drown are able swimmers.
Most drownings happen in inland waters, only 10% happen out at sea.
Out of all the drowning fatalities that happen, 85% of the victims do not wear a PFD.
A child can drown in 20 seconds.

7 great electric and manual pumps for your inflatable boat, SUP, and kayak

Most inflatable boats, SUPs, and kayaks include a pump in their packaging upon purchase.

But, let’s face it. Yes, they can get the job done, but most of these pumps are not as powerful or effective in inflating your inflatables.

So if you’re thinking of upgrading your pump to one with higher performance, look no further. I have researched 7 of the best electric and manual pumps available in today’s market, along with some great tips about inflating your boats, dinghies, SUPs, and kayaks.

Types of Pumps

As you may already know, there are two types of pumps you can use for pumping air into your inflatables.

Electric Pumps
Manual Pumps

Both of these pumps have their own advantages and disadvantages. But to give you an idea about their features and uses, let us discuss each type further. Read more

February 12, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

best products

10 fun inflatable boats for your pool

Have you been wanting to have fun with the whole family without having to go too far? That’s basically why we have swimming pools in our backyards. Whether you want to throw a party or you just want spend some quality time with your loved ones, swimming pools are ‘the place to be’ 🙂

Most birthday parties, reunions and simple get-togethers with friends and family are often held in a swimming pool. It is one of the best places to relax, socialize, and cool you down during the hot summer season.

To make your pool time even more fun, it’s a good idea to get some inflatable pool toys, rafts, floaties.

There is a wide variety of inflatable boats and floats to choose from. In this article, I will be looking at fun inflatable boats you could use in a swimming pool.

Take your swimming pool experience to the next level with these fun, colorful and rideable inflatable boats. Read more

February 12, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

best products

15 top inflatable boats for every need

In today’s inflatable boat market, there are numerous models and types of SIBs. New ones are introduced regularly as well. They may have the same construction material or composition, but manufacturers continue to claim features and upgrades that make their boats appealing.

In this sea of marketing ploys, it is hard to make a choice.

This is the reason why I have prepared an article on the best inflatable boats for every need. Pouring all my knowledge and experience into this article, you get a chance to read reviews of the best and most popular inflatable boats and, of course, things you have to consider before buying one, as there is no 1 size fits all. Read more

February 11, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

best products

Best transparent bottom inflatable boats

Transparent bottom inflatable boats were first used near the coast of Santa Catalina Island in South California; but, they only started becoming popular after several natural springs became tourist attractions in Florida.

This kind of boat is characterized by a clear section of glass (or other transparent material) below the waterline, allowing passengers in the boat to view the underwater environment from inside the boat.

These boats are only often used for tours because glass flooring is not really suitable for other activities. They are best used in calm waters like lakes and springs, but they are also often used in seaside touring.

Nowadays, only a few manufacturers are offering transparent bottom inflatable boats. They can rarely be found in the market.

But if you’re interested, here are some of the best transparent bottom inflatable boats available on the market right now. Read more

February 11, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

best products

Best inflatable boat motors: electric and gasoline

Choosing an engine to power your inflatable boat can be very difficult. A lot of motors have features that are appealing, but there is no way of knowing which claims are true unless purchased and tested. In these cases, regret and buyers remorse will emerge.

We’ve put together a list of both electronic and gasoline-powered inflatable boat motors to help you in deciding which one is the perfect engine for your SIB.

Electronic Trolling Motors for Inflatable Boats

Newport Vessels manufactures a series of great-value electric motors. They are a reliable company, not a cheap far-east alternative. This means that their motors are covered by a guarantee and are serviceable in case something goes wrong.

These electric motors are plastic encased, which makes them light, thus easy to move around. Read more

January 30, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

best products

Inflatable boat sealant usage guide

Punctures and leaks on inflatable boats are rare, but risky and unpredictable. It is wise to inspect your boat on a regular basis, otherwise you may find yourself on a sinking ship.

To check if your dinghy has a leak, you can simply leave it inflated for a period of time. A dinghy in good condition will remain tightly inflated. But if it is losing air pressure and has become soft over time, it might either be caused by cold temperature or by a puncture or tear that is slowly leaking air.

If you suspect that your dinghy has a leak, below is a complete guide on how to find leaks and how to correctly use boat sealants in repairing your SIB.

Inflatable boat with motor

Many people don’t realize that many soft inflatable boats (SIBs) can be equipped with an outboard motor. But why would anybody want a motorized propulsion system, when you have oars?

There are loads of practical and recreational reasons:

Gliding on the water in a boat with a motor feels great!
Getting from A to B is quicker than using oars.
Traveling longer distances.
Dinghies used as tenders for larger boats may need to be seaworthy.
Fishing boats need a motor, since they are packed and heavy.
And most importantly, sometimes you would rather relax than row.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of soft inflatable boats that can be equipped with an outboard motor, what you need to know about motors and my recommendations on boat-motor pairings. Read more

September 26, 2018/0 Comments/by pumpup