Guide Archives | PumpupBoats.com

The 4 floor types found on inflatable boats

The flooring of an inflatable boat is an important factor to consider, since each floor type has it’s uses, pros and cons. The 4 types of flooring you’ll encounter in inflatable boats are:

roll up floors
hard floors
air floors
rigid floors in RIBs

September 3, 2020/5 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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Recommended air pressure for inflatable boats

inflatable-boat-dinghy-kayak-correct-air-pressure

If you want your inflatable boat performing at its best, you need to keep it inflated at the correct air pressure.

But as with many things in life, the answer isn’t simple.

Read this entire article to find out what the correct air pressure is for an inflatable boat, be it a dinghy, kayak, SUP or a pontoon boat.

Recommended air pressure for the different parts of an inflatable boat

The table below contains the average recommended air pressure for inflatable boats and SUPs. Mind you, these are averages. Be sure to read the rest of the article as well.

	Recommended Pressure
Main tubes	2.5 – 3.5 PSI
Keel	4 – 4.5 PSI
High pressure air floor	8.5 – 11.5 PSI
SUPs	10 – 20 PSI

With that said, keep in mind that the recommended PSI for your dinghy, kayak or pontoon boat may vary slightly.

September 3, 2020/2 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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Real life expectancy of inflatable boats

If you’re considering buying an inflatable boat, be it a dinghy, pontoon boat, kayak, or just an inflatable raft, you are probably curious about its lifespan, so in other words, how long you can expect your boat to function safely.

Knowing how long inflatable boats last is especially important if you are considering buying a used inflatable watercraft.

What is the average lifespan of inflatable boats?

On average, the life expectancy of a properly kept inflatable boat is 10-15 years.

With that said, know that it’s hard to give an average lifespan because there are several factors at play that will shorten or lengthen it.

Here are the factors that can lengthen, or reduce the lifespan of an inflatable boat:

age of boat
material used (PVC vs Hypalon)
hand glued vs machine welded seams
amount of UV rays the boat was exposed to
how the boat was stored when not in use

September 2, 2020/13 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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5 ways to transport an inflatable boat

After buying an inflatable boat, you need to get it to the water of course.

How you will transport your inflatable will depend mainly on the type and size of your boat, and your car.

How hard is it to transport your inflatable boat to the water?

People with traditional boats have it tough. They either need to rent a dock, or have a trailer and winch ready to put the boat onto water.

Inflatable boats are much simpler to transport than bulky traditional boats. If you have a car, boating with an inflatable is literally just a drive away.

But what is the best way to transport your inflatable dinghy or pontoon?

Let’s have a look at several methods.

September 2, 2020/3 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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Inflatable boat safety guide

Boating is a great water sport, but staying safe while having fun is imperative. Many people have asked me the question:

Are inflatable boats safe?

If you’re considering buying an inflatable, or you’re going on a boat trip with an inflatable boat, rest assured. As long as the main safety guidelines are followed, inflatable boats are as safe, if not safer than hard boats.

September 2, 2020/0 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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Kayak Weight Limit – When Will You Sink?

One of the factors to consider when buying a kayak is its weight limit.

Every kayak has a maximum weight capacity, which varies by type of kayak and manufacturer.

Making sure your kayak can support your weight and payload will make your time paddling easier, more fun, and safer.

Here is everything you need to know about the weight limit of a kayak.

May 14, 2020/0 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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Guide to Inflatable Kayaks for Winter Kayaking

More and more paddlers are choosing not to put their kayaks into winter storage, rather experience the stunning scenery and tranquility winter has to offer from the water.

Before you head out, run through our guide to inflatable kayaks for winter kayaking to make sure you use a safe and suitable kayak.

Can you use an inflatable kayak for winter kayaking?

Yes you can, keeping in mind that inflatable kayaks are somewhat different from hardshell kayaks. People even use inflatable kayaks for extended self-support kayaking trips in Alaska, as you can see in this Men’s Journal article.

Here is a full-out comparison on the differences between inflatable and hardshell kayaks, but for winter paddling, the most important ones are:

February 25, 2020/0 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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10 Breathtaking Winter Kayaking Locations for Your Bucket List

Best Winter Kayaking Destinations Locations

Kayaking is a great sport, which not only brings you close to the nature, but also helps you keep fit and healthy.

Although most people enjoy this water sport during summer, winter kayaking is emerging as a new favorite among those looking for additional adventure.

After looking at these beautiful winter kayaking locations, you won’t want to put your kayak into storage this coming winter.

February 20, 2020/4 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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17 Winter Kayaking Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

Less daylight and colder temperatures shouldn’t keep you from getting out on the water with your kayak, but after the warm seasons ends, you need to be prepared for maximum safety.

People die every year from capsizing into the cold water. Even the best paddlers can fall victim to the dangers of cold-water immersion if they don’t follow basic winter kayaking safety precautions.

You might be asking, “Is it safe to kayak in the winter?”

It is only safe to kayak during winter, if you are fully prepared for the extremities of submerging in freezing-cold water.

The primary hazard is not the water itself, but the cold. Hypothermia develops quickly in cold water. The resulting loss of dexterity and exhaustion leads to drowning. The shock experienced from entering cold water can do the same.

February 15, 2020/0 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com

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Fish Finders and Inflatable Boats – Everything You Need to Know

Fish finders have helped several of my angler friends excel at their hobby. If you are new to fishing, are facing issues locating fish or you are not able to steer clear of no-fish spots, a fish finder will come in extremely handy.

The device may not necessarily make you an expert angler overnight, but you would certainly be on the path to becoming one.

Fish finders come in different shapes and sizes, and pack various tech. If you are looking to buy one for yourself, you should get to know the tool in detail and how to use it. This article intends to help you do just that.

February 12, 2020/0 Comments/by Tom @ pumpupboats.com