guide Archives | PumpupBoats.com

A guide on inflatable sports boat registration in all US states

It is necessary for boat owners to register their boats to legally operate them within a state. However, every state has different conditions and requirements for boat registration. Specifications on the type of watercraft that needs to be registered vary from state to state as well.

Do I need to register my inflatable boat?

Technically, yes.

However, some states do not require inflatable boats to be registered or to bear registration numbers. Policies and rules vary in each state, so it’s best to check the laws concerning boat registration in the state that you live in to know if you need to register your inflatable watercraft.

You will find links to all state laws below. Read more

February 14, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

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DIY swim ladder for an inflatable boat

Let’s face it. Getting into an inflatable boat in deep water is hard.

If you’ve had trouble getting back to your boat after you went for a swim or after accidentally falling into the water, you should consider making/getting a boarding ladder, aka swim ladder

If you have a boarding ladder, you can hop into the water with confidence that you’ll be able to return to your boat safely. Read more

February 14, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

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Why you need to launch wheels for your inflatable dinghy

Most boat owners would agree that launching boats into the water down the beach or down the boat ramp is not an easy task. Just imagine how grueling it is to haul the entire boat along with your extra gear (motor, cooler batteries, etc.) on your own.

There is a great solution though: installing launch wheels on your SIB!

Installing launch wheels on your inflatable boat is really just an application that makes use of a simple mechanism which utilizes mechanical advantage to multiply force. (Yes, that’s basically straight from your Physics textbook back in high school.)

Simply put, these launch wheels can make everything simpler and much easier. Read more

February 12, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

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10 tips for buying a used inflatable boat

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 how to buy a used inflatable boat. Read more

February 11, 2019/0 Comments/by pumpup

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Best way to store an inflatable boat during winter

During off-season or winter season, we usually bid farewell to our inflatable boats temporarily. But, storing an inflatable boat for a long period of time can be risky if not done correctly.

Here is a checklist of what you have to remember about storing your beloved dinghy.

Guide to inflatable boat fabrics: hypalon vs pvc

One of the first things you must consider when deciding which inflatable boat to buy is the type of material it is made from.

Choosing the right kind of material is crucial as it will certainly impact your inflatable boat experience.

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.

Average lifespan of inflatable boats

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:

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

If I have to give a number, I would say

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

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

Here is the data you are primarily looking for. Mind you, these are averages. Be sure to read the rest of the article as well.

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

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

November 14, 2018/0 Comments/by pumpup

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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. Read more

November 12, 2018/0 Comments/by pumpup

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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. Read more

September 14, 2018/0 Comments/by pumpup