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
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
Learning how to inflate your inflatable boat may seem evident at first. Just pump away, right?
There’s a bit more to it than that. It’s not rocket science of course, but through my years boating with all types of inflatables, I’ve learned a lot about how to assemble them correctly. And how NOT to.
In a worst case scenario, not inflating the boat correctly can actually become a safety risk out on the water, as I’ve experienced on an island camping trip.
But more on that later. Read more
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
Everybody who has a love for water absolutely needs some form of transportation on the water.
Whether you want to go fishing, find new beaches, go kayaking or need a tender for a larger boat, you should consider inflatable boats.
If you’ve ever seen an inflatable boat being set up at the beach, being paddled on the water or even driven with a motor, you’ll have seen how great they are both in terms of economy and usage. They are much cheaper than traditional wooden or fiberglass boats, are more portable and easier to maintain.
There are several categories of inflatable boats, with each type having a specific purpose.
Please choose wisely with a clear purpose, otherwise you will find yourself regretting your choice. The type of inflatable you will ultimately pick will depend on how you will use your inflatable watercraft. Read more