The Advantages and Disadvantages of Inflatable Boats

An inflatable boat is a wonderful and relatively inexpensive way to get into the world of boating. There is a wide variety of boats available, from "one-season" to professional inflatables that are motorized and can be used for years without any problems.

Inflatable boats fall into two broad categories: motorized boats and boats that rely solely on the power of the person operating the paddles. Depending on the purpose for which the inflatable boats are built, they can have an inflatable bottom with wooden or aluminum sills or be made of fiberglass.

A quality inflatable boat has very good resistance and can be used for years in the harshest conditions. As proof of this, consider the adventure of Alain Bombard, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean aboard an inflatable boat in 1952 at the age of 27. Reading enthusiasts should look for and read the book Naufrage Volontaire (Volunteer Shipwreck), published in 1958.

Advantages of inflatable boats:

— easy to store even in the home

— easy to transport

— excellent for beginners

— easy to handle

— relatively inexpensive

— easy and cheap to maintain and repair

— ideal for fishing

Disadvantages of inflatable boats:

— poor ratio of maximum allowable weight/dimensions

— does not tolerate physical abuse very well

— easily damaged by carelessness

— somewhat uncomfortable

— difficult to accessorize

— impractical for water sports

Inflatable boats can be motorized according to the manufacturer's specifications, but we give the following advice on the length of the boat and the maximum recommended engine power:

Boat length / Engine power

1.60 m (approx. 1.7 yd) / 2.6 HP

2 m (approx. 2.2 yd) / 3.5 HP

2.30 m (approx. 2.5 yd) / 5 HP

2.70 m (approx. 2.9 yd) - 2.90 m (approx. 3.2 yd) / 10 HP

3.20 m (approx. 3.5 yd) / 15 HP

3.4 m (approx. 3.7 yd) / 20 HP

Please note that this advice is purely informative. It is very important to follow the boat manufacturer's instructions when choosing an engine.