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Posts Tagged ‘inflatable boat information’
Inflatable boat design and construction features
posted by The Captain @ 1:28 PM
Friday, May 25, 2012
Load Carrying Capacity
A key feature about all inflatable boats is their incredible stability. Conventional dinghies and small sport boats rock almost uncontrollably whenever anyone moves about. Inflatables, with their buoyancy tubes, sit flat in the water and are almost impossible to flip over. This offers a feeling of security to even the most nervous boaters and allows swimmers or divers to slide back on board without upsetting the boat. More buoyancy of inflatable boats means bigger load-carrying capacity. Inflatable boats are designed with built-in buoyancy. The inflatable collar, or tubeset, is the key that allows inflatable boats to carry very heavy payloads in a safe and stable manner. An added benefit is that they are virtually unsinkable, and can generally operate even with one or more chambers of the collar deflated.
High performance
Most of today’s modern inflatable boats easily match conventional runabouts for speed and handling, while some of the more sophisticated rigid-hulled inflatables are clearly superior to ordinary fiberglass or aluminum boats. For instance, the Virage range of sports boats features Zodiac’s patented Futura speed tubes to produce amazing lift and stability. Because the Futura hull merely kisses the water, it creates less drag and thus requires less power to reach incredible speeds while performing with absolute safety. The big rigid-hulled inflatable superboats are equally impressive. With deep V-keels up forward and flat planing sections aft they can produce an astonishingly comfortable ride in tough offshore conditions, yet maneuver with ease in the tightest dock or harbor.
Non-marking features
Inflatable boats are the ideal yacht tender because of all their basic advantages including: lightness, stability and buoyancy. Unlike regular dinghies, they’re easy to lift on board. With special rubstrake glued or thermobonded to their sides, inflatables won’t damage or mark your yacht’s hull or deck. Purchasing an inflatable tender almost guarantees the elimination of scuff marks and scratches on your yacht forever.
Stowability
Inflatable tenders are much easier to store than conventional dinghies. When deflated and folded into its carry bag a typical 8 foot inflatable measures about 3 feet x 2 feet and weighs about 80 lbs. At this size, you can see that an inflatable tender is easily stowed in a locker on board, below decks or in a closet or shed at home. They’re also very convenient to take on picnics or on vacation, even in a small car.
Collar (buoyancy tube) design
A unique feature incorporated into many rigid-hull inflatables is the removable collar. The collar is securely attached to the fiberglass hull using a tongue-and-grove method and can be easily slid off whenever necessary. This system allows for convenient storage, maintenance and repairs.
Lightweight air-floors
Some of the more advanced inflatables, like Zodiac’s Fastroller, feature a special High-Pressure inflatable air floor. Made of two layers of fabric, connected by thousands of tiny “drop stitches”, this floor can be inflated to a high pressure, creating a floor with rigidity equal to sheet of plywood a fraction of the weight. Best of all, they can be completely deflated and stowed in only minutes without removing any parts. This high pressure air floor is softer on knees and backsides too.
Transoms
Given the size, weight and power of outboard engines today, the transoms of inflatable boats must be strong enough to withstand enormous vibration and stress. Many inflatables use multi-layer wood transoms that are glued or “thermobonded” to the collars. The result is a high degree of structural strength that reliably absorbs stresses exerted by outboards.
View inflatable boat products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
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Inflatable boat frequently asked questions (FAQs)
posted by The Captain @ 12:46 PM
Friday, May 25, 2012
I bought a used inflatable boat and need information on it. How do I get it?
The best way is by visiting s Supplier’s Index, searching for the brand and visiting their website. If they are not listed, try contacting us and maybe we can help answer your question.
What fabrics are inflatable boats made from?
For many years all inflatables were made of Neoprene/Hypalon (or rubber) materials. Today modern materials and construction processes have made it possible to make inflatables out of strong plastic materials called PVC or Strongan (Zodiac’s fabric). So, today most inflatables are made out of PVC or Hypalon. Each fabric is different and requires different fabric and glue for repairs.
Are inflatable boats safe and stable?
Yes! Inflatable boats are said to be the safest and most stable boats in the world now with the patented construction methods, technology used and the innovative designs allowing redundant safety systems to be in place (ie. multiple chambers in the tubeset in case 1 gets punctured, other still stay inflated). Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide.
How big a boat do I need for my family?
There are too many criteria to consider for us to answer this question accurately for each user, but generally criteria include, number of people to go in the boat, their average weight, how much cargo will you have, for use in lakes or oceans, calm water or rough water, size of engine, personal safety peace of mind needed, tow it, put it on the roof or fold it up, and your budget. When you know the answers to these, visit a dealer and they’ll show you boats that meet your needs.
What size tender do I need for my yacht?
There are too many criteria to consider for us to answer this question accurately for each user, but generally criteria include, number of people to go in the boat, their average weight, how much cargo will you have, for use in lakes or oceans, calm water or rough water, size of engine, personal safety peace of mind needed, tow it, put it on top of your boat, put it on davits or fold it up, and your budget. When you know the answers to these, visit a dealer and they’ll show you boats that meet your needs.
How do I find out who manufactured my boat?
Inflatable boats will have a logo, decal or other branding on them most of the time. If not, they should all have an I.D. plate or patch identifying the boat brand, model, serial number, length, width, weight, capacities, manufacturer contact info and more. This plate is often located on the transom (back) of the boat. Contact the manufacturer using a Supplier’s Index to attain information you may be looking for or may require in the future.
How do I find a repair facility for my inflatable boat?
Go to a Supplier’s Index and search for the listing of the manufacturer of your boat. Click there to go to their website and locate the “dealer list” to search for a dealer/repair facility in your area. If brand loyalty is not an issue, or your brand has no dealer in your area, some of the bigger manufacturers have many dealers to choose from as most dealers will repair any brand of inflatable.
I recently bought a used inflatable boat and need parts for it.
Go to Supplier’s Index and search for the listing of the manufacturer of your boat. Click there to go to their website for information and parts. If it isn’t listed, they probably don’t have a website. Our Shopping section offers a wide selection of parts and many dealers of different brands stock universal parts also.
I want to repair my inflatable boat. What do I do?
Repairing a boat yourself is a difficult and often costly task. It is a complex procedure and the glue, solvents, fabrics and tools required are not easy to get and are usually expensive. However, most dealers stock these items and will sell you them, some will even offer directions and advice. Be warned though that “self repairs” may end in a visit to the dealer anyways, so a dealer evaluation before you try is always the best idea to determine the difficulty of the repair.
I want to build my own inflatable boat. Does anyone sell patterns and supplies?
Building an inflatable boat is complex, and expensive and is best left to the professionals. Building your own boat will likely cost more than buying one and could prove to be a safety hazard as well. Insuring it or passing government inspections/regulations my be difficult also. Patterns for the sections of the inflatable collar are hard to get and it is unlikely a manufacturer will supply them or that a dealer would have them. However, if you really want to try, a dealer will likely sell you the fabric, glue, parts, etc.
How do I learn more about inflatable boats?
The best way to learn more about a specific brand is by visiting a Supplier’s Index, searching for the brand and visiting their website. If they are not listed, try using our Information, Advice and Support page to learn more, or by contacting us and maybe we can help answer your question.
How Do I Find A Leak In My Inflatable Boat
Use a soapy water mixture (dish soap) and spray it all over your inflatable while it is inflated. Watch for small bubbles, hissing and other telltale signs. Works every time!
View inflatable boat products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
The practicality of owning an inflatable kayak
posted by The Captain @ 1:16 PM
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Inflatable kayaks are easy to store and almost as light as air. Light, easy to put into the water or be pulled on the beach, an inflatable kayak is operational in a wink and offers a variety of navigational possibilities.
Easy to store
Once deflated and folded the space taken up by an inflatable kayak is so compact that transporting it and storing it becomes extremely easy. Have you ever tried shutting the car trunk on a traditional kayak? Can you store a traditional kayak in a closet or the corner of the garage? Packed away, an inflatable kayak goes wherever you want to go.
Almost as light as air
Take a look at an inflatable kayak. You see the fabric, a wooden transom, the fittings…..but you forget the air contained in the inflatable keel or in the buoyancy tubes which gives the boat its shape. Looked at this way, it is hardly surprising that a fully inflatable can be up to 3 times lighter than a comparable traditional boat.
What size boat? How heavy?
Inflatable kayaks come in a range that offers a variety of models adaptable to the most diverse needs. Before choosing an inflatable it is important that you ask yourself the following questions: What size? What weight?
The size
Size determines space on board and carrying capacity. It also directly influences the level of performance: a larger boat is more stable, more comfortable and easier to get planing.
The weight
Below 30 Kg/66 lbs, your inflatable is a feather weight: a primary feature for a tender. Between 30 Kg/66 lbs and 100 Kg/220 lbs, 2 to 3 people can comfortable carry it by hand. 100 Kg/220 lbs to 150 Kg/330 lbs and a trolley or launching wheels become necessary.
Over 150 Kg/330 lbs, a trailer is required. However lighter than a similar rigid traditional boat, towing and launching present few problems.
View inflatable kayak products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
As you may already know, specialization in the design of today’s new inflatable kayaks is now in the forefront of the minds of the designers. Each distinct group is specifically designed for a different set of applications and is built and equipped with different components and equipment. Most new inflatable kayaks today fall within one these specific categories.
If all you need is a small kayak to get you from ship to shore, then a typical inflatable tender is the best answer. If you’re after a medium sized boat for diving or watersports there are many choices as well. If a large rigid-hulled inflatable (Rigid Inflatable Boat or RIB) for recreation, rescue or work is what you need, there are again many exotic designs available with a wide variety of standard and optional components. The choice is quite wide through the entire spectrum, ranging from very compact models with simple slatted or inflatable floors, to larger tenders with inflatable or wooden keels and solid wooden or aluminum floors, up to the fiberglass or aluminum rigid-hulled inflatables. To avoid confusion, before buying, or even shopping for an inflatable, discuss and decide on exactly what the uses or requirements will be for your new inflatable kayak. This will minimize the models to choose from, which in turn will minimize confusion.
Dealer Location and Reputation
The location of the dealer is important because you don’t want to have to travel too far for you inflatable kayak needs. Whether it’s parts, repairs or just technical support and friendly customer service tips, a close dealer can be a close friend. In particular, as a new boat owner and perhaps new to inflatable kayaks, you may have questions, need to claim warranty, or need regular servicing to maintain a warranty. Any way you look at it, closer is better.
Pricing
Years ago, inflatable kayaks where the most expensive boats on the market and only a few people could afford them. This was due to the use of exotic materials and the hours of meticulous hand labor which went into their construction. Now, the boats still use the best materials, but in the late seventies, the companies started investing millions of dollars in computer-driven assembly equipment. This enabled prices to be dramatically reduced as economies of scale rose, enabling more and more consumers to enjoy affordable inflatable boating. Zodiac and its sister company, Sevylor, are now the leading low-cost producer thanks to these technological investments. So be wary of inflatable prices substantially below the Zodiac/Sevylor line. They may be either produced in developing countries by unskilled labor, or marketed by companies who are unaware of the importance of profit margins. They will be glad to see your dollar today but may be unwilling or unable to fix a problem later, or supply that much needed spare part.
Warranties
You may be enamored with competitor’s claims, all of whom will promise they have the best or longest warranty. There was even a lifetime warranty offered some years ago by an inflatable boat company that soon enough disappeared. A lot of manufacturers use attractive warranties as a substitute for quality or proper boat design, or simply to shore up a lack of product features. You should also be sure in your own mind that the company will be around long enough to deliver. Zodiac has been building inflatables for over 50 years and offers a limited 5-year warranty. And they have the whereforall to be around for a long time.
View inflatable boat products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
Inflatable kayak frequently asked questions (FAQs)
posted by The Captain @ 12:07 PM
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
I bought a used inflatable kayak and need information on it. How do I get it?
The best way is by visiting s Supplier’s Index, searching for the brand and visiting their website. If they are not listed, try contacting us and maybe we can help answer your question.
What fabrics are inflatable kayaks made from?
For many years all inflatable kayaks were made of Neoprene/Hypalon (or rubber) materials. Today modern materials and construction processes have made it possible to make inflatables out of strong plastic materials called PVC or Strongan (Zodiac’s fabric). So, today most inflatables are made out of PVC or Hypalon. Each fabric is different and requires different fabric and glue for repairs.
Are inflatable kayaks safe and stable?
Yes! Inflatable kayaks are said to be the safest and most stable boats in the world now with the patented construction methods, technology used and the innovative designs allowing redundant safety systems to be in place (ie. multiple chambers in the tubeset in case 1 gets punctured, other still stay inflated). Because of their safety reputation, inflatable kayaks are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide.
How big a kayak do I need for my family?
There are too many criteria to consider for us to answer this question accurately for each user, but generally criteria include, number of people to go in the boat, their average weight, how much cargo will you have, for use in lakes or oceans, calm water or rough water, size of engine, personal safety peace of mind needed, tow it, put it on the roof or fold it up, and your budget. When you know the answers to these, visit a dealer and they’ll show you boats that meet your needs.
What size do I need for my yacht?
There are too many criteria to consider for us to answer this question accurately for each user, but generally criteria include, number of people to go in the boat, their average weight, how much cargo will you have, for use in lakes or oceans, calm water or rough water, size of engine, personal safety peace of mind needed, tow it, put it on top of your boat, put it on davits or fold it up, and your budget. When you know the answers to these, visit a dealer and they’ll show you boats that meet your needs.
How do I find out who manufactured my kayak?
Inflatable kayaks will have a logo, decal or other branding on them most of the time. If not, they should all have an I.D. plate or patch identifying the boat brand, model, serial number, length, width, weight, capacities, manufacturer contact info and more. This plate is often located on the transom (back) of the kayak. Contact the manufacturer using a Supplier’s Index to attain information you may be looking for or may require in the future.
How do I find a repair facility for my inflatable kayak?
Go to our Supplier’s Index and search for the listing of the manufacturer of your kayak. Click there to go to their website and locate the “dealer list” to search for a dealer/repair facility in your area. If brand loyalty is not an issue, or your brand has no dealer in your area, some of the bigger manufacturers have many dealers to choose from as most dealers will repair any brand of inflatable kayak. Here are some:
I recently bought a used inflatable kayak and need parts for it.
Go to our Supplier’s Index and search for the listing of the manufacturer of your kayak. Click there to go to their website for information and parts. If it isn’t listed, they probably don’t have a website. Our Shopping section offers a wide selection of parts and many dealers of different brands stock universal parts also.
I want to repair my inflatable kayak. What do I do?
Repairing a kayak yourself is a difficult and often costly task. It is a complex procedure and the glue, solvents, fabrics and tools required are not easy to get and are usually expensive. However, most dealers stock these items and will sell you them, some will even offer directions and advice. Be warned though that “self repairs” may end in a visit to the dealer anyways, so a dealer evaluation before you try is always the best idea to determine the difficulty of the repair.
I want to build my own inflatable kayak. Does anyone sell patterns and supplies?
Building an inflatable kayak is complex, and expensive and is best left to the professionals. Building your own kayak will likely cost more than buying one and could prove to be a safety hazard as well. Insuring it or passing government inspections/regulations my be difficult also. Patterns for the sections of the inflatable collar are hard to get and it is unlikely a manufacturer will supply them or that a dealer would have them. However, if you really want to try, a dealer will likely sell you the fabric, glue, parts, etc.
How do I learn more about inflatable kayaks?
The best way to learn more about a specific brand is by visiting a Supplier’s Index, searching for the brand and visiting their website. If they are not listed, try using our Information, Advice and Support page to learn more, or by contacting us and maybe we can help answer your question.
How Do I Find A Leak In My Inflatable Kayak?
Use a soapy water mixture (dish soap) and spray it all over your inflatable kayak while it is inflated. Watch for small bubbles, hissing and other telltale signs. Works every time!
View inflatable kayak products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.