How to Buy The Best Inflatable Boat

Summer is coming, more and more people are considering to head out to the lake or sea to enjoy some paddling sports and beat the summer heat. Kayaking is very popular, most beginners are buying a high quality inflatable kayak for their water recreations. They are good and durable, but not everyone knows how to select the best inflatable kayak. Please keep reading the inflatable boat's advantages and durability to learn why they are good and how to buy the most suitable one.

Consider the Cost

Like buying any other products, you get what you pay for. But sometimes as consumers we can't help but wonder if I was deceived in this deal. If you know where your money is spent, you won't have this worry. The costs of an inflatable vessel can vary greatly with various designs and sizes, so you may want to set up a budget according to your purpose.

For recreational use, you can get a good quality inflatable kayak for $500 or less, but for whitewater rapids and other more tough water sports, you need to spend $1000 to get a highly durable one. And remember that the hard shell kayaks are always more expensive than inflatable kayaks for similar use.

Consider the Durability

Durability is one of the most important considerations when buying inflatable boats. Usually, people think that inflatable kayaks are not as strong and hard shell kayaks. But you can buy an inflatable kayak that is as durable as a hard shell one as long as you don't cut your budget. If you buy a $100 inflatable kayak, you'd better keep a mile away from anything sharp. A $1000 inflatable kayak can withstand sharp rocks, knives, fishing hooks and even the occasional crocodile like a hard shell vessel.

When it comes to durability, we have to talk about the materials. Inflatable rafts and other boats are usually made of PVC, Hypalon or Nitrylon. PVC is cheaper and generally used for recreational kayaks, Hypalon is the most expensive and this material kayak can be used for whitewater rapids. FYI, you can choose wood, plastic, composite materials like aramid or graphite or Polyethylene Rotomolded in hard shell kayaks, the graphite is the best in terms of durability but also the most expensive.

Let's take a look at the comparison of the three different inflatable materials. The inflatable boat material is typically an inner layer of fabric (Nylon or Polyester) that is coated with either PVC or DuPont’s Hypalon or a newer type of rigid material called Nitrylon. And it has an inflated outer layer surrounding it or can be multiple layers of the fabrics closely glued together. This description may help you understand the properties of inflatable fabric more easily.

PVC Material:

PVC coated Nylon is the most commonly used inflatable boat material for manufacturers. Most people are buying inflatable boats for recreation use, this material is an excellent but cheap entry level model for recreational inflatable dinghys. It can last for years with proper maintenance, ideal for paddling beginners.

Pros: Cheap and high durability, tried and tested for decades, very lightweight and easy to patch, available in a wide range of colors.

Cons: Not chemical resistant and UV resistant. You need to treat the material with a UV resistant spray (303 Protectant) before heading out into the sun to extend its lifespan.

Hypalon Material:

Hypalon is considered a better alternative of PVC and widely used in inflatable boats and roofing solutions. A type of rubber manufactured by DuPont. Hypalon inflatable kayaks are more durable and more flexible in the water than PVC kayaks. But also more expensive.

Pros: Excellent chemical, UV and mold resistance, good thermal expansion, softer and lighter than PVC, easy to patch and used by the US coastguard.

Cons: Basically it costs twice as much as PVC and not as rigid as some types of PVC and hence, may not be the best option in a whitewater scenario.

Nitrylon Material:

Nitrylon is a new material in inflatable boat industry and touted as being more abrasion, puncture and chemical resistant than PVC. Claimed to have better environmental performance than PVC material.

Pros: Tougher than PVC with hard and puncture resistance features, easier to patch and better performance in extreme weather conditions.

Cons: Heavier and much more expensive, very few manufacturers use it.

From the materials, if you are not going to use your inflatable boat for professional or competitive sporting events, this affordable PVC inflatable kayak is basically ideal for all water sports.

Consider Personal Preferences

The other factors you need to consider when buying your inflatable boat are your personal preferences. For example, how big the inflatable kayak do you like? Do you like to paddle alone or with friends? What type of waters you are going to paddle most? What kind of seats do you like and which way do you like to get in and out?

When you know your exact needs, you can see the difference between different models so you can choose the best inflatable kayak for your water recreations.

Sunjoy Inflatables is a professional manufacturer offering various of PVC inflatable kayaks and boats. You can easily custom a unique model according to your special requirements. It's time to get your inflatable boat ready for the upcoming summer!