Everything about semi-rigids: our mega-faq!

Welcome to our complete guide to the purchase, maintenance and daily use of a semi-rigid!

Whether you are passionate about navigation or a neophyte looking for essential information, you will find in this FAQ answers to all your questions, divided into 3 chapters: 

1) Find out before buying

2) Use your daily semi-rigid

3) Maintain your boat 

From differences between the types of boats to best maintenance practices, including the activities to practice at sea, Orca Retail has gathered its best guides and articles for you to help you fully enjoy your experience with your semi-rigid.

Find out before buying

Annex, semi-rigid, pneumatic boat, what differences?

Understanding the distinctions between an annex, a semi-rigid and a pneumatic boat is essential to choose the right type of boat for your needs.

The appendix, inflatable and light, is ideal for short journeys from a larger boat. Le pneumatic boat, fully inflatable, is easy to transport and store, But less stable for occasional use over reduced distances. Finally, the semi-rigid, combining rigid hull and inflatable sausages, offers stability and performance for coastal navigation and leisure.

For a detailed comparison between these different options, see this article on the differences between annex, semi-rigid and pneumatic boat And this on the differences between pneumatic boat and semi-rigid.

PVC floats, Hypalon floats, what differences?

PVC and Hypalon floats have distinct characteristics in terms of sustainability, UV and cost resistance.

To understand these differences and choose the material that best suits your needs, see this article on hypalon, a versatile and durable synthetic material, this on the latest trends and innovations in semi-rigid, This guide on the manufacture of semi-rigid boats, And This article to choose between PVC and Hypalon for your pneumatic sausages.

What is the price of a semi-rigid boat?

The price of a semi-rigid boat varies depending on several factors, including its size, brand, characteristics and condition.

Examples:

• Semi-rigid 5m, 40 hp engine: New from € 9,000 - used from € 6,000
• 6m family semi-rigid, 115 hp engine: Nine between € 25,000 and € 40,000 - opportunity between € 18,000 and € 30,000
• High-end semi-rigid 7m+, 200 CV+ engine: Over € 50,000 new and € 30,000 used

For advice on selecting the ideal size of your semi-rigid boat according to your needs and budget, see this article on the choice of ideal size.

What is the lifespan of a semi-rigid?

What are the best semi-rigid models or brands?

In the world of semi-rigids, several brands are distinguished by their quality and their performance. Among the best brands of pneumatic boats on the market, there are names such as Zodiac, Avon, Bombard, and Highfield, recognized for their innovation, their durability and their reliability, offering a varied range of models adapted to different needs and budgets.

To discover the best brands of pneumatic boats on the market, consult this Article on the best semi-rigid brands.

What are the administrative procedures? Is insurance compulsory?

The purchase of a semi-rigid requires respecting certain administrative procedures, in particular the registration of the boat from the competent maritime authorities.

In addition, subscribing to civil liability insurance is compulsory for any motor boat, including semi-rigids, in order to guarantee coverage in the event of an accident or material or body damage.

For a complete guide on the administrative procedures to follow and on the insurance necessary for your boat, consult this full article on administrative procedures and insurance as well as this on the purchase of a semi-rigid boat and the associated administrative procedures.

Should we pass a boat license? If so, which one?

The need to pass a boat license to pilot a semi-rigid depends on the power of the on-board engine and the planned navigation area.

In France, For semi-rigids with an engine of more than 6 horsepower (4.5 kW), a boat license is compulsory. The coastal permit is generally sufficient to sail at sea up to 6 nautical miles from the coasts.

To find out which boat permit is required to pilot a semi-rigid, see this Article on boat permits for semi-rigids.

Where to buy a used semi-rigid?

To find out where to find the best offers and advice on the renovation of a used semi-rigid, consult these Articles on the purchase of used pneumatic boats and on the renovation of a used pneumatic boat.

Use your daily semi-rigid

How much does a semi-rigid outing cost?

The cost of a semi-rigid output depends on various factors, such as fuel, maintenance, and possibly launching costs.

For a semi-rigid outing of an afternoon in coastal navigation, with a 6-meter model equipped with an average power engine, embarking a family of 4 people, the cost estimated in fuel (€ 2 per liter) would be about 100 to 150 euros in total, Considering an average consumption of usual navigation conditions.

To better understand your boat trips, see this article on The preparation of a semi-rigid output.

What activities to practice on a semi-rigid?

Semi-rigids offer many possibilities of activities, from ride fishing to water sports.

To discover the possible activities on a semi-rigid, consult our article on Activities to practice with an inflatable annex.

Where to sail in France in semi-rigid?

France offers a variety of semi-rigid navigation destinations, ranging from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic via lakes and rivers.

To find out the best places to navigate, see these guides on the Mediterranean coast, there North Sea and Manche, there Atlantic coast, THE marine parks, THE Best fishing destinations on the high seas, THE diving spots and Lake and river outings.

What accessories to use with its semi-rigid?

To customize and optimize your semi-rigid experience, there is a range of available accessories, from safety equipment to comfort items.

To discover the trends in personalization and the best accessories, consult these items on Personalization of semi-rigid boats And essential accessories.

How to ensure your safety?

Ensuring your safety at sea is essential.

To find out the safety equipment necessary for your semi-rigid, consult this article on Safety equipment for semi-rigid boats.

Maintain your semi-rigid

How to inflate your semi-rigid? What pressure (PSI)?

To inflate your semi-rigid, you can use an adapted electric inflator. The inflation pressure depends on the model of your boat, but in general, it is between 0.2 and 0.3 bars for inflatable floors and between 0.3 and 0.4 bars for floats. For more details, see this Electric influence purchasing guide, as well as This inflation guide.

How to maintain your semi-rigid? With what products?

Regular maintenance of your semi-rigid is crucial to prolong its lifespan. Use suitable and quality cleaning products to clean surfaces, protect floats and ensure the proper functioning of components.

For advice on The best brands of pneumatic boats, Recommended cleaning products, The detachment of seams, trailer maintenance, Protective tarpaulins, Emergency repair in the event of puncture at sea, Repairing a zodiac sausage puncture, And the general maintenance of the semi-rigid boat.

When and how to manage the wintering of your boat?

To preserve your semi-rigid during the winter, it is essential to prepare it well. This includes complete cleaning, drainage of fluids, storage in a dry place and weather protection. To find out more, see our Detailed guide on the preparation of the wintering of your boat.

Where to have your float repaired?

If you need repair for your semi-rigid floats, you can use repairers specializing in pneumatic boats. Consult this List of semi-rigid repairers in France To find a professional near you.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary information to help you browse with confidence in the world of semi-rigid.

Whether you are about to buy your first boat or you are looking for maintenance advice, don't forget that security and pleasure are the watchwords of any adventure at sea.

Do not hesitate to Explore all our blog articles To deepen your knowledge and take full advantage of your semi-rigid. Good navigation!