Inflatable boat and rigid inflatable boat, what are the differences?
Inflatable boats and rigid inflatable boats are two types of vessels that have significant differences.
Although both are inflatable boats, the materials used in their construction, their use, and their performance differ considerably.
In this article, we will examine the differences between these two types of boats to avoid confusion.
What is an inflatable boat?
Inflatable boats are made from flexible materials, such as PVC or rubber, which are inflated with air. They are lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for occasional use or outings at sea.
However, they are not very resistant to harsh weather conditions or waves, and their performance in terms of speed and maneuverability is limited.
What is the difference with a rigid inflatable boat?
Rigid inflatable boats, on the other hand, are made from more rigid materials such as aluminum, wood, or fiberglass, and have a rigid floor in addition to an inflatable part.
They are heavier than inflatable boats and require more space for storage. However, they are much more resistant to harsh weather conditions and waves, offer better performance in terms of speed and maneuverability, and are therefore preferred for more frequent and demanding uses.
Inflatable or rigid inflatable boat, for repairs, only one choice possible!
Inflatable boats may differ from rigid inflatables as we have seen, but what about repairs? If both types of vessels have tubes inflated, can the same methods be used?
The answer is yes! When it comes to repair fabrics for boats, Hypalon fabric is considered the best choice for inflatable boats.
It is made from synthetic rubber, which is extremely resistant to wear, UV rays, chemicals, and heat. Hypalon is also very flexible and does not crack easily, even in cold weather.
Hypalon repair fabrics by Orca Retail are specially designed to repair inflatable and rigid inflatable boats, offering a quick and easy solution for minor damages.
Discover our maintenance products for rigid inflatable boats
- Neoprene repair fabrics for tubes floats
- Inflatable boat cleaner
- Anti-mold product for inflatable boats
- Inflatable boat wax
- Inflatable boat glue
- Flexible tanks for fuel and water
- rubrails