When it comes to rigid inflatable boats, there are several misconceptions that people have about their durability, purpose, functionality and more. Many potential boat owners are missing out on the incredible versatility and performance that rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) offer because of common myths and outdated information surrounding these boats.
Today, we’re addressing the top five misconceptions that people have about inflatable boats and providing a new outlook on these boats that could help you discover a whole new world of boating.
Myth 1: Inflatable Boats Are Easy To Tear & Puncture
The biggest misconception about inflatable boats is that their tubing is easily penetrable and prone to punctures and tears. In reality, modern rigid inflatable boats are incredibly durable and long-lasting, particularly those that have been fabricated using strong and thick rubber called chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) often referred to as ‘hypalon’. Here at Grand, our tubes are manufactured in France using Orca Hypalon fabric by Pennel & Flipo.
RIBs constructed with high-grade Hypalon tubes are built to withstand almost any impact. Inflatable boats can handle coming up against rocks or hard surfaces – much the same as conventional hard boats can. It would take a lot of force and the use of a sharp object to purposefully cut through and cause a tear in a tube.
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Myth 2: Inflatable Boats Sink If Their Tubes Lose Air
In the rare instance that a tube is punctured or loses air, a rigid inflatable boat will not sink. Firstly, modern rigid inflatable boats are built with multiple tube chambers that ensure the tubes keep air pressure even if a chamber begins to leak. Inflatable boats also come with repair kits that enable you to patch up any punctures while you’re out on the water.
Mos significantly, it is also a manufacturing and safety requirement that rigid inflatable boats continue to float even if all of their tubes are deflated. And so, even if all of your tubes were deflated while out on the water, the vessel would continue to remain afloat.
Myth 3: Inflatable Boats Are Only Good for One Purpose
Another widespread myth is that inflatable boats are limited in their functionality, and are meant primarily for commercial usage. While RIBs make fantastic commercial boats, inflatable boats offer so much more functionality. In fact, by their very nature rigid inflatable boats are one of the most versatile types of boats on the water, and serve effectively as family boats, fishing boats, wakeboarding boats, yacht tenders, diving boats and more!
The adaptability of modern inflatable boats means one boat can meet multiple marine needs. It’s because of this that they are particularly effective as family boats – providing comfortable rides for kids, modern comforts for dining and relaxing, functional features for a diverse range of activities such as fishing and more.
Read More: Why Are RIBs The Best Family Boats?
Myth 4: You Cannot Fish From Inflatable Boats
A big misconception about inflatable boats is about their functionality for fishing. In truth, rigid inflatable fishing boats are in many ways the best boats for fishing. They are incredibly fuel efficient and handle chop and swell really well, meaning that they are great for going offshore for those fishing adventures further afield.
More stable at rest than traditional hard boats, rigid inflatable boats are a great base to cast from. Their open deck layout also provides a great space for storing equipment and moving around the vessel, and you can often find accessories such as rod holders and bait boards fitted to the boats.
Myth 5: Inflatable Boats Are Expensive and High Maintenance
While quality rigid inflatable boats represent an investment, they can sometimes be more cost-effective that traditional boats. Smaller inflatable boats for example are often not too dissimilar in price from a jet ski, and arguably offer more ‘bang for your buck’.
While larger rigid inflatable boats can have high spec options such as onboard toilets, fridges, wet bars and showers that heighten the price, many RIB brands are making inflatable boats more accessible than ever.
Nowadays, rigid inflatable boats have a lifespan of at least 10 – 15 years, offering the same levels of longevity as your conventional hard boats. Plus, the great level of use that comes from the incredible versatility of an inflatable boat further enhances the economical choice that a RIB offers.
And when it comes to maintenance, this often comes with a similar effort and price tag as conventional boats, and largely comes down to understanding tube care.
Is it time to consider a rigid inflatable boat?
Once people come to understand more about what rigid inflatable boats are and the realities behind them (rather than the myths!), a bigger world of boating possibilities opens up.
Many argue that RIBs are the future of boating, and with all of these factors we’ve laid out considered, it’s easy to see why. More than just an inflatable boat, you’re investing in a versatile, safe, durable, high-performance vessel that adapts to suit your lifestyle and whatever form your adventure takes.
Are you ready to challenge your perceptions about rigid inflatable boats? Explore the world of rigid inflatable boats by Grand and get in touch with our team to find the best inflatable boat for you.
