When it comes to making your boating experience convenient and inexpensive, very few options fit the bill better than inflatable boats. With one of these boats, you won’t have to exhaust yourself carrying it to the water for fishing or rafting. All you have to do is give it air for a few minutes with an air compressor, and you’ll be able to enjoy relaxing afternoons on the water.
For those who are used to traditional boats, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether an inflatable boat is best for you. Here are tips for finding the inflatable boat that will give you the best time.
Size
Some people want a boat just for them so they can experience the peace and quiet of nature without any interruptions. Others want a boat that can handle a few friends or the whole family, so they can spend a sunny day together seeing who can catch the biggest fish.
Before purchasing an inflatable boat, you should make sure that your choice is as big as it needs to be. If you can count on your friends bringing their own boats for a camping trip on the weekends, then stick with a smaller one in case you decide to go solo the following week. Those seeking bigger options should check how many people will need to fit on their boat, so there’s no risk of cramped occupants falling overboard.
Purpose
Boats allow us to take part in a variety of adventures on the water. They also give us chances to relax which aren’t available on land. You may be in search of an inflatable boat just for fishing, as well as having lunch and a few beers with friends on a sunny day. In this case, look for a boat that’s built specifically for calmer waters. You won’t need as many accessories for these boats, which means less to carry on.
On the other hand, rigid inflatable boats come in handy if you want to be a little more daring. You can take these boats on rivers and other active bodies of water, and they’re designed to be stable and strong enough to handle the motion. This option also comes in handy if you want to do some quick rides when the lake is empty.
Regional laws
Before you take the boat out on the water, make sure that you are able to meet state and county legislations that pertain to boating. Some states require that you have certain certificates for operating a boat properly, and some boats require different certificates, depending on how big the boat is, what kind it is, or what brand it’s part of.
Age is another important factor. Some states are more lenient in this area than others, as some allow children as young as 12 to operate boats. The functionality of the boat will also determine how old you’ll need to be to operate boats in certain states. In some states, the faster your boat can go, the older you’ll have to be to legally operate it.
Accessories
Part of what makes inflatable boats fun are the accessories that come with them. This also determines how much money you’ll have to spend in your search, as some boats come with more accessories than others, as well as more useful ones than others. It’s important that whatever boat you get comes with as many additional parts as possible so that you save money.
Even if you have to buy life jackets, ladders, pumps, air compressors, and other accessories separately, try to get them for as cheap as possible. However, if the more expensive options have a proven track record, then forking over a few extra bucks is a smart move if you want to avoid safety issues in the future.