Inflatable Canoes give you all the convenience of any small boat but for a fraction of the price.

For those of you considering buying a canoe, have you considered an inflatable boat? With today’s inflatable manufacturing technologies, an inflatable boat can be a great quality alternative to a high cost hard-shell canoe. A hard-shell canoe can cost thousands while a quality inflatable boat can cost under $500. This is a big difference that the frugal sports enthusiast should note. And what’s more, the inflatable is more convenient and easier to use than a hard-shell canoe.

The fact that an inflatable boat can be inflated and deflated makes it much more convenient than a hard-shell canoe. Imaging being able to throw your canoe into the trunk of your car, carry it on an airplane, carry it with you camping and then just inflating it when you want to go canoeing.

The most important thing to consider when buying an inflatable boat is the manufacture. Quality manufactures will stand behind their products with money back guarantees, product trial periods, free shipping and more. These incentives tell you they are serious about earning your business and they are confident in the quality of their product and that you will like it.

Inflatable boats are a real alternative to hard-shell canoes. Why spend thousands when you can spend a quarter of that, and end up with a quality product that is more convenient to use and that will last as long as a hard-shell canoe.

When buying an inflatable boat, you need to make sure it has certain features otherwise you are wasting money on an inferior product. Granted, you could go into a big box store and buy an inflatable boat off the shelf and be on the water within the hour, but the reality is that when you buy a quality inflatable boat, you will enjoy if for many years and probably get a safer product in the bargain.

Here is what you need to look for when buying your inflatable boat.

  1. Quality Workmanship – Your inflatable boat should be built by a quality company that has been in business for ten years or more, provides a money back guarantee and uses high quality manufacturing processes and materials. Look for  denier polyester-supported high-pressure fabric with electronic-welded seams.
  2. Manufacturer Warranty – Be sure the company where you bought your boat includes a manufacture warranty of two years or more. IF something unusual happens, you will be covered and can get you money back or the canoe replaced. A two year warranty is important when dealing with inflatable boats,
  3. Skegs For Maneuverability – Skegs are fins that attach to the bottom of the boat and let you track through the water. This mean when you paddle, your boat goes straight and doesn’t nose back and forth. This increases the effectiveness of your paddling.

Quality inflatable boats will cost anywhere from $300 to $1800 but will provde a good product and last many years. Quality inflatable boats can last 10 years. It is well worth investing in a high quality boat.

Inflatable boats are very popular for kayaking, white-water rafting, exploring lakes while camping and more. Although easy to use and store, they do require some maintenance and caring to ensure that they last for years.

You can clean up your canoe with a mild soap or use a special cleaner designed for your canoe and provided by the manufacturer.

Some Disadvantages of Inflatable Canoes

The biggest disadvantages of inflatable boats are that they can develop leaks or punctures. The best way to find a small leak is to wipe a partially inflated canoe with soapy water and watch for more bubbles to appear from the escaping air from the puncture. Do this process for the entire canoe to make sure you have found all the leaks.

A professional should do large repairs. And, a good inflatable boat manufacturer will often service your canoe and fix the leak for you. In an emergency, if you need to apply a patch make sure the surface is clean of oil and grime and that the patch is at least 3 inches larger in all directions than the hole or tear.

Store your canoe per your manufacturers recommendations. If you must store you canoe in the storage bag make certain that it is completely deflated, clean and dry before placing in the storage bag. Roll the canoe; do not fold it.

When you care for your inflatable boat properly you can enjoy it for years without the expense of a hard-shell canoe.

Sometimes the cost of traditional boats is too high. Not only are they expensive, they also require extra maintenance and are difficult to store and transport. This isn’t the case with inflatable boats.

Inflatable Boat Styles

There are lots of kinds of inflatable boats you can get that will probably meet whatever your boating needs might be. And they are far less expensive than traditional boats. You can get on the water with a lot less money then you may think.

Here is a brief list of inflatable boat options available to you.

  • Inflatable Pontoon Boats – They are two inflatable pontoons with a seat or two attached in between the pontoons. These boats are perfect for one or two people who want to float a river. These are also a great choice for fishermen.
  • Kayaks – Everyone is familiar with a kayak. But with inflatable kayaks, there is quite a bit of variety. This is a good choice for one or two people for rivers, lakes, or ocean boating.
  • Motor Mount Boats – These boats are what you may think of when you think of an inflatable boat. They come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate two to seven adults.
  • Personal Sailboats – These are a nice little sail boat for one to two people. They conveniently fit in the trunk of your car or the storage in your RV. Inflatable sailboats are quite popular.
  • The Paddle Ski – Paddle ski’s are a hybrid. They are part kayak and part normal boat and very versatile. A small motor can easily be attached to a paddle ski.
  • Canoes - Canoes that are inflatable are similar to inflatable kayaks, but larger and wider. This boat is perfect for activities like fishing.

No matter your boating needs, an inflatable boat might be exactly what you need. They are great for anglers, explorers, kayakers, or sailing enthusiasts. These boats offer convenience and affordability. Affordability may be your biggest reason for buying an inflatable boat since they cost a fraction of a traditional boat.

The next time you think a new boat is too expensive, keep in mind that you do have affordable boat options. And remember this: these are not lightweight plastic blowup toys. These are quality boats available for very affordable prices that will last for years.