Rib, which one to choose?

Inflatable boats, also known as semi-rigid boats or as inflatable boats, whose sides and bow are made of flexible tubes that contain air or gas under pressure. The hull, which is the frame or structure, is flexible, as is the floor, which is made of sheets of plywood or rigid aluminum fixed between the tubes. The mirror that is the structural element allows the installation of an outboard motor. Are you ready to choose your boat? Keep reading!

Types of inflatable boats

The common name given to inflatable boats is Zodiac which is a trademark registered by the company of the same name. Inflatable boats have many advantages. They are fast so the transfer time from one place to another is faster. They are more manageable which means that they are easy to use and adapt to any situation.

Inflatable boats offer the same safety and comfort. They are considered safe because they are almost unsinkable and comfortable because their seats allow it. In diving activities they are considered essential in terms of facilitating the diver's jump into the water and her subsequent ascent to the surface as much as possible.

Small length

The first type of inflatable boats is the so-called "small length" or what is known as a boat and they usually measure from 2 to 6 meters in length. They are light and easy to use.

They were originally made of wood (they are still made of that material) and plastic. They offer practicality and waterproofing and are resistant to changes in humidity.

Its propulsion is usually rowing, sailing or motor. They are used for short distance crossings, fishing activities and tourism. They are called inflatable boats or inflatable motorized boat.

Semi-rigid boats

The second type of inflatable boats are the so-called semi-rigid whose bottom and mirror are made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic and on the sides, acting as board, the pontoons of an inflatable boat. They emerge as a greater safety alternative when navigating having a part of its more rigid structure.

The semi-rigid boat has a better navigation because with its bottom in "V" cuts the waves. It has a greater strut that allows safety and less splashing in rough waters. It also needs less consumption according to its equipment and motorization, consequently greater autonomy. Being safer, it generates less repair costs. However, it is not so practical or foldable.

These inflatable boats can be auxiliary motorboats and large sailboats but they can also be unique boats and have the advantage of being moved by road on a trailer with some ease. And they are handled in fresh or salty waters. Due to this versatility, they abound in the market in different formats and models, so it can be assumed that the range of inflatable boats are the best.

Boats for fishing or walking

This model of inflatable boats is becoming more and more common because tourism, together with fishing, are fundamental factors in the economy of a nation. In general, they are made of wood because they allow to carry more weight, either fish in the case of artisanal fishing and people in the case of tourist activities. They have a motor in the stern which gives them speed and strength when sailing.

Light and fast pneumatics

These inflatable boats have a structure made mostly of PVC which is a type of rubber or a slightly more expensive material such as Hypalon, which is a type of rubber used mostly in work or military boats and in boats of recess and competition.

They are very easy and comfortable (in the case of being made of rubber material) both for handling and for protection after use. They are light and depending on the size of the length, they can embark more number of crew. They have outboard motors and a lot of security.

Advantages of an inflatable boat

Inflatable boats are practical in many ways. First of all, they are small and made of soft and light materials that allow faster navigation because they are more used for short distances.

They use less fuel. They are practical and operate in different scenarios: As rescue and fishing equipment. They also serve as “tenders” for larger boats. It is there that the Zodiacs are popular.

Their versatility is such that organizations such as the Red Cross or the army itself count on them when carrying out maritime interventions. In sports they are ideal as support and assistance in nautical competitions.

Where can I buy second hand inflatable boats

At Mercanautic it specializes in inflatable boats of different types and models, as well as the most important, second-hand inflatable boats and outlet, which differentiates us from other specialized stores in the field.

We have a wide variety of styles (small length, for fishing or walking, inflatable boats, semi-rigid boats) adapted to each need and with excellent quality as well as customer service.

Tips before purchase

Before purchasing an inflatable boat, several factors must be considered. First of all, the manufacturing material. They are mostly made of neoprene (PVC or Hypalon) which has its advantages, disadvantages such as little space because the same material does not allow so much weight, so the number of crew members is low and has a lot of movement due to the softness of the material. manufacturing.

Other aspects to take into account before purchasing any models are the type of floor (inflatable or rigid), with rigid floors being the ones that provide greater stability in the water. In the same way, better use of energy and greater use of fuel is made.

Finally, the engine that can be a jet or an outboard engine, the former being the one that takes up the least space and the latter allowing easier transport and storage.