Swimming in the summer is one of the most popular leisure activities. And, of course, the presence of a rubber inflatable boat makes such a vacation even more exciting and varied. You can go fishing from the boat or simply take the oars in your hands and go on a small trip along the lake or river. However, not everyone knows how to choose a rubber boat for fishing or recreation, because today manufacturers offer such an extensive selection of models that it is sometimes very difficult for an inexperienced buyer to make a choice.
When choosing a boat, it should be borne in mind that a universal model simply does not exist, so the main criterion should be where and how the purchased product will be used.
Materials for inflatable boats
Modern inflatable boats are most often made of PVC or Hypalon. If we talk about the strength of these materials, then Hypalon is more wear-resistant. It also has a high degree of chemical and UV resistance. As for PVC, its strength characteristics are much lower, however, PVC boats are cheaper, and it is quite easy to repair them when such a need arises. When choosing a boat, you should definitely pay attention to the warranty period of the product, since the larger it is, the higher the quality of the product, respectively.
With a motor or with oars: which inflatable boat to choose?
Inflatable boats can be either oared or equipped with a motor. For movement over short distances (for example, in small bodies of water), a rowing boat is the best option. However, this type of inflatable flotation device is not suitable for everyone. To get around in a rowboat, you need to be in good physical shape. For those who do not want to put extra effort, it is better to buy an outboard motor for a rubber boat.
What to look for when choosing an inflatable boat
When choosing an inflatable rubber boat, first of all pay attention to the seams. No traces of glue should be visible on them. The material around the seams should match the color of the rest of the material from which the boat is made. It is great if protective tapes are glued over the seams to protect the seams from tearing and abrasion.
Another detail that you must pay attention to when buying a boat is the transom, which must be durable.
It is very important to decide on such parameters as the size, carrying capacity and weight of the boat, and based on them, choose the right model. It is worth asking in advance if the pump and spare materials are included with the product.
