We thought it may be useful to go through some of the features and benefits that an inflatable canoe gives out over other types of craft. I’ve narrowed my views down into just a handful of areas:
Performance
The majority of of current contemporary inflatables easily match traditional runabouts for pace and handling, while more advanced rigid-hulled inflatables are clearly better to ordinary fiberglass or aluminum watercraft. For instance, the Virage collection of sports boats includes Zodiac’s patented Futura speed tubes to produce amazing lift and stability. Because the Futura hull just kisses the water, it creates less pull and hence needs much less power to attain incredible speeds while performing with absolute safety. The large rigid-hulled inflatable superboats are equally remarkable. With deep V-keels up ahead and flat planing parts aft they can produce an exceptionally comfy ride in tough offshore situations, yet operate with ease in the tightest boat dock or harbor.
Load Capacity
A important characteristic in just about any inflatable canoe is their incredible stableness. Conventional dinghies and small sport boats rock almost uncontrollably anytime anyone moves about. Inflatable canoes, with their buoyancy tubes, remain level within the water and therefore are virtually impossible to flip over. This presents a feeling of security to even one of the most nervous boaters and allows swimmers or divers to slide back on board while not unsettling the vessel.
Additional buoyancy means larger load-carrying capability. Inflatable boats are made with built-in buoyancy. The inflatable collar, or tubeset, is the key that permits inflatable canoes to transport very hefty payloads in a safe and steady manner. An added benefit is they are virtually unsinkable, and can generally operate even with a number of chambers of the collar deflated.
Light-weight
Some of the more sophisticated inflatables, like Zodiac’s Fastroller, have a special High-Pressure inflatable air flooring. Made of two layers of fabric, connected by hundreds of tiny “drop stitches”, this floor can be filled to a higher pressure, creating a floor with solidity equal to sheet of plyboard a fraction of the weight. On top of that, they can be completely deflated and stowed in just a few minutes without doing away with any parts. This high pressure air floor is much softer on knees and backsides too.
Stowability
Inflatable tenders are much simpler to store than conventional dinghies. Whenever deflated and folded away into its carry case a typical 8 foot inflatable measures about 3 feet x 2 feet and weighs about 80 lbs. At this length and width, you can observe that an inflatable canoe is easily stowed in a locker on board, below decks or in a closet or outbuilding in your own home. They’re also very convenient to take on picnics or on vacation, even in a small car.
Resilience
Inflatable canoes are the ideal yacht tender simply because of all their basic benefits including: lightness, balance and buoyancy. In contrast to regular dinghies, they are easy to lift up on board. With special rubstrake glued or thermobonded on their sides, inflatables won’t damage or mark your yacht’s hull or deck. Buying an inflatable canoe or kayak practically guarantees the elimination of scuff marks and scrapes on your yacht once and for all.
Collar (buoyancy tube) style
A distinctive feature designed into several rigid-hull inflatables is the removable collar. The collar is securely attached to the fiberglass hull utilizing a tongue-and-grove method and may be very easily slid off whenever necessary. This technique allows for handy storage, upkeep as well as repairs.
Transoms Strength
Given the dimensions, weight and power of outboard motors today, the transoms of inflatable watercraft will have to be sturdy enough to stand up to enormous vibration and stress. Many inflatables use multi-layer wooden transoms that are glued or “thermobonded” to the collars. The outcome is a high degree of structural durability that reliably absorbs stresses exerted by outboards.
Hopefully you have found this interesting and helpful if you are looking to purchase and inflatable kayak or canoe. If you’re new to canoeing you may want to check out this page with some great information if you are planning your first trip with your inflatable kayak.
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