Do Inflatable Fishing Boats Live Up to the Hype?

by Ringo Ladue September 15, 2020

Inflatable Fishing Boats... Do They Live Up to the Hype?

When buying a fishing boat, many people think of something more traditional; a bass boat, jon boat, or something similar. They often forget about an underrated contender that doesn't get the credit it deserves.

Inflatable fishing boats have many 'pros' that make them great options for the sport. While they're often overlooked, many fishermen don't realize how solid and affordable these boats are.

Want to find out why inflatable fishing boats live up to the hype? Keep reading to learn more.

What are Inflatable Fishing Boats Made From?

You'll find mainly two different types of material used on inflatable fishing boats.

The first type is PVC, which is a popular choice for many. This is due to it being light-weight and thus easy to carry or move around.

The type of PVC material used for today's inflatable fishing boats is much stronger than it used to be. This is because it has a strong, high-quality woven thread that produces a sturdy and durable fishing boat. It's also popular for the many color choices that it offers.

Durability is obviously an important factor when it comes to inflatable fishing boats. You have to have an inflatable boat that you can fully trust to enjoy your fishing experience. If you thought PVC was great material, then you will probably find that Hypalon will be more impressive.

Hypalon is great for retaining air as well as withstanding the elements. If you're planning to be out on rough water frequently or on water that has rocks or debris to dodge, you might prefer Hypalon.

No matter what you choose, both materials will give you confidence and comfort to get you reeling in those big catches. With these two options, it's easy to see why inflatable fishing boats are so durable and have become so popular.

What Else Makes an Inflatable Boat Great?

In addition to the high-quality material used to craft them, there are many other reasons that these boats are so useful. Many fishermen use them for their practicality and convenience.

Here are a few more reasons why they're loved in the fishing community.

They're Safe and Trustworthy

Safety is a common issue that comes up when searching for any boat. While many who are new to inflatable boats may question their safety at first, the truth is that they are very durable and reliable.

It is possible that an inflatable fishing boat could get punctured or damaged, but that is highly unlikely. Even in the extremely rare case where a puncture might happen, the design of inflatable fishing boats feature separate air chambers that allows you to stay afloat and give yourself time to maneuver to safety. To get an idea of how durable inflatable watercraft are, check out this video showing the Sea Eagle torture test.

You should always carry the right tools with you in case you have a break or leak while out on the water. This can include patching kits or air compressors so that you can inflate the boat again.

Patching kits are handy and allows the boat to keep afloat or be fixed up for more expeditions if it gets damaged. With these tools on hand, you'll be prepared to get your inflatable fishing boat fixed quickly.

Despite having these safety features, you should still wear a life jacket in case of an emergency.

Another great thing about inflatable boats is that they have a low center of gravity. That means that there's less of a chance that it will tip over and you can enjoy or smooth ride.

In an inflatable boat, you can feel safe while enjoying a beautiful day out on the water. Whether you want to kick back and take it easy while fishing or go all out through rough waters, there is an inflatable fishing boat to meet your needs.

They're Portable

One reason that inflatable boats are so popular is that they're portable and convenient.

It makes transportation easy. You don't need a trailer to tow it and you can take it with you in the trunk of your car. Most will fit right into a bag for easy carrying. Not needing a trailer reduces your upfront costs, reduces your fuel cost, and makes driving easier. The convenience is second to none.

If you have a secret fishing spot that you can only get to by foot, this can be especially helpful. If you're able to carry the boat inside of a bag, then you can reach your spot faster and easier.

This portability is something you just can't get with a traditional fishing boat. It's why so many fishermen have turned to inflatable boats instead.

They're Easy to Store

Traditional fishing boats often have to be stored in a garage or other area where they're safe from damage. Most also have to be flipped over to avoid taking in rain or they need a tarp to protect them.

This is where inflatable boats stand out. Instead of taking up much-needed space, they allow you to have more.

It's easy to pack them up in a bag for storage. Once deflated, they can be put almost anywhere in your house or garage. Many fishermen store them on a shelf where it's out of the way and protected from damage.

Its ease of use is part of what makes an inflatable fishing boat so desirable.

They're Affordable

Aluminum fishing boats can cost you thousands of dollars. While some inflatables can be priced in the low thousands, there are even more affordable options.

You can see the value when you put the cost of maintenance and time into perspective.

When you have an aluminum boat, you need to have storage space, be on the lookout for corrosion, and clean it regularly. It takes a lot of time and money to keep it in top shape.

Inflatable fishing boats require much less maintenance. They don't take up as much space and they'll stay in good condition as long as you store and use them properly.

If you plan to use a motor with one, you can also expect to save money on fuel. This is because it's light-weight and uses less power to push the inflatable.

Affordability is one of the many advantages that they have to offer.

Inflatable Fishing Boats Have a Long Life Span

Inflatable boats are also desirable as they have a relatively long life span.

With proper care, they can last for up to 10 years or even more. However, certain factors such as the material that they're made of and heavy use can affect this. Manufacturer warranties often cover them for about 5 years.

Inflatable fishing boats offer a lot of value for a low investment. 10 years from now, you'll be glad that you chose one and you will have saved a lot of wasted time and money.

Bottom Line on Inflatable Fishing Boats: They're Underrated

The main goal of fishing is to get out onto the water and reel in fish. It should be easy, affordable, and hassle-free.

Inflatable fishing boats offer all of this and more. For these reasons, they do live up to the hype.

Are you interested in finding the right inflatable fishing boat for you? At Splashy McFun, we have a great selection to choose from.

Check out our produ cts to find the one that's right for you!

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