– Low bow makes it susceptible to splashing The Intex Explorer is the company’s no-frills, functional inflatable kayak that is designed for two people.Īlthough not as stiff and robust as more premium options, the Index Explorer will work wonderfully well for exploring lakes and rivers and may even be used in some very calm coastal areas. – Very directionally stable thanks to the included skeg cost, storage space and additional fuel storage). From there, there are many unique and proprietary features that differentiate one inflatable kayak offering from another.įor small boats of 20-28’ without the ability to launch or store a proper tender, an inflatable kayak can often be a way to add versatility without many of the downsides that come with owning and operating what is essentially another vessel (i.e. Inflatable kayaks tend to accomplish these things by having a completely flat bottom, with the exception of a rigid fin that typically slides into place on a stitched track that is integral to the bottom of the kayak. Unlike their solid cousins, inflatable kayaks are surprisingly stable, while retaining many of the unique properties of a solid kayak - such as exceptional tracking through the water, good speed, inertia, etc. For the sake of exploring rivers, streams, or even lakes by paddle, an inflatable kayak is a much better option. While the boats above are undoubtedly some of the best fully inflatable boats on the market, they are ill-suited to applications where rowing is preferred or required. While the RIB-350 is a very good and affordable dinghy option for serious cruisers, I would like to see a double aluminum floor option in the future.īuy it now on West Marine Inflatable kayaks and other inflatable row boats At 161lbs and 11’6”, this model is hefty, but this sturdy construction allows the RIB to sport up to a 25hp outboard.Ĭoming in at under $4,000, the RIB-350 is priced well below many of the other offerings on the market, and is of sound construction and materials. This model features a double-floor, lift points, and an integrated anchor locker. Next up on our list is a premium but affordable RIB option for cruisers with either davits or a spot on the foredeck of their yacht, looking for a tender with a lot of capability. – Fiberglass floor will require more maintenance and is also heavier – Requires serious storage/lifting capabilities However, if speed of set-up is your priority, the easiest models to set up and break down are without a doubt the air floor models. While the 8.8’ model will be fine for lighter use, the 10.8’ is a lot more boat for not a lot more money or storage space onboard. These models will also handle the best when blasting along in chop with up to a 15hp outboard. While there are many options available, I would advise buyers to go with one of the 9.8’ or 10.8’ models with the solid, modular aluminum floor, as these have the best performance-to-price ratio. Featuring an 1,100 denier thread count and heat-welded seams backed by a 3-year warranty, this inflatable boat is sure to last a long time.Ĭoming in three different sizes with both modular aluminum and air floor options, there is an option to fit the requirements of most cruisers looking for a fully storable tender – a huge benefit for owners of sub-40ft boats. – Wide, light inflatable boats without a keel such as these tend to row very poorlyįirst up on our list is arguably the best value, fully-modular PVC tender that can currently be purchased on the market. – Modular aluminum floor options can be more difficult to install than air floor models – Fairly expensive for a PVC tender (close to some cheaper glued Hypalon options) – Some air floor models feature EVA faux teak decking – Includes all necessary accessories like bag, pump, oars, bench, etc. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. With so many designs available, it’s crucial to select the right inflatable boat for the job. Even the best inflatable kayak will be wholly unsuited to acting as a yacht tender ( see explainer below), while the best yacht tender will likely not make an ideal inflatable fishing platform. This guide highlights some of the best inflatable boats for various common and specific uses. As a result, it is necessary to offer the following caveat and disclaimer: the term ‘inflatable boat’ can be confusing as there are some large RIBs (Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats) with multiple high-powered engines that are designed to perform search and rescue operations in the most demanding coastal conditions imaginable, while other inflatable boats are suitable only for playing in a swimming pool or on a calm lake or river.
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