History of Inflatable Boats

According to the Guiness Book of Motorboating, the history of the inflatable goes back as far as 880 BC, when the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II ordered troops to cross a river using greased animal skins, which they inflated continuously to keep the vessels afloat. In ancient China, during the Sung and Ming dynasties, inflated, airtight skins were used for crossing rivers.

It was 1839, however, that the first inflatable pontoons were tested by the Duke of Wellington. In 1840, the Englishman Thomas Hancock designed inflatable craft and described this work in "The Origin and Progress of India Rubber Manufacture in England" published a few years later. In 1844, a Lieutenant Halkett designed a round-shaped inflatable bloat which was used in several Arctic expeditions. The Frenchman Clement Ader devised a floating vessel too. Indeed, many other pioneers invented craft that foreshadowed "inflatables". In 1913, the German Albert Meyer came up with a fairly novel design. By 1920, his company, A. Meyer Bau Pneum. Boote, was marketing his "pneumatic" boats, of which nine were already in use by the German Army.

In France and Great Britain, Zodiac and RFD claim paternity of the first modern inflatable boat. In 1919, RFD's founder Reginald Foster Dagnall tested an inflatable on Lake Wisely in England, and went on to improve its design in the 1930s. This boat was the ancestor of the one-person inflatable liferaft. In France, Pierre Debroutelle came up with a prototype for an inflatable boat in 1934.

The first boat of its kind to be certified by the French Navy, Zodiac's model probably sparked the development of the civil and military inflatable boat industry. Unlike its counterparts, the boat improved by Pierre Debroutelle in 1937 was actually designed in a U-shape, with the two lateral buoyancy chambers connected by a wooden transom patented on August 10, 1943. This version was the direct predecessor of today's inflatable sports and pleasure boats.

Since then many new manufacturers, new models and new designs have hit the market. Inflatable boat are no longer a little dinghy on the back of a large pleasure yacht, but can range up to 45 ft in length and longer. "Rigid" hulls of fiberglass or aluminum have evolved from the original fabric floors, luxury components and even cabins now grace the decks of many inflatable boats. Contrary to the name, inflatable boat, on some inflatable boats of today the only thing inflatable is the collar around the perimeter gunwales of the deck however, the inflatable boat lives on and becomes more popular year after year.

(Information courtesy of "A Century of Air and Water" 1896-1996, a publication printed by Zodiac International on their 100th anniversary)

 

 

Uses of Inflatable Boats

Initially, inflatable boats were developed for use in the navy for transporting torpedoes and other cargo as well as other applications. Over time, recreational applications evolved for the smaller boats including pleasure, tender and fishing. When the stability, flotation and seaworthiness of inflatable boats became more known, lifesaving and rescue agencies around the world began using them as tenders on their larger vessels. Today, rescue and military agencies around the world use inflatable boats, particularly RIBs, for many applications inshore and offshore. Some of the many applications of inflatable boats today include:

....and many other applications.

 

 

Types of Inflatable Boats

Yacht Tenders
This category is ideal for first-time boat buyers, or for anyone seeking a practical all-purpose boat offering maximum safety and stability at an affordable price. The size of boats in this category range from about 6 feet up to 20 feet. There are four distinctly different hull (or bottom) configurations available in a modern yacht tender inflatable:

 The floors of these inflatables consist of a layer of fabric and slats (usually wood) running across the beam. They're usually painted or stained and are about 4 inches in width. The slatted floor system is generally found in inflatables from about 6 to 8 feet in length only, where there is no need for performance. Consequently, these inflatables don't tow, motor or row as well as inflatables with an inflatable keel and v-hull.

V-hull (wood or inflatable keel)
This consists of a separate longitudinal inflation tube or wood keel located beneath the floorboards. Once inflated. it provides a moderate V-keel at the bow of the boats by pushing the fabric floor down and away from the floorboards. Handling and performance is greatly improved as the keel cuts through the water cleanly. An added benefit is the extra buoyancy and flotation it provides.

High-performance hulls
Here is where you go from conventional inflatables to inflatables offering high speed coupled with excellent handling. However, this added performance can often create a false sense of security and may lead to boating accidents. These boats are recommended for more experienced boaters. An example of a performance hull would be Excedo's EVO 490.

Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIB's)
As their name suggests, these boats feature a fiberglass rigid hull mated to an inflatable collar. This allows a conventional deep V-hull shape at the bow, flattening out to common planing sections aft. The concept marries the famous buoyancy and stability of an inflatable boat with the excellent handling characteristics of a conventional fiberglass hull. The larger boats in this range offer a wide range of console configurations, seating and other features such as built-in storage lockers, and many other features typically found on larger fiberglass vessels.

The benefits of the RIB are quickly seen in increased performance and handling, coupled with versatility, stability and passenger comfort. The smaller rigid-hulled inflatables make excellent yacht tenders for larger yachts, while the larger RIBs make perfect watersports or fishing boats, particularly because of their flotation, stability and safety. Many rescue and military agencies have recognized the seaworthiness, safety and stability of RIBs and use them in many applications. Also, many of the RIBs offer removable collars making storage, maintenance and repairs much easier and convenient.
 

 

Design and Construction Features

Load Carrying Capacity
A key feature about all inflatables is their incredible stability. Conventional dinghies and small sport boats rock almost uncontrollably whenever anyone moves about. Inflatables, with their buoyancy tubes, sit flat in the water and are almost impossible to flip over. This offers a feeling of security to even the most nervous boaters and allows swimmers or divers to slide back on board without upsetting the boat.
More buoyancy means bigger load-carrying capacity. Inflatable boats are designed with built-in buoyancy. The inflatable collar, or tubeset, is the key that allows inflatable boats to carry very heavy payloads in a safe and stable manner. An added benefit is that they are virtually unsinkable, and can generally operate even with one or more chambers of the collar deflated.

High performance
Most of today's modern inflatables easily match conventional runabouts for speed and handling, while some of the more sophisticated rigid-hulled inflatables are clearly superior to ordinary fiberglass or aluminum boats.  The big rigid-hulled inflatable superboats are equally impressive. With deep V-keels up forward and flat planing sections aft they can produce an astonishingly comfortable ride in tough offshore conditions, yet maneuver with ease in the tightest dock or harbor.

Non-marking features
Inflatable boats are the ideal yacht tender because of all their basic advantages including: lightness, stability and buoyancy. Unlike regular dinghies, they're easy to lift on board. With special rubstrake glued or thermobonded to their sides, inflatables won't damage or mark your yacht's hull or deck. Purchasing an inflatable tender almost guarantees the elimination of scuff marks and scratches on your yacht forever.

Stowability
Inflatable tenders are much easier to store than conventional dinghies. When deflated and folded into its carry bag a typical 8 foot inflatable measures about 3 feet x 2 feet and weighs about 80 lbs. At this size, you can see that an inflatable tender is easily stowed in a locker on board, below decks or in a closet or shed at home. They're also very convenient to take on picnics or on vacation, even in a small car.

Collar (buoyancy tube) design
A unique feature incorporated into many rigid-hull inflatables is the removable collar. The collar is securely attached to the fiberglass hull using a tongue-and-grove method and can be easily slid off whenever necessary. This system allows for convenient storage, maintenance and repairs.

Lightweight air-floors
Some of the more advanced inflatables feature a special High-Pressure inflatable air floor. Made of two layers of fabric, connected by thousands of tiny "drop stitches", this floor can be inflated to a high pressure, creating a floor with rigidity equal to sheet of plywood a fraction of the weight. Best of all, they can be completely deflated and stowed in only minutes without removing any parts. This high pressure air floor is softer on knees and backsides too.

Transoms
Given the size, weight and power of outboard engines today, the transoms of inflatable boats must be strong enough to withstand enormous vibration and stress. Many inflatables use multi-layer wood transoms that are glued or "thermobonded" to the collars. The result is a high degree of structural strength that reliably absorbs stresses exerted by outboards.

 

How to Buy an Inflatable That's Right for You

Before buying an inflatable boat or RIB, consumers must answer some simple questions about their needs and lifestyle. Answering these questions will help to determine, "Which inflatable is right for you?" Those boaters who are new to the inflatable boat market will be amazed at the wide variety of choices available to them.

What Kind of Boater Are You?
Will you be using your inflatable for sporting activities or primarily as a runabout? Will you spend more time in small, sheltered bodies of water or out on the open seas? Planning ahead for how and under what conditions you will be using your inflatable could lead to a decision to buy a RIB versus a fabric hull model.

What Are Your Storage and Launching Needs?
How do you plan on storing and launching your boat? What is most convenient for you? Inflatable boats clearly have an advantage in providing owners many options for how and where they can choose to store their boats. Some fabric hull inflatable models are very light and easy to transport by car or to hoist on board a yacht. These inflatables are also easily stored in a small space.

RIBs also offer an easier solution to storage than most hard-sided boats, and some RIBs are designed specifically for compact storage spaces.

What Are Your Performance Needs?
Do you plan on using your inflatable as a central focus for sporting fun or an occasional supplement to your yachting experience?

First, consider your particular needs for the boat in terms of passenger capacity. Many inflatable models can carry between four and eight passengers. For those boating enthusiasts who need a larger capacity, RIBs are typically a better choice. Some can hold as many as 15 people.

Remember too that the size and weight of the inflatable will affect its performance. Larger inflatables typically perform better, with improved stability and comfort, and faster planing.

Choosing Your Floor and Hull Keep in mind that the type of flooring you choose will have a direct bearing on the time it takes to assemble the watercraft. There are two basic floor types for fabric hull inflatables from which you may choose. For occasional or seasonal usage, a traditional removable rigid floor is best.

However, you may find it less time consuming to pick a floor that can be left in place for easier assembly. With some models, the owner can choose slats or a high-tech air floor that becomes very rigid when inflated.

If you're in the market for a RIB, look for a deep V-shaped fiberglass hull.

Choosing an Outboard When deciding what outboard is right for your inflatable, you need to ask yourself what your actual power needs will be. Will you use your inflatable for sportier activities? If so, you will need an outboard with at least 30 hp behind it. However, if you think more leisurely activities are likely, then less power may be all right.

Are You Ready to Go Inflatable? Inflatable boats have been around for a long time, but in recent years, manufacturers have made tremendous strides in developing user-friendly, comfortable, stylish models with all the amenities recreational boaters enjoy. Just go to your local dealer, or the next boat show, and see for yourself if the inflatable advantage is right for you.

THE INFLATABLE ADVANTAGE

More American recreational boaters are coming to appreciate what the U.S. Coast Guard, military organizations and many European boaters learned years ago about the unique advantages of inflatable and rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) over their hard-sided counterparts. Whether used for leisure or sport, the innovative designs of inflatables make them easy to transport, easy to launch, fuel efficient, comfortable, safe and easy to maintain.

Here is a quick primer for recreational boaters who may be new to the inflatable boat market. There are two basic types of inflatable boats: inflatables and RIBs. Inflatables, also referred to as soft-bottom inflatables, always utilize inflatable hulls. Flooring options include the traditional soft-bottom units with floorboards, high-pressure air floors, and roll-up models.

Rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs), also known as hard-bottom inflatables, always utilize rigid hulls, such as fiberglass or aluminum. Inflatable tubes, or "collars," are fitted to the top of the rigid hulls to create rigid inflatable boats. RIBs are generally considered hybrid vessels that combine the benefits of traditional powerboats and inflatables.

Growing in Popularity
Today's inflatables are more popular than ever. In fact, for the first time, two brands of inflatable boats were ranked in the "Top 20" report of the most popular consumer searches on BOATS.COM, a leading marine Web site for boat buyers and sellers. The report was released in February 2003. This is a positive sign that more consumers are recognizing the advantages of inflatables, both as primary boats and tenders.

The Top Seven "Inflatable Advantages"
What makes inflatables a good choice for recreational boaters? Inflatables and RIBs are user-friendly, they are designed for safety, speed, comfort and durability - and they look stylish. Here are the top seven "inflatable advantages":

Safety: The large, shock-absorbing inflatable collars of inflatables and RIBs create a highly stable boat that is nearly impossible to capsize under normal conditions. With several independent air compartments in each buoyancy tube, the boat is stable and unsinkable, even with one of the air chambers deflated.

Buoyancy: Because of the large buoyancy tubes, the load capacity of an inflatable is far greater than that of a traditional rigid boat of similar size.

Mobility: Once deflated and folded, the space taken up by an inflatable is so compact that transporting and storing it is extremely easy. Even RIBs are easier to transport and launch than comparable traditional boats because of their much lighter weight. Cars that could never tow a traditional boat can easily tow a RIB.

Fuel Efficiency/Power Ratio: Because of their light weight, inflatables and RIBs achieve excellent performance with smaller engines than would be required on traditional boats of similar size. That means greater fuel efficiency and lower purchase cost for engines, at a time when fuel prices are soaring.

Smoother, Drier Ride: The buoyancy tubes on these boats do a remarkable job of absorbing impact when cruising at high speeds, and they also deflect spray for a drier ride than most traditional boats.

Simple Maintenance: Upkeep on an inflatable is simple and cheap - soapy water keeps it clean, while proper inflation is a breeze with either a foot pump or available auto inflation pump on some models. The buoyancy tubes also mean no worries about dings and scratches during docking and other maneuvers.

And Another Thing - They Look Cool: The crisp, modern designs and sharp colors and graphics of today's inflatables stand out against a crowd of traditional boats. That alone draws many buyers who simply want a different, sharp-looking boat without a custom-boat price.

Courtesy of National Marine Manufacturers Association

        Excedo Boats Canada.....our Boats are inflated..... not our prices