Inflatable boats

Puffed up claims or the real deal?

We like to think that the inflatable boat, be it a kayak or canoe (it's really hard to tell since they serve a unique purpose), deserves its reputation as a worthy replacement for more expensive, space-hogging kayaks. They handle well, are easy to store, and have a very wide price range depending on your needs.

Inflatable boats and your garage By far the greatest advantage an inflatable boat has over a canoe or kayak is in storage space. You don't even have to own a garage to store an inflatable boat, but with other options you're either renting a place to store it or it is taking up a huge chunk real estate. Over time, either in convenience or the actual cost of renting storage space, owning a canoe can become burdensome. But who wants storage size to be the reason for picking a boat? You want a boat that is tough, easy to handle, and comfortable to ride in. Inflatable canoes satisfy all these criteria, and do so more efficiently with each passing year. Rudders and skegs increase their maneuverability in flat water, multiple air chambers provide safety from pin holes, and modern materials prevent those holes from happening with any greater frequency than holes in a wood or fiberglass boat. More care is required when handling very sharp hooks, but if you're fishing, chances are you already exercise that care, anyway. Any smart boater knows to keep an inflatable boat patch kit on hand at all times.

Comparative performance and other drawbacks

Naturally, with an inflatable canoe or kayak, you're not going to get the performance of a high quality wood, aluminum, or fiberglass boat. If you are strictly looking to boat on open water, you may want something with more of a keel, such as a folding kayak or canoe. Inflatable boats don't track nearly as well. Also, if you purchase a less-expensive inflatable boat, you're likely going to end up with something that cannot withstand high-pressure inflation. This translates to a less rigid structure and more difficulty in handling.

Finally, inflatable doesn't mean 'no-hassle'. Even those that tout their inflatable boat as an easy model to inflate and deflate are probably understating the actual work required. Getting the air in is usually quite simple, but getting the boat back to that compact package is no small feat. A good pump will go a long way toward solving these problems, but it's still something to consider.