Can Inflatable Boat Be Used in Rivers?
Inflatable boats are lightweight boats that you inflate with air. These boats consist of flexible tubes that allow you to float safely on water when filled with pressurized air. Unlike traditional boats made from wood or metal, inflatable boats are more convenient to use and easy to transport. You can use inflatable boats on most water bodies, including rivers.
However, you should note that inflatable boats are more durable than others and can withstand the strongest of rivers. You just have to choose wisely. Inflatable boats are capable of navigating light rapids easier than traditional boats. Also, inflatable boats are mostly used for short distance travels and rescue operations because of how lightweight they are.
Reasons to Use Inflatable Boats on Rivers
One of the most common reasons people use inflatable boats on rivers is because of their portability. The fact that you can easily inflate and deflate these boats makes them highly popular even amongst fishers. Imagine trying to transport a large boat or kayak in a small car? Also, not everyone can afford to buy a trailer to store and pull along their boat.
Secondly, inflatable boats are cheaper than wooden or metal ones. If you enjoy fishing but are on a tight budget, you can invest in an inflatable boat without having to break into a bank. Also, because of how lightweight and flexible these boats are, you can easily tie them up and store them.
On the flip side, the downside to using inflatable boats on rivers is that they are not as durable as metal or wooden ones. If the river is rocky and rough, you risk getting tears in your boat. So, before purchasing an inflatable boat, you need to know which river to use it on.
Choosing the Right Inflatable Boat for Rivers
When choosing the right inflatable boat to use on rivers, there are several factors you need to consider.
- Types of fabric
Inflatable boats are mainly manufactured using PVC or Hypalon. PVC is a type of plastic that is glued to nylon or polyester. This material is a highly popular choice for inflatable boats because of its durability and elasticity. PVC is resistant to ultraviolet rays and is chemical and water-resistant too. If you love colors, you’ll like that this material is available in a number of them.
On the other hand, Hypalon is a synthetic rubber that is oil resistant and has a great capacity to hold air. Hypalon is a durable and resistant material that is capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. This material is even more durable than PVC, making it more expensive.
- Hull Types
When it comes to inflatables, there are three kinds of hull types: flat, v-hull, and deep v-hull. Flat hulls don’t have a keel, causing them to lack stability and are unsuitable for rough waters. On the other hand, v-hull and deep v-hull types offer more stability, control, and exceptional all-around performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The answer to: “ Can Inflatable Boat be Used In Rivers? ” is yes, it can. Give it’s portability, it is the boat that you should use in the river as the boat tends to move fast. Which in results would save you a lot of time.
Furthermore, if you happen to live in virginia and wanna dive deeper into this matter, be sure to click here to learn more about the legitimacy of using inflatable boats in Rappahannock River.
