Thousands of years ago, the first inflatable boats, made from animal skins, were used for transportation. People used them to cross rivers, ferry goods to other locations, and move military troops. Over time, inflatable boats were adapted for recreational use as well, and for rescue operations. Today there are many types of inflatable boats and over a dozen ways they are used around the world.
Different militaries across the globe helped bring inflatable boats to the public attention, and today the government still uses inflatable boats for troop transport, special military operations, and drug and other law enforcement activities. In addition, inflatable boats are also used in search and rescue operations, fisheries patrol and security patrol. They are also used as tenders on large yachts and ships.
On the recreational side, inflatable boats can be used for diving, fishing, pleasure boating, river rafting, water skiing, and many other water activities that involve a boat. Consumers can also purchase inflatable kayaks, canoes, and sailboats.
Because there are so many different types of inflatable boats and a variety of ways they can be used, it is important to be familiar with the specific operating instructions for your particular model and situation. However, there are a few general use guidelines that apply to most, if not all, inflatable boats.
Inflating
? When inflating your raft or boat, many manufacturers recommend filling each air chamber in a clockwise pattern around the boat, just until the craft takes shape. Then work your way back around the boat filling the chambers to the pressure level indicated for that particular boat.
? If the floor of the boat is inflatable, add air until the pressure relief valve releases a small amount of air.
? Don't overfill. A properly inflated boat should have just a bit of give.
? Be aware that air temperature causes changes in the air pressure in the inflatable chambers. Many boaters fill their inflatable boats in the morning when the air is cool. But as the temperature increases over the course of the day, the air in the tubes expands, increasing the pressure. If a tube or chamber becomes too pressurized, it can explode if struck by a sharp object. You may have to let some air out at different points throughout the day if you operate your inflatable boat or inflatable kayak in the hot sun.
? Most inflatable boats deflate simply by opening the air valves.
Standard Precautions
? Because punctures are the main concern with inflatable boats, it is important to protect if from sharp objects. Use care when transporting diving knives, spears, fishing hooks, and other objects that could puncture the skin of the inflatable boat. Watch for barnacles and sharp metal or wood when tying your boat to the dock, and avoid dragging the boat over rocks and shells when landing on a beach.
? Even dull objects such as oars, ropes, or coolers can cause abrasion and deterioration of the coating material if allowed to rub for an extended period of time.
? It also is important to rinse out your inflatable boat or inflatable kayak after each use. Sand and gravel can cause abrasion and plug air valves. If left to soak into an inflatable boat, salt water can cause the material to deteriorate.
Caring For Your Inflatable Boat
? Cleaning: Armorall and other oil-based products can damage the rubber or fabric over time and prevent patches from sticking. Mild dish soap is best for cleaning your inflatable boat. There are also several cleaners designed specifically for inflatable boats.
? Storage: Because uninflated boats are more vulnerable to damage, many manufacturers recommend that you store the boat partially inflated and covered with a tarp. If this is not possible, completely deflate the boat and be sure it is dry and clean before rolling and storing in the carrying bag. If you plan to store your inflatable boat on a trailer, be sure there are no bends or kinks in the boat.
? Repairs: Sometimes, even with the best of care and safety precautions, your inflatable boat can develop a puncture or leak. Unless you have a major and obvious accident, it may be difficult to determine the location of the leak. While the boat is inflated, wipe it with soapy water and watch for bubbles to form on the surface of the boat as a result of escaping air. Don't assume there is only one leak. Check the entire boat with soapy water to be sure before setting out on the water.
Many manufacturers recommend that you bring your boat to a professional for larger repairs, because it can be difficult to get a good seal with a patch. However, if you have a small puncture or are in a situation where you need to make immediate repairs, follow the directions on the patch kit. Some basic tips include:
-Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the patch -Be sure the adhesive is sufficiently tacky before applying the patch -Choose a patch that extends at least three inches beyond the rip in all directions
If your inflatable boat has rough or cracked areas that are filled with tiny pinhole leaks, this is an indication that the coating on the material has aged or become damaged by sunlight, saltwater, overheating or some other type of wear and tear. While you may be able to patch some of these leaks, it is best to replace the inflatable boat if other areas show signs of wear.
Inflatable boats, canoes, and kayaks have many advantages over traditional watercraft, however, because of their special design and materials, they can require more care and maintenance. But as this article describes, it is not difficult to care for an inflatable boat, and most problems can be avoided by using common sense and by developing a consistent routine. If properly cared for, inflatable boats can provide you with years of service and recreational fun without the expense associated with traditional watercraft.
About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com, providing consumer information on inflatable boats and kayaks, inflatable catamarans and boating accessories. She and her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada's backcountry. The numerous portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of most inflatable boats.
Copyright 2005 Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com
Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.
Tide rips are one of the most common areas to... Read More
The Garmin 160 Fish Finder has some big advantages over... Read More
In night fishing 95% of success is determined before your... Read More
What lures are 4-13" long, been used regularly on the... Read More
Method 1EquipmentI fish baits at all depths, not just the... Read More
For those who are interested in speckled trout, you will... Read More
The ubiquitous Woolly Bugger, never quite spelled correctly to my... Read More
Want To Catch More Fish At Night, Watch the Moon!Sounds... Read More
Lake trout are a type of fish that are completely... Read More
Whether it's the peaceful and serene beauty of being on... Read More
Like most fishermen my age I originally learned about spinnerbait... Read More
MABLETHORPE, is a beach resort on the East coast of... Read More
The name Lake Trout lends a slight misnomer to the... Read More
The thrill of trout fishing! It is the best, isn't... Read More
Everyone who fishes either for sport or fun knows that... Read More
Great fishing supplies are an essential when it comes to... Read More
Many shore anglers avoid fishing rock marks because they are... Read More
Successful Fishing: The mysterious "e" Factor.There has always been a... Read More
Try doing a web search on the words "fishing lodge"... Read More
Finally you've caught the perfect fish. Now, do you know... Read More
Ah, fishing in the rain. You may not like the... Read More
The use of light, either chemical or battery powered plays... Read More
Originally published in Procats Online MagazineSummertime angling for trophy-sized blue... Read More
Dry fly angling is at the top of any fly... Read More
A tacklebox or a tackle bag is... Read More
When visitors think of Orlando and Central Florida, they imagine... Read More
"FISH ON!!"I yelled, as my seven weight fly rod bent... Read More
With the excitement of my first trip to Alaska still... Read More
I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More
Have you ever fished with a Heddon Meadow Mouse? How... Read More
Meanwhile back at the Yurt...Having been humbled by "Hank's" famous... Read More
Picture this; you've spent some time hiking into a small... Read More
In 2004, I fished more lily pads than ever before?... Read More
Saltwater fly fishing is all the rage these days. This... Read More
Steelhead GearLike many things in fly fishing you can ask... Read More
There are several elements that go into creating the ideal... Read More
Have you ever thought why fishing timbers is so productive?... Read More
My young stepson and I was fishing at Rush Creek... Read More
5 Things To Be Careful of When Night FishingNight fishing... Read More
One of the most versatile of all lures, the grub... Read More
As part of an email discussion list I'm part of,... Read More
Fishing on your pontoon boat can be both a relaxing... Read More
Last summer we had an unfortunate incident with a swordfish... Read More
Preparation is the Key To Successful Night Fishing, You Better... Read More
When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or... Read More
We can learn alot from kids.Last Friday, which incidently was... Read More
Fly fishing is addictive. Once you start, you'll never stop.... Read More
If you have ever had the priviledge of hooking up... Read More
The beginner must learn to look with eyes that see.... Read More
Nothing is better than to snap a photo of your... Read More
Take a kid fishing and they will learn to be... Read More
If you are like me, you love to fish at... Read More
Teaching a kid to fish does not have to be... Read More
My first experience surf fishing was with my father on... Read More
Dry fly angling is at the top of any fly... Read More
Competition between offshore and inshore anglers has skyrocketed within the... Read More
I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More
Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do... Read More
Just when you thought you had seen it all. Just... Read More
Six strategies for a good day's fishing(1) Largemouth Bass like... Read More
Perhaps the most rewarding element of fly fishing is the... Read More
Lakes in certain parts of the country contain more than... Read More
With the fourth of July weekend freshly behind us, I... Read More
Finally you've caught the perfect fish. Now, do you know... Read More
Many people know just what type of lure they want... Read More
The next few days in Ohio are supposed to be... Read More
Fishing |