Inflatable Boats
Inflatable Boats, Dinghies & Tenders
Get on the water with an inflatable boat from West Marine. Lightweight, portable, and easy to store, inflatable boats are versatile options for use as yacht tenders, dinghies, fishing boats, recreational boats, and transportation between your boat and shore. Shop inflatable dinghies, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), roll-up boats, air-floor inflatables, sport boats, and outboard-compatible inflatable boats for a variety of boating needs.
Types of Inflatable Boats
Inflatable Dinghies & Boat Tenders
Inflatable dinghies and boat tenders provide convenient transportation between a larger boat and the dock, beach, or shoreline. Their lightweight construction and compact storage make inflatable tenders popular with cruising boaters and sailors who need a smaller boat that can be carried aboard or stored when not in use.
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)
Rigid inflatable boats, commonly called RIBs, combine inflatable tubes with a rigid hull. The rigid bottom provides added performance and handling while the inflatable tubes provide buoyancy and stability. RIBs are popular as yacht tenders, recreational boats, fishing boats, and utility boats.
Roll-Up Inflatable Boats
Roll-up inflatable boats are designed for portability and convenient storage. When deflated, many models can be packed into a carrying bag and transported or stored in relatively little space. This makes them useful for boaters who have limited storage aboard their vessel, at home, or in a vehicle.
Air-Floor Inflatable Boats
Air-floor inflatable boats use a high-pressure inflatable floor to provide a firm surface while maintaining the portability of a fully inflatable design. Compared with heavier rigid-floor options, air-floor boats can be easier to assemble, transport, and store while still providing a stable platform for boating and tender use.
Inflatable Sport Boats
Inflatable sport boats combine portability with the ability to use a compatible outboard motor. Depending on the model, these boats can be used for transportation, fishing, exploring, or recreational boating. Always follow the manufacturer's specifications for passenger capacity, weight capacity, and maximum horsepower.
How to Choose an Inflatable Boat
Choose the Right Inflatable Boat Size
Consider how many people you expect to carry, available storage space, total weight capacity, and how you plan to use the boat. Smaller inflatable dinghies are easier to transport and store, while larger models can provide additional passenger capacity, interior space, and outboard motor options.
Consider Floor Construction
The floor is an important consideration when choosing an inflatable boat. Roll-up floors prioritize portability, air floors provide a balance of rigidity and lightweight storage, and rigid-hull inflatable boats offer increased hull performance. Choose the design that best matches your storage, transportation, performance, and boating requirements.
Choose an Outboard Motor for Your Inflatable Boat
Many inflatable boats are designed for use with an outboard motor. The appropriate motor depends on the boat's size, transom design, weight, and manufacturer-rated horsepower capacity. Never exceed the maximum horsepower or weight limits listed for your inflatable boat.
Consider Portability & Storage
If you'll regularly inflate, deflate, or transport your boat, consider its packed dimensions, weight, setup requirements, and included carrying equipment. Roll-up and air-floor inflatables can be especially useful for boaters who prioritize compact storage.
Inflatable Boats for Different Uses
Inflatable Boats as Yacht Tenders
An inflatable tender provides a convenient way to travel between a larger boat and shore. When choosing a tender, consider the number of passengers, storage location, davit or lifting requirements, outboard motor compatibility, and the distance you expect to travel.
Inflatable Boats for Fishing
Inflatable boats for fishing provide a portable platform for accessing lakes, rivers, protected coastal areas, and other fishing locations. Consider interior space, stability, motor compatibility, equipment storage, and the type of water where you plan to fish.
Inflatable Boats for Cruising
Cruising boaters often choose inflatable dinghies because they can provide transportation to shore without requiring a large secondary boat. Depending on available deck space and storage, boaters can choose between compact roll-up inflatables, air-floor models, and rigid inflatable tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inflatable Boats
What is an inflatable dinghy?
An inflatable dinghy is a small inflatable boat commonly used as a tender for a larger vessel or for recreational boating, fishing, and transportation. Inflatable dinghies are available with different floor and hull designs, including roll-up floors, high-pressure air floors, and rigid hulls.
What is the difference between an inflatable boat and a RIB?
A traditional inflatable boat uses inflatable tubes along with a removable or inflatable floor, while a rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, combines inflatable tubes with a rigid hull. RIBs generally provide greater hull rigidity and performance, while fully inflatable models can offer easier storage and portability.
What size inflatable boat do I need?
The right size depends on passenger capacity, weight capacity, available storage, desired motor size, and how you plan to use the boat. A compact inflatable may work well for one or two people, while larger tenders provide additional room for passengers, gear, and supplies.
Can you put an outboard motor on an inflatable boat?
Many inflatable boats include a transom designed to accept an outboard motor. Always check the manufacturer's maximum horsepower and motor-weight specifications before selecting an outboard for your inflatable boat.
Are inflatable boats good for fishing?
Inflatable boats can be useful for fishing because they are portable, stable, and available in sizes suitable for lakes, rivers, protected coastal waters, and other fishing environments. Choose a model based on the water conditions, number of anglers, equipment requirements, and desired motor capability.
How do you clean an inflatable boat?
Rinse your inflatable boat with fresh water after use, especially after boating in saltwater. Clean it with mild soap and water using a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh cleaners unless they are specifically approved for your boat's material, and allow the boat to dry before long-term storage.
How do you find a leak in an inflatable boat?
Inflate the boat and inspect the tubes, valves, and seams. A solution of mild soapy water can help locate small air leaks because bubbles may form where air is escaping. Follow the boat manufacturer's repair instructions and use a repair product compatible with the inflatable material.
How should you store an inflatable boat?
Clean and dry the boat thoroughly before storage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding inflation or deflation, folding, and storage. Keep the boat in a clean, dry area away from excessive heat, prolonged sunlight, sharp objects, and chemicals that could damage the material.
When should you replace an inflatable dinghy?
Consider replacement when the boat develops repeated leaks, deteriorating seams, damaged valves, brittle or significantly degraded fabric, structural damage, or other problems that can no longer be reliably repaired. Inspect your inflatable regularly and follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and repair.
Shop Inflatable Boats & Dinghies at West Marine
Shop inflatable boats at West Marine for cruising, fishing, recreation, and tender use. Compare inflatable dinghies, boat tenders, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), roll-up inflatables, air-floor boats, and inflatable sport boats in a variety of sizes and configurations. Find an inflatable boat that fits your vessel, storage space, passenger needs, and boating lifestyle at West Marine.
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