Inflatable Boats & Dinghies

Inflatable Boats, Dinghies & Tenders

Get on the water with an inflatable boat from West Marine. Lightweight, portable and convenient to store, inflatable boats are popular for yacht tenders, fishing, cruising and recreational boating. Explore inflatable dinghies, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), roll-up boats, high-pressure air-floor inflatables and sport boats for a variety of boating needs.

Whether you need a compact tender for trips between your boat and shore or a motor-compatible inflatable for exploring the water, choosing the right hull, floor and material will help you find the best fit. For more guidance, read our Choosing an Inflatable Dinghy West Advisor guide.

Types of Inflatable Boats

Inflatable Dinghies & Boat Tenders

Inflatable dinghies and boat tenders provide transportation between a larger vessel and the dock, beach or shoreline. Their relatively light weight and compact storage make them popular with cruising sailors and powerboaters. Choose a tender based on passenger capacity, available storage, launching requirements and intended travel distance.

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) combine inflatable tubes with a rigid fiberglass or aluminum hull. This design offers buoyancy, stability and improved handling in suitable conditions. RIBs are popular as yacht tenders, utility boats and recreational boats where performance is a priority.

Because the rigid hull cannot be rolled up, consider available deck space, davits, trailer storage or other transportation requirements before choosing a RIB.

Roll-Up Inflatable Boats

Roll-up inflatable boats are designed for convenient transport and compact storage. Many models feature a flexible or slatted floor that can remain in place when the boat is deflated and rolled up. Roll-up dinghies are especially useful for short trips in protected waters when portability matters more than speed.

Air-Floor Inflatable Boats

High-pressure air-floor inflatable boats use an inflatable floor to provide a firm standing surface without separate rigid floorboards. These boats offer a balance of portability, easy assembly and on-water performance, making them popular with cruising boaters who frequently launch and store their dinghies.

Inflatable Sport Boats

Inflatable sport boats typically feature removable rigid floorboards and an inflatable keel for additional hull rigidity and handling. They can be a good choice for boaters who want greater performance and carrying capability than a basic roll-up dinghy while retaining the option to disassemble the boat for storage.

How to Choose the Right Inflatable Boat

Choose the Right Boat Size and Capacity

Consider how many people you'll carry, the combined weight of passengers and gear, and how much room you have to store the boat. Smaller inflatables are easier to transport, while larger models offer additional interior space, carrying capacity and potential outboard motor options.

Always follow the manufacturer's passenger, weight and horsepower limits.

Compare Floor Construction and Performance

The floor and hull design affect an inflatable boat's performance, setup time and storage requirements. Roll-up boats prioritize portability, high-pressure air floors offer a balance of rigidity and compact storage, sport boats use removable rigid floorboards, and RIBs provide rigid-hull performance.

For a detailed comparison, explore our Buyer's Guide to Inflatable Boats.

PVC vs. Hypalon Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats are commonly constructed with PVC or Hypalon-type (CSM) coated fabrics. PVC is widely used for recreational inflatable boats and can offer an economical, lightweight option. Hypalon-type materials are valued for resistance to ultraviolet exposure and weathering, making them worth considering for boats used frequently in sunny or tropical conditions.

Material quality, construction, maintenance and storage all affect durability. Check the manufacturer's specifications and use cleaning or repair products compatible with your boat's fabric.

Choose an Outboard Motor for Your Inflatable Boat

Many inflatable boats are designed to operate with a compatible gasoline or electric outboard motor. The correct motor depends on your boat's transom, hull design, weight capacity and maximum horsepower rating.

Electric outboards can be convenient for quiet, short-distance tender use, while gasoline outboards may be preferred for longer trips or applications requiring extended operating range.

Explore outboard motors at West Marine to compare propulsion options for compatible inflatable boats.

Consider Portability and Storage

If you'll regularly inflate, deflate or transport your boat, compare packed dimensions, assembled weight, setup requirements and included carrying equipment. Roll-up and air-floor inflatables are useful when storage space is limited, while RIBs may be better suited to boats with davits or dedicated deck storage.

Inflatable Boats for Different Boating Activities

Inflatable Boats as Yacht Tenders

An inflatable tender provides transportation between a larger boat and shore. Consider passenger capacity, boarding convenience, storage, lifting arrangements and outboard compatibility when selecting a tender for your yacht or cruising sailboat.

Inflatable Boats for Fishing

Inflatable fishing boats offer portable access to lakes, rivers and suitable protected coastal waters. Look for a design with enough space for anglers and equipment, appropriate stability and the ability to accommodate your intended propulsion system.

Inflatable Boats for Cruising and Recreation

From exploring quiet coves to making short trips between anchorages and shore, inflatable boats offer flexibility for recreational boaters. Choose between compact roll-up dinghies, air-floor boats, sport boats and RIBs based on the balance of portability, comfort and performance you need.

Inflatable Boat Maintenance and Care

Proper care can help extend the life of your inflatable boat. Rinse the boat with fresh water after use, especially after exposure to saltwater. Inspect tubes, seams, valves and fittings regularly for damage or air leaks.

Use cleaners and repair products approved for your boat's material. Before long-term storage, clean and dry the boat thoroughly and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for folding, inflation and storage conditions. Protect the fabric from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat and sharp objects.

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. Inflatable dinghies are available with roll-up floors, high-pressure air floors, removable rigid floors and rigid hulls.

What is the difference between an inflatable boat and a RIB?

A fully inflatable boat uses inflatable tubes and a flexible or removable floor system, while a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) combines inflatable tubes with a solid hull. RIBs generally offer greater hull rigidity and performance, while fully inflatable models can be easier to store and transport.

What size inflatable boat do I need?

The right size depends on passenger capacity, total weight, storage space and intended use. Consider how many people and how much gear you'll regularly carry, and always follow the manufacturer's capacity ratings.

Can you put an outboard motor on an inflatable boat?

Many inflatable boats have a transom designed to support a compatible outboard motor. Always verify the manufacturer's maximum horsepower, motor weight and shaft-length requirements before purchasing an engine.

Are inflatable boats good for fishing?

Inflatable boats can be a practical choice for fishing because they offer portability and access to many suitable waterways. Select a boat with appropriate stability, interior space, weight capacity and motor compatibility for your fishing needs.

Is PVC or Hypalon better for an inflatable boat?

Both materials can be suitable for inflatable boats. PVC is a common choice for recreational boating, while Hypalon-type materials offer strong UV and weather resistance. Your climate, storage conditions, frequency of use and budget can help determine the best option.

How do you clean an inflatable boat?

Rinse with fresh water and clean with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning products that could damage the boat's fabric or coatings.

How do you find a leak in an inflatable boat?

Inspect the tubes, valves and seams for visible damage. Where permitted by the manufacturer, a mild soapy-water solution can help identify air leaks by producing bubbles. Use repair products designed for your boat's material and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How should you store an inflatable boat?

Clean and dry the boat before storage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inflation, folding and packing. Store the boat away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, sharp objects and damaging chemicals.

When should you replace an inflatable dinghy?

Replacement may be necessary when an inflatable boat has extensive fabric deterioration, structural damage, failing seams, damaged valves or repeated leaks that cannot be reliably repaired. Inspect the boat regularly and follow manufacturer guidance for repairs and continued use.

West Advisor: Inflatable Boat Buying Guides

Need help choosing the right inflatable boat? Explore these West Advisor resources for buying guidance and practical boating advice.

• Choosing an Inflatable Dinghy - Compare inflatable boat types, floor construction, portability and performance.
• Buyer's Guide to Inflatable Boats - Learn about roll-up boats, sport boats, air-floor inflatables, RIBs and fabric selection.

Shop Inflatable Boats & Dinghies at West Marine

Shop inflatable boats, dinghies and tenders at West Marine for cruising, fishing and recreation. Compare roll-up inflatables, high-pressure air-floor boats, sport boats and rigid inflatable boats in a range of sizes and configurations. Find an inflatable boat that fits your passenger needs, storage space, propulsion requirements and boating lifestyle.