How to Choose the Best Inflatable Raft

by admin on 06. Jul, 2010 in Inflatable Rafts

Simply type “inflatable raft” in online search engines will give you too many responses to check. Even if you try other words such as inflatable boats or dinghies, you will still end up with too many results. So how on earth are you going to buy the best inflatable raft for your needs?

The first step is to plan. Determine where you are going to use the inflatable raft. Is it for the calm and slow-moving lake at the end of your village? Or are you going to try your experiences with death-defying stunts on gushing wild rivers?

Figure 1: Inflatable raft with one seat cushion at the rear part.

Another consideration is the inflatable rafts’ capacity. Are you going solo or you would like to have your intimate friends and families with you? There are inflatable rafts that go from narrow one-seater to as big as jumbo twelve-seater rafts that you can choose from. Each type of rafts renders different capability features and uses so be sure to check the written specifications attached to that raft you have been targeting as your best inflation raft.

Next is to decide on the inflatable rafts’ structure. Some have rigid aluminum sheets for added sturdiness. This is heavier compared to those that have none. It may also take up a lot more storage space. However, 100% inflation rafts are just as stable against its rigid counterparts, provided that you are only going to use it for simple water exercises. Again, it is important to know how and where you are going to use the raft so that it can serve its designed purpose without costing too much.

Traditional rigid boats can be expensive to maintain and repair. That is why most people have chosen inflatable rafts as their best choice. However, as with all equipment, proper maintenance is necessary to keep the inflatable rafts working.

There are improvements in the modern inflatable rafts. Some manufactures have made clear-bottomed inflatable rafts for added excitement and fun to the usual water activities. Included also are rechargeable lights for better viewing. Some models can carry as many as 4 people, equivalent to around 700-pound capacity. These best inflatable rafts come to around 35 pounds when deflated, making it portable during travelling.

One important requirement for a best inflatable raft is an air or hand pumps. When choosing your pumps, be sure that is the recommended and well suited for your inflatable rafts. A good pump can inflate a four-person seater raft in as little as 10 minutes. Smaller inflatable rafts should take much even faster response time.

Best inflation raft doesn’t necessarily translate to expensive inflatable raft. In the same manner, low quality rafts are not the cheapest ones. Some high-priced inflatable rafts may come with high-priced after-service too, and then you will realize that it is overqualified to your needs. It all boils down in the adequate planning and information on the product that will enable you to have your own best inflation raft.

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Looking for a Cheap Inflatable Raft?

by admin on 09. Jul, 2010 in Inflatable Rafts

Figure 1: Sophisticated inflatable models with all-around grab ropes and inflatable seat cushions for added comfort

Due to gained popularity and recognition of inflatable rafts, companies worldwide made continuous efforts to put down prices in order to reach larger markets. In the early days, inflatable rafts were considered a luxury as many could not afford to buy one. However, due to improvement in technology and benefits of mass manufacturing, the heavy cash-out for inflatable rafts has substantially gone down. Initially, countries like US and Canada are the leaders in cheap inflatable rafts and inflatable kayaks. Nowadays, even Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Korea and mainland China have infiltrated the markets and some of their products boost superiority over its predecessors and counterparts.

There are several types and models available in the market today. Simple and affordable inflatable rafts for swimming and indoor pools may be bought for as low as 5 dollars. Durable and sturdy inflatable fishing rafts can go from $50 to $1150, depending on capacity and versatility of the product. Specialized inflatable rafts may be more expensive.

Several factors are needed to be considered before buying one. First, you need to know where and how you are going to use it. The environment plays a significant factor either to lengthen or shorten the life span of an inflatable raft. A $5-raft will not stand rocky and shallow rivers.

Next step entails on the factor of capacity. Do you want the raft big enough to accommodate your close friends and families during your annual holiday water excursion? Or you prefer to enjoy peace and solitude? Capacity is very important since we do not want to overload the inflatable rafts as this is one major cause of incidents and accidents. Overloaded inflatable rafts may capsize or burst beyond economical repair.

Consider also the attachments such as lightweight or compact motors, aluminum oars and even seat cushions. If you think that you can do away with such items, you may ask the seller to remove them from your inflatable raft and offset the price.

Once you have decided on a certain inflatable raft model, check if there are customer feedbacks regarding on that particular model. Does it do well its intended function? Does it live up to its reputation? Or are there issues with the inflatable raft? Cheap inflatable raft may come with heavy repair and maintenance cost due to frequency and severity of damaged parts.

Is the after-sales service commendable? Are the auxiliary parts easily available when needed? Does the inflatable raft come with a warranty package?

These questions and more are needed to be answered as exhaustive as possible. You want a cheap inflation raft but chances are you will not risk or compromise safety, unless you perceive safety issues as inconveniences.

“If you think safety is expensive, then try an accident.”


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Inflatable Fishing Raft: An Indispensable Tool

by admin on 15. Jul, 2010 in Inflatable Rafts

So you have decided to pick up another hobby? You found that what interest you most are the living water vertebrates commonly called by other folks as fish. But wait, you already have your fishing rod and baits. What about your raft?

Good thing that there are inflatable fishing rafts that is capable enough to bring you to those places teeming with live fish and other aquatic sights. But you must be asking yourself, why should you buy inflatable rafts over conventional and more rigid-looking paddled boats? Fret no more, as I give you reasons enough to pitch the whole idea in and make you scramble your way towards the nearest inflatable boat suppliers.

Conventional fishing boats costs more on marina and docking expenses than inflatable fishing rafts. Transporting and handling of rigid boats can also be cumbersome. On the other hand, deflated rafts can fit inside average-sized car trunks. Air pumps are also not a problem. Most hardware stores offer one for your convenience.

If you’re worried about punctures, then you should know that the materials used in fabrication of inflatable fishing rafts is durable and strong enough to resist punctures and pin holes. It is also UV-resistant to prevent premature wrinkles on the raft’s skin. Inflatable fishing rafts also come with warranties in case of defects and if in case that the product did not performed to its intended function. When your raft’s warranty has already expired, there are repair kits available for your own use or you may bring your raft to professional repair shops.

You are still hesitant because it is air pressured?  That it can be a one-time big time in case of a major air leak? Well actually, that is not the case. You see, inflatable fishing rafts are made of assembled air chambers and not as one big-shaped balloon.  These chambers hold approximately the same amount of air and air-pressure. That means, even if your left side got punctured because of some nasty protruding nails floating innocently on your waterways, your inflatable fishing raft will not sink.

You will not be the first one to realize how useful inflatable products can be. Inflatable boats have been widely used by naval coast guards to save countless lives during emergencies. Airplanes have emergency inflatable escape slides mounted on their doors to be used when necessary. White-water rapids competition makes use of inflatable canoes and kayaks to paddle their way to win. Families have used inflatable rafts for their bonding activities. So why should you be left out?

Figure 2: Fishing in a calm lake using an inflatable fishing raft.

Inflatable fishing rafts come in different models, specifications and types that will suit your budget. Some have the capacity to carry 4 people, and even more. Some have mounted electric motors. Some have rotating oar locks for your convenience.

Now that you have seen and marveled at the wonderful benefits of inflatable fishing rafts, then head out to your nearest marina supply dealers and get one for your satisfaction.

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What are Inflatable Rafts?

by admin on 24. Jul, 2010 in Inflatable Rafts

Rafts are transport mediums used over water bodies such as rivers and lakes. You may distinguish a raft from a boat primarily because of the construction design. Boats have hulls, or the distinguished body frame like a bath-tub curve. The shape of the boat enables it to stay afloat. Rafts, on the other hand, are flat in nature. It uses the natural buoyancy of its materials to keep it from sinking. Some of the classic materials used in rafts are tied logs or airtight barrels. Movement along the water is more of like a gliding effect thru the use of poles or boat oars. This was the predecessor of the modern inflatable rafts.

Modern inflatable rafts uses reinforced fabric made out of rubber or plastics, that is capable to hold air pressure. The air inside the inflatable rafts maintains the buoyancy, even if the materials and the cargo above it are much denser than water.  Some inflatable rafts have aluminum or steel sheets as the flooring. This forms the keel or the main structure of the raft to which all materials are attached to. Instead of rubberized plastics, PVCs are much more favored as fabric materials for modern rafts since PVCs tend to lessen drag.

Figure 1: Sample Inflatable Raft

(During our physics days, we know that Newton has three natural laws. The third of which is that for every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Drag is the opposite force for speed. )

Inflatable rigidity is also important. We don’t want our inflatable rafts to become so unyielding that it makes storage problems.  However, we want them strong enough to withstand constant abrasion and water strength.

The smallest commercially available rafts are enough for two passengers. It is very important to know the design capacity of inflatable boats. Overcapacity may give disastrous effect, both to the passengers and to the raft itself.

The main issues with classic rafts are maneuverability, maintenance costs and safety. Improved designs of inflatable rafts address those concerns.  Some rafts manufacturers even boast of capability to maintain water stability so that the chances of capsizing are close to nil. An inflatable raft does not require docking expenses. In addition, some inflatable rafts are capable of navigating on shallow areas and narrow waterways compared to rigid boats.

Figure 2: Inflatable boats in white water rapids.

Inflatable rafts nowadays are driven by outboard motors. Inflatable boats are also known by other terms such as rubber dinghy or simply inflatable.

The first written record that humans have used inflatable rafts was during the Assyrian period on 9th century BC. These were made from greased animal skins as fabric to prevent it from soaking water in. The Chinese have also made their own types inflatable rafts.

As human’s needs and interest evolves, so is the technology. The initial uses of inflatable rafts have gone a long way – from simple river crossing to extreme water adventures. It is important to know which of the available inflatable rafts will suit your needs to maximize its uses and stated benefits. You may refer to manufacturer’s specification for this information.

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Practical Advice on Using Inflatable Boats

by admin on 03. Sep, 2010 in Inflatable fishing rafts

Practical Advice on Using Inflatable Boats

The lightweight inflatable boat has become a household item today for many reasons. Due to its size and weight inflatable boats are portable and they do not require a large storage area.  When deflated it can be easily stored in a bag and kept in a corner or even in the boot of your car until next use. Due to its low cost and many other advantages the demand for inflatable boats has risen. It is an ideal boat for fishing, leisure rides and water sports activities such as kayaking and white water rafting. These boats are also commonly used today as dive boats, life rafts, for military purposes and as rescue crafts. 

Inflatable boats are made out of reinforced fabric which will not be damaged by stones or sticks. Although the boat is lightweight it is strong enough to carry at least 6 adults without any risk. The light weight of the boat is another reason for its low fuel consumption. Little power is needed to start the boat therefore only a small amount of fuel will be needed. It has two large buoyancy tubes on either side which contain pressurised gas. With the help of these tubes the inflatable boat can stay stable on water without toppling over. 

Inflatable boats are easy to purchase because of their low price. Maintaining the boat won’t be an issue since spares are easily available at stores. Also regular servicing is a must since it will definitely lengthen the lifespan of your boat.  However there are few important things to know before you put the boat into water. 

It is advisable to check the weather conditions always to know about local current and wind conditions. It is a good practice to tell somebody the time you plan to return. If you’re taking any passengers, they should know about the basic operations of the boat. It is also better if you accompany someone else who knows how to man the boat. Check the inflation pressure levels according to the manual. Tighten all the clamps in the motor before you set off and inspect all the valve caps. Engine clamps should be checked even after you start the engine. It is very important that the safety stop switch is working. Never leave without topping the fuel and always start your trip with a full tank and take a spare can of fuel along with you. 

When you are having passengers make sure to carry personal floating devices for each person, tools, paddles, oars and a foot pump and carry the boating license always. The passengers should be seated on the wooden seat so that there is proper balance. Once you’re on your way be watchful to man the boat smoothly avoiding any sudden jerks. 

After returning from your trip, follow the guidelines in the manual to deflate the air properly. Open all the valves and let the air go out slowly. Do not attempt to fold it while the air is still remaining.  Make sure you attend to any small repair immediately before it takes too long in order to avoid major damage. Proper care and regular servicing of your inflatable boat will indeed save lot of money and time.

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