Inflatable boats have become a choice for many water adventurers. If you decide to buy an inflatable catamaran, you are leaping toward years of fun and enjoyment.
Inflatable boats, such as those offered by Takacat Americas, have multipurpose uses and can serve any need you may have when it comes to boating.
But buying a boat can be a costly investment. Even so, it can be something other than a chancy one.
Below are six questions to ask if you plan to buy an inflatable boat, such as a catamaran. Make these your guide before coming up with the decision.
How will you use an inflatable boat?
Every inflatable boat buyer knows the immediate reason for buying a boat. Some of the reasons for investing in an inflatable boat include the following:
- Recreational use
- Fishing
- Diving or snorkeling
- Rescue
- A support vessel for swimming, rowing, or kayaking
- Tender (a small boat that runs back and forth to a bigger boat)
As mentioned, buying an inflatable boat can be an expensive investment. But, you must think long-term to make this an excellent one.
Do you want to get an inflatable boat for relaxation purposes? Then, there may be better options than a speedy inflatable catamaran.
The key is choosing one that best suits your lifestyle and your needs.
What are the different uses of an inflatable boat?
Inflatable boats are useful for several reasons. From recreational use to rescue missions, these boats are among the most reliable vessels on the market today.
Recreational Vehicle
Portable boats are popular with the water-loving RV crowd. With an inflatable boat, you can perform many tasks, from using it as a fishing boat to a row boat.
Once you unpack an inflatable boat, you can assemble it in 15 minutes with a hand pump or an electric air pump. When you finish using it, you just unplug it.
You can use it for swimming, cruising, or any relaxing water adventure. If you have kids, you can use it to tow a tube on lakes and during low tides.
Fishing
An inflatable boat with the appropriate set-up is perfect for fishing. An inflatable catamaran boat can be ideal, with its open front design that leads to an enormous inside space. In contrast, traditional dinghies have a closed V-shape design.
The flat bottom design of a catamaran enables a boater to walk without restrictions on the whole floor area. It allows the boat to remain afloat on the water without any changes.
The boater can stay in the front or back part of the boat with confidence. It is because an inflatable catamaran boat has two tubes that provide maneuverability.
Diving
When it comes to diving, an inflatable boat is easier to use than a small traditional boat, and the reason is an inflatable boat provides more stability than conventional boats.
Rowboats, canoes, and dinghies are prone to capsize or flip since they can be unstable as a platform. Some rigid boats may provide stability, but they can be too high. They often need a ladder for the diver to board back in the boat.
An inflatable boat offers more stability than a diving platform. But if you want to suit up on an inflatable boat, you would need one with a larger floor area for your diving equipment.
When you dive, you will need to tow a float with a diver-down flag since most states in the U.S. require it. A lightweight inflatable boat can serve as your float because it has a low drag resistance.
Rescue missions
Inflatable boats are integral to marine rescue missions. Authorities use them due to their efficiency and lightweight features.
It is easy to launch them from the shore regardless of the weather. Their durability also ensures they can carry the equipment needed for rescue missions.
Their hull structures provide stability on the water. These structures are also reliable in transporting passengers and equipment during rescue operations.
How fast do you want the boat to go?
Inflatable boats have different options in terms of weight, size, motor, hull design, or flooring. All these factors are crucial in how fast an inflatable boat can go.
A catamaran has a more balanced performance on the water and can travel faster than a multi-hull boat. With Takacats, the longer the boats you choose, the faster they will be.
Inflatable catamarans can have fast and stable builds, depending on their features. These allow them to glide over water for smooth and quick travel. They utilize a catamaran hull design, so they have a less wetted surface and are more efficient on the water.
If you want more efficiency, get an electric outboard or a 6hp gas outboard with your inflatable catamaran. It is lightweight and makes the boat travel faster.
What boat material should I choose?
The two most commonly used materials for inflatable boats today are PVC (or polyvinyl chloride) and CSPE, also known as chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber.
PVC is a strong, lightweight, flexible, and waterproof plastic. CSPE is also strong and durable and can resist abrasion and endure extreme temperatures.
PVC is lighter than CSPE, which makes it more convenient and easier to store or transport. CSPE is resistant to almost everything, which makes it stronger than PVC.
As to price, PVC offers more options for boating enthusiasts who want a boat for recreational activities or seasonal water events.
One reason why PVC boats are more affordable is because of mass production. They are easier to produce than CSPE boats so manufacturers can sell PVC boats at more affordable prices.
To sum up, PVC is popular because it is strong, durable, lightweight, and more affordable than the pricey CSPE variety. With proper maintenance and care, PVC boats can last longer. For the budget-conscious, it may be the practical option.
How easy is it to inflate or deflate?
With most inflatable boats, you can inflate them in an hour or two. Some require quick and easy assembly without dealing with complex floorboard systems.
If you have a supplied manual pump, you can inflate the boat in about 15 minutes, depending on its size. If you use an electric pump, you can finish inflation in 10 minutes.
Deflating an inflatable catamaran also takes little time. Depending on the system of your boat, you can easily remove the air from the craft in minutes for quick storage or transport.
How much are you willing to spend?
In the end, budget is the main factor when buying an inflatable boat. Inflatable boats can cost anywhere from less than $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the brand and features.
A more affordable option can get you a durable and stable inflatable boat made with PVC and has extra reinforcement. Most of these are for light water activities, such as float fishing or recreational boat riding.
The more expensive ones have excellent features that will likely come in handy when you are at sea. These are often top-rated boats with high-quality material, more space, easy assembly, and more features.
Final Thoughts
The choice you make depends on your purpose. If you want to buy a boat for recreational activities, choose one designed for such a function. If you need one for rescue missions, go with one that can withstand rigorous use.
Price should not be the top factor when deciding to buy a boat. The classic adage goes, “You get what you pay for.” Still, you can find an excellent buy when you compare features, functionality, and prices.
Quality and functionality, without the hefty cost, are the ideal factors to consider before a boat purchase. This way, you and your family can have years of enjoyment and adventures with your inflatable boat.