Rigid and Inflatable Boats: Differences and Motor Packages

An inflatable boat (RIB inflatable boat or inflatable RIB) can be the easiest and best way to get out on water with no fuss, easy boating, minimal expense, and most importantly, quick in and out of the water. And inflatable boats with motor packages make it even more appealing for those who are looking for extra speed and range.

Have been in the inflatable boat market for a while and have no idea where to start?

No worries. This guide will explain everything you need to know about inflatable boats. Whether you are a beginner or a pro racer, you will get all the necessary information to help you make a wise choice.

You will also learn some must-have modifications to make your boating trips with inflatable boats to the next level!

Table of contents:

• What is an Inflatable Boat
• Is an Inflatable Boat Worth It (Top 6 Features)
• Differences of Inflatable Boats and Inflatable RIBs
• Key Features of Inflatable Boats
• Key Features of Rigid Inflatable Boats
• Inflatable Boats with Motors
• Best Inflatable Boat Motors
• Installation and Maintenance

What is an Inflatable Boat

As the name implies, an inflatable boat is a lightweight boat containing pressurized gas inside. The sides and bow part of the inflatable boats are usually constructed with flexible and inflatable tubes made from durable materials like PVC or Hypalon.

The biggest highlight of the inflatable boat is its portability, lightweight, and ease of use and maintain. You can inflate the boat for boating in minutes and deflate it (and folds it up) for quick storage and easy carrying. More importantly, it's cheaper than traditional boats.

Some inflatable boats feature a rigid transom which allows you to mount an outboard motor to provide more fun and save your effort paddling.

Thanks to its convenience and utility, the inflatable boat is getting more and more popular in fishing, diving, and leisure cruising. It provides an easily storable and portable way to get you out on small lakes (with less cost). Also, it's widely used as tender boats for large vessels.

Differences of Inflatable Boats and Rigid Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats come in different sizes and types, which serve different purposes. Learning the various types of inflatable boats and understanding their differences can help you narrow down the endless options on the market and find the best for your needs:

• Inflatable raft: This type of inflatable boat is the most basic, coming with air floor and transom. Therefore, it's also called rollup inflatable boat. It's comfortable to sit on and jump around, mostly for general recreational uses like beach fun or floating around on lakes or rivers.
• Inflatable pontoon boat: The inflatable pontoon style boat is made up of two large air tubes connected by a frame or air bladder. In the middle, there is a platform or seating area. It's mostly favored by fishermen for fly fishing.
• Inflatable kayak: It's an inflatable boat in the shape of a kayak (also called a folding kayak), suitable for lake recreation, fishing, river running, or voyages. It's simple to set up and beginner friendly.
• Inflatable dinghy: It's usually used as a tender for larger boats, featuring both oar clasps and motor mounts. It's also popular among RV owners for getting on the water quickly.
• Rigid inflatable boat (RIB): It comes with a strong and rigid hull and inflatable sides. So it combines the best of both worlds, with imporved stability and manuverbility of a traditional boat, as well as the buoyancy and flexibility of inflatable boats. It's commonly used for rescue operations and military applications, also suitable for high speed activities.

Notice: There are also different inflatable boat options on keels (with or without keel) and hull shapes (flat hull, v hull, or deep v hull), so it's important to find the inflatable RIB model that meets your specific needs.

Key Features of Inflatable Boats

As one of the most popular boating solutions, inflatable rafts with air floors and transoms are favored for many reasons. What are inflatable boats good for? Here are the top 4 features that make them a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced boaters.

Materials

Inflatable boats are typically made from durable materials like PVC or Hypalon. Some of them may feature a hard floor that's made of aluminum or wood. And this greatly improves the stability, durability and performance of the boat, making it much more versatile than the regular roll-up types.

To make the boating experience even better, some more advanced inflatable boats have a hard transom which allows the use of a small outboard motor (usually under 10 HP).

The added power helps you get from point A to point B quickly and effortlessly. For example, the popular Spirit 1.0 outboard motor allows you to travel at 4.5 mph (7.3 kph) top speed on the West Marine RU-250 inflatable boat. Click to check out the test report.

Portability

The inflatable boats are lightweight. They are easy to assemble and store since they don't have a hard keel. That's why they are also known as roll up boats. The lack of keel also reduces the cost of the inflatable boat, which makes it an appealing choice for those with a tight budget.

With an inflatable boat, you can inflate and launch it in just a few minutes. When you're finished, it's also easy to deflate the boat for compact storage. If you simply want a simple boating solution for a quick excursion or lack space for a larger boat, an inflatable boat would be a perfect option for you.

Use

Due to the limited range and speed, inflatable boats are mainly for leisure activities such as casual fishing and in-harbor travel. Also, they are preferred to be used as tenders for sailors due to their small size and high portability.

Most small roll-up inflatable boats are not intended for planning since they are relatively small with flat air bottoms. However, if you are looking for higher speed, you may consider inflatable boats with hard floors and V-shaped keels. The added rigidity makes it possible for inflatable boats to get on plane, with easier handling and turning.

Durability

Overall, this type of inflatable boat is durable but may prone to UV and be puncture damage. So make sure you choose a puncture-resistant inflatable boat. Usually they are made of heavy-duty vinyl materials and reinforced by an I-beam floor, allowing you to deal with harsher water environments. Also, be sure to follow the maintenance rules in the manual.

However, no matter how well your inflatable boat is built, it can be puctured sometimes which can cause deflation and sinking. If that happens, a Tear Aid Tape or Inflatable Repair Patches will be a day savor. So remember to prepare one (Type B for vinyl/PVC only and Type A for other materials) in your kit as temporary field boat repairs in case of emergency.

Key Features of RIB Inflatable Boats

As mentioned above, some inflatable boats come with rigid hulls or buttoms. For this reason, they are called rigid inflatable boats (also known as inflatable RIB, or RIB inflatable boats).

Due to their incredible versatility and great performance, the rigid inflatable boats have quickly become the top choice for a lot of marine professionals. Here is why boaters love the inflatable RIB so much:

Materials

Compared with the roll up inflatable boat, the RIB inflatable boats have a more rigid body with the use of fiberglass or aluminum. Generally speaking, the fiberglass inflatable RIB would be more stable than the aluminum counterparts, but also more expensive.

Due to the rigid boat keels, rigid inflatable boats can cut through the water more easily, bringing higher top speed and making it more stable at higher speeds. They generally excel in rough water conditions, especially when you are traveling in the open ocean.

Another appealing bonus for RIB inflatable boats is their ability to accommodate more powerful outboard motors, thanks to the solid support from the rigid hull structure. For example, with the popular inflatable boat motor Navy 6.0, you can go over 40 miles at 5 mph speed. Click to check the full test report.

Portability

The fiberglass and aluminum inflatable RIBs are no doubt heavier and less portable than common inflatable rafts due to their rigid construction. The portability depends on their specific designs:

• Those RIB inflatable boats with flexible fabric floors can be easily folded into a compact shape.
• Some rigid inflatable boats feature a rigid transom and an air floor, and therefore can also be rolled up for quick storage.
• The inflatable RIBs with high-performance planing hulls are less flexible and need to be stored on a trailer or hanging davits.

However, the rigid inflatable boats are still relatively lightweight and portable compared to other boat types. It's all about a trade-off between flexibility and portability versus performance and stability.

With the compromise of extra weight, you can enjoy a lot of amazing benefits that regular inflatable boats can never compare. Just to mention but a few: the greater stability, better performance, and higher versatility. There are even console inflatable RIBs available that feature a complex steering system, making controlling and operation easier than ever before.

Use

The rigid inflatable boats provide a wide range of uses, from leisure boating activities to commercial use (including rescue operations and military applications).

Compared with roll up inflatable boats, the RIB inflatable boats are able to ride through chops more easily with improved range and speed performance. In addition, they are much more stable. Therefore, rigid inflatable boats are suitable for high speed activities and popular with surfers and divers. If you are one of those who love hydroplaning on the RIBs, consider getting a deep-V hull model which adds stability when the boat is on plane.

Durability

Obviously, the RIB inflatable boat is more durable than normal inflatable boats due to rigid materials. It's worth noting that Hypalon inflatable RIBs are more durable and expensive than PVC types since they can last 2 times longer. With good care, you can expect to get over 10 years of life expectancy out of a good Hypalon RIB.

Compared with those roll up inflatable boats, the RIB inflatables are more resistant to punctures but it's still useful to get a patch repair kit for a piece of mind.

Is an Inflatable Boat Worth It (Top 6 Features & Benefits)

New to inflatable boats and still on the fence about whether to purchase your first inflatable boat?

Whether you are looking for a boat for fishing or recreation, you can find an inflatable boat solution for your specific needs.

Check out the top 6 features and benefits of inflatable boats and make a wise decision.

#1. Portable

As mentioned above, inflatable boats are mostly favored by their portability. They are small and easy to travel with. There's no need for a trailer or a dedicated storage space. Just toss it in the back of your truck and roll it out. You are ready for your trip.

#2. Easy to Store & Transport

If you are one of those who doesn't have enough room or storage for a traditional boat or a car to haul a boat, an inflatable boat can save your day.

The small inflatable boat can fold down small enough to fit in the back of your car. Just deflate it, throw it in your trunk and off you go. No trailer with light hookups that break. In the off season, you can simply deflate it and stick it in the garage or basement. Easy peasy.

#3. Versatile

There are different types of inflatable boats designed for various water activities. Whether you are buying a boat for fishing, sailing, diving, or just exploring the surrounding areas, you can find an inflatable boat to get the job done perfectly.

Besides that, some inflatable boats come with additional features to satisfy your specialized needs. For example, fishing rod holders, motor mounts, and other accessories to make fishing easier.

#4. Ease of Use

If you just want something small to float around your local lakes and catch some fish, inflatable boats are a great option to start with.

It's really simple to rig it up. The whole process of inflating the boat and putting it in the water (and mounting the motor while in the water) is pretty straightforward. If you know the process and get the electric pump, it goes very quickly, usually under 20 minutes. And it's extremely stable and easy to maneuver in the water!

#5. Affordable

Inflatable boats are usually less expensive than traditional hard-hulled boats. For example, a comparably sized and equipped aluminum or fiberglass boat would cost a whole lot more than an inflatable one. In addition, inflatable boats are easier to maintain, which saves on repair costs.

#6. Durable

Although inflatable boats are inexpensive, they are impressively durable! Most inflatable boats are made of high quality hypalon. A lot of users reported having their inflatable boats for over 30 years and the boats are still in great condition.

It's true that inflatable boats may spring some leaks from time to time, but they can be easily repaired. Just keep an eye on the punctures when in storage or when taking the boat in and out of the water.

Key takeaway: The benefits of inflatable boats can go on and on, and whether to go with an inflatable boat eventually depends on your personal needs and budget. However, if storage and transportation are a big issue, you really can't beat an inflatable.

Inflatable Boats with Motors

Worried about being stuck in the middle of a lake with all your gears and trying to swim to shore?

With only paddling, you might end up with struggling especially if you're going against the wind. And that's a real safety concern.

Getting an inflatable boat with a motor can save you from that desperate situation!

A motorized inflatable boat is more than an extra piece of mind. It brings your boating experience to the next level, just like a charm:

• Improved performance: Inflatable boats are lightweight, so they require less power to move through the water than traditional vessels. That's to say, inflatable boats with motors allow you to get to a faster speed more quickly.
• Better Maneuverability: Inflatable boats with motors allow you to control the boat more easily. Take the popular ePropulsion eLite electric motor as an example. Just press the start button and twist on the handle, and you are ready to go.
• More Coverage and Fun: An inflatable boat with motor will get you to spots you can't access from the bank. At the same time, you will cover the water more quickly, which means more fun on the water.

That's why a small outboard motor has now become a must-have modification for every brand new inflatable boat. However, remember to take the motor sizes, weight, and cost into consideration in your decision.

Also, keep in mind that you might need to register any motorized boat, even if it's just a little inflatable boat with a small trolling motor. Check your state laws to see registration requirements for inflatable boats with motors.

Best Inflatable Boat Motors

Looking for a reliable motor to power your inflatable boat?

Here are the top 2 recommendations based on customer feedback and professional reviews worldwide.

Both recommended inflatable boat motors are electric outboards, so there's no concern about noise, the smell of fumes, maintenance, and long distances.

#1. ePropulsion eLite

The 500 W / 1.5 HP ePropulsion eLite is designed for inflatable boats and RIBs. This small inflatable boat motor is compact and lightweight (only 6.7 kg / 14.7 lbs including battery), so it's super easy to transport.

It features an integrated battery, so the installation is straightforward without any wiring. In terms of performance, you can get around 1.5 hours runtime and 5.6 miles of range at half throttle, which is pretty impressive and trolling motors can never compare.

	Half Power 250W	Full Power 500W	Sport Mode 750W
Speed (kph / mph)	6.0 / 3.7	7.5 / 4.7	8.3 / 5.2
Max Run Time (hh:mm)	1:30	0:45	**
Range (km / miles)	9.0 / 5.6	5.6 / 3.5	/

Check out what the eLite owner says about this inflatable boat motor in real-life applications:

#2. Spirit 1.0 Evo

If you want a more powerful solution with extra range and faster speed, the 3 HP Spirit 1.0 Evo is a great option for your inflatable boat.

This inflatable boat motor features a 1276Wh large integrated lithium battery for long range and easy installation (without any wiring). It weighs only 20 kg or 44 lbs including the battery, making it portable and easy to transport in a convenient carry bag.

With this inflatable boat motor, you can easily go 22 miles at 4.5 mph or go fishing all day long at trolling speed:

Power (W)	Speed (mph / kph)	Runtime (hh:mm)	Range (mile / km)
35	2.2 / 3.5	12:25	80 / 129
65	2.7 / 4.3	19:35	53 / 85.3
125	3.5 / 5.6	10:00	35 / 56
250	4.4 / 7.1	5:00	22 / 35.5
500	5.3 / 8.5	2:30	13.3 / 21.3
750	5.7 / 9.2	1:40	9.5 / 15.3
1000	6.2 / 10	1:15	7.8 / 12.5

Check out how this inflatable boat motor performs on a tender in the Hawaii Ocean:

Installation and Maintenance

With modern electric motors and battery technology, you can motorize an inflatable boat in just minutes.

Take the ePropulsion eLite inflatable boat motor as an example. The installation can be easily done with 5 steps:

• Step 1. Choose the right location and make sure there are no sharp objects nearby.
• Step 2. Inflate the boat to the correct pressure with a quality pump. It will be much more efficient to do it with an electric pump, but pay special attention so as not to over inflate the boat.
• Step 3. Place the clamp bracket in the center of the transom. If there's no rigid transom, a motor mount kit would be helpful.
• Step 4. Hold the eLite inflatable boat motor with both hands and align the quick-release mount with the clamp bracket damping shaft, then slowly lower the motor into place.
• Step 5. Test the buoyancy of the inflatable boat in the water and make sure the motor works properly. Remember to secure extra oars in case of emergency.

Also, don't forget to properly maintain the inflatable boat if you want it to last long. Here are some practical tips:

• Inspect inflatable boats for damage regularly to avoid accidents while having fun in the water. If there is any damage to your boat, don't waste your time because it will be unsafe to use.
• If possible, inflate a boat and leave it for at least 24 hours, then check if there is any loss of pressure in the tubes.
• Never over inflate your inflatable RIB. It's much more dangerous to have an over-inflated boat than an under-inflated one. That's why some quality inflatable boats feature a pressure relief valve (mostly available for inflatable RIBs) that helps release excess pressure due to over inflation.
• Check and maintain the propulsion system according to the manual. If you want to save trouble, go for an electric outboard motor that requires significantly less maintenance than its combustion counterparts.
• Deflate the boat when not in use to avoid damaging the surface when you or your kids accidentally hit it.
• Before storing the inflatable boat, clean it with soap and water, then wipe it thoroughly and air dry.
• Keep the inflatable boats in an enclosed place to protect them from UV exposure. It also discourages rodents or insects from infesting them.
• Always check and follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. There is no maintenance schedule that suits all. However, you can always easily find the manual online to find all the steps needed to ensure the longevity of your specific boat.