Tips on Inflatable Boat Safety

Boating with an inflatable boat can be both enjoyable and inexpensive.  Although inflatable boats offer much in terms of affordability, there is a compromise in durability in comparison to metal boats.  It is important to follow safety guidelines when operating an inflatable boat.

To safely operate an inflatable boat, several guidelines must be followed.

Do not over inflate.  Overly inflating an inflatable boat will cause several structural problems.  First, the material the boat is made of will stretch beyond its intended size, reducing the strength of the material.  Second, when over inflated the boat will not be as accepting of things that it may hit. This means that when inflated properly, a boat may just bounce off a sharp rock, but if over inflated, there will be no give in the material and it is easier for it to be punctured.  Lastly, if over inflated, an inflatable boat may explode causing injury and putting an abrupt halt to fun.

Avoid areas with an abundance of sharp objects.  Because inflatable boats are made of rubber or vinyl and not metal, these are easier to penetrate.  As a result, extreme care must be taken when boating around sharp objects so that they do not penetrate the boat and cause a leak.

Keep a set of oars in the boat.  Even if the boat is just being used to float down a lazy river, make sure to take a set of oars in case of an emergency.  Oars can be used to push away from sharp objects so that these don't puncture the boat and can also be used to steer and paddle when necessary to change directions.

Keeping these guidelines in mind when boating with an inflatable boat is necessary to ensure a safe boating experience.