With the development of recreational industry, the water games and activities have become extremely popular during hot summer seasons. People love to enjoy water-based recreational activities, whether it's summer or winter. One of the most important equipment needed is a suitable boat. For most individuals, an inflatable boat is a cost-friendly and convenient option as compared to other boats, no matter they are used as lifeboat or for recreational purposes. Although inflatable boats are quite versatile due to their flexibility and light weight. However, people opt for different types of inflatable boats for different purposes. Let's take a look at the 5 most common types of inflatable boats based on a variety of factors so that you can choose the most suitable one.

1. Inflatable Raft for Recreation

The first image that comes to mind about the use of inflatable boats is of a man paddling across a lake or river in a small boat. This small boat is called inflatable raft. It's the most common and widely used type of inflatable boats. Inflatable rafts are usually designed for lakes and rivers, their simple structure makes them difficult to withstand currents of the sea. As most water recreational activities like boating, paddling and whitewater rafting take place on inner lakes and rivers, that's why we said inflatable rafts are the most suitable type for recreation. In addition to this purpose, they can also be used as a lifeboat and a mode of transport over small water bodies. The bigger the inflatable rafts, more the features.

2. Inflatable Pontoon Boat for Fishing

Inflatable pontoon boat usually consists of two large air tubes and one seat that is situated in the center of the boat. The seat can be inflatable or a real metal boat seat and the two air tubes are tied together by a curved air bladder or metal frame. They are specific designed and used for fishing, also known as catamarans. Most small pontoon boats are designed for single people, larger ones can carry up to 2 to 4 people. The two inflatable tubes of pontoon boats have a high weight capacity and easy to cut through water, while it's very easy to maneuver so that they are popular for fishing.

3. Inflatable Kayak for Multiple Purposes

Inflatable kayak can be said to be the most popular type of inflatable boats. They are portable, safe, easy to use and durable, can be used for a variety of different purposes including lake recreation, kayaking, fishing, and river voyages. Usually designed for one or two person. Inflatable kayaks appeal to so many people that you may want to read this inflatable kayaks buying guides to choose the best one for your purposes.

4. Inflatable Dinghy for Water Sports

Another most common inflatable boat is inflatable dinghy. It has an inflatable hull of multiple air chambers, and different types of floorings like inflatable, wooden, aluminum. Its transom beam can be mounted with an outboard motor for a faster speed. The inflatable dinghies are rugged, durable, versatile, lightweight and compact enough for one person to handle, can be used on lake, river and the sea. Very high quality and mostly used as a tender for larger boats.

5. Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for Patrolling and Surveillance

RIBs are rigid-hulled inflatable boats. They are an amalgamation of the traditional boat and an inflatable boat. It has the advantages of excellent buoyancy due to the inflatable tubes and easily manoeuvrable and seaworthy due to the rigid hull. Unlike the inflatable dinghies, Rigid inflatable boats cannot be folded or taken apart due to the rigid hull, actually, they are virtually unsinkable. Click here to learn more about the benefits of rigid inflatable boats.

If you want to choose a most suitable inflatable boat for your purpose, it's important to know how they are classified according to their uses. Contact Sunjoy Inflatables to custom your inflatable boats for fun water activities, we offer inflatable banana boats, flying fish boats and SUP boards, too.