Inflatable Canoes, Kayaks, and Other Personal Watercraft
On the flip side are the inflatable canoes and kayaks that rely on human power
and are used by one or two people at a time. These watercraft often look similar
to their traditional counterparts, but have inflatable bodies, making them much
lighter and easier to transport. They are often less expensive as well.
In more recent years, inflatable sailboats and inflatable catamarans also have
been introduced. They usually range from 12 to 14 feet in length and, like
inflatable canoes and kayaks, only accommodate one or two people.
Belly boats are yet another category of inflatable personal watercraft. These
floats are sometimes called pontoon boats, but are not to be confused with the
large, flat-bottomed craft often seen carrying large numbers of people on area
lakes. Belly boats were specifically designed to be used for fishing and often
look like floating donuts with a seat. Some may have two small pontoons with a
seating area suspended between. Most are less than eight feet long and have room
for just one person.
Yacht Tenders
Falling in between inflatable kayaks and other personal watercraft and the
larger sport and performance boats are the Yacht Tenders. These are typically
inflatable boats that range in length from 6 feet to 20 feet and, as the name
implies, they are often used as lifeboats and runabouts on larger vessels. Yacht
tenders can also be used for fishing, general boating, river rafting, and other
activities where a motor is not essential. Many tenders can be paired with a
small electric motor if needed.
These categories of inflatable boats provide a general overview of the choices
available. There are many variations and unique designs within these categories.
In addition, some larger models of inflatable boats have inboard steering
stations, cabin areas, and other features similar to traditional yachts.
As the inflatable boat industry continues to advance and grow in popularity, we
are likely to see many new and innovative designs in the future, providing even
more opportunities to find the inflatable boat that fits perfectly with your
budget and boating needs.
Back < Hull Designs &
Types of Inflatable Boats
About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for
inflatable-boats-n-kayaks.com. She and her family make frequent fishing
trips to Canada’s backcountry. The numerous portages required to reach some of
the smaller lakes have made her especially appreciative of the lightweight,
compact design of inflatable boats.
Copyright 2005 Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com
|
