YOUR INFLATABLE AND YOU

You no doubt have noticed that in any marina or around anycollection of boats, there is a large number of inflatable boats or 'dinghy's'.Hard shelled boats are a rarity as dinghy's since inflatables are extremely stable, easy to care for and great fun to drive or ride in.

Remember however, that these inflatables are not high priced pool toys. They are relatively expensive, they are well constructed and they are boats under the rules of the waterways as set forth by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. There are clear limits as to the number of people allowed in the boat and how large the motor can be to power them.

OPERATION  and SAFETY

When you look at the requirements in Canada's "Safe Boating Guide", most inflatables fall into the category of Pleasure Craft (not over 6 metres inlength). Whether they be Powered or Not Powered, there is some basic equipment that must be on board your inflatable boat.

Each vessel is required by law to have a Canadian approved personal floatation device for every person on board. There has to be one buoyant heaving line, a manual propelling device or anchor (your oars will suffice), a manual bailing pump or bailing device, a sound signalling device such as a whistle or horn and, if the boat is
powered, a watertight flashlight or 3 Canadian approved flares of Type A, B or C . If you are using your inflatable between sunset and sunrise, navigation lights are also a must.

It seems like a very extensive list but it is for your own safety so why flirt with a possible serious accident. Buy a "Safety Pail" at your local boat store or chandlery. It includes the heaving line, the whistle, and flashlight. The pail is the bailer and you should have the other required items as a matter of the equipment on your inflatable.

With all of this safety equipment in place, you are safe and ready to enjoy common sense operation of your inflatable boat on the waterways of your area.

CARE and MAINTENANCE

People sometimes forget that their inflatable boat needs to be checked regularly for the proper inflation. When it is properly inflated, the boat's structure is rigid. If it is under-inflated, it will constantly flex. The floorboards will chafe the tubes, the engine weight will strain the transom and this constant movement causes undue pressure that slowly breaks down the structure of the boat.

An easy rule of thumb to check the pressure each time you use your boat is to sit on the tube. If the tube holds you firmly with no noticeable depression then it is properly inflated and ready for a ride on the water. To be certain, there are pressure gauges available for more accuracy; however, larger motored inflatable boats provide
these as mandatory equipment.

Keep your boat clean. Various amounts of dirt, grit and sand get onto and into your inflatable. Under the floorboards and keel, this  will become a source or abrasion and serious damage can result if not looked after regularly. Remove the floorboard or inflatable floor and clean thoroughly with soapy water. Then rinse completely, dry and re-install the floor. Try also to keep water from sitting under the wooden floors since this will rot the boards and promote mildew and mold or fungus growth in your small boat. Not only can it be smelly, and ugly, it can be unhealthy for you.

One area often forgotten is the "O" ring on the filler cap. This provides an airtight seal to keep air in the chambers of the boat. It is a good idea to check it regularly to see if the rubber has dried out. Replacing the "O" ring at least once a year is a very good plan. Check too, the inner valves to be certain that they are clean and
working appropriately. Remember that these devices keep the air in to keep you safely afloat.

Along with cleaning your inflatable boat, you should use frequent applications of a protectant for the fabric of your boat. Whether it be made of PVC or Hypalon, the fabric does need to be protected from UV damage. Silicon-based products that are readily available can make your boat difficult to repair or to add accessories. Look for a non-silicone-based product that will be available at your local marine store.

If your inflatable has wooden floorboards, keep them in good condition by making sure that the protective coating (paint or varnish) is well maintained. Sand thoroughly if you have to, but keep a good covering or coating on them so that they are protected from early deterioration and rotting... You will be glad that you did.

Finally, for winter storage, wash and dry your inflatable thoroughly. Deflate, and fold the tubes loosely toward the center but never try to jam it tightly into a carrying bag. Store the inflatable in  low humidity and in a dry area away from hungry critters that sometimes nest and try it out for winter food.

Inflatables are a great way to have extra time and extra fun on the water, but they are boats and require certain pieces of equipment by law. Although they are low maintenance, some simple things are required and by so doing, your "blow-up" vessel will give you years of trouble-free boating and access to many areas that conventional boats will not allow you to go.

Inflatable are offered FOR SALE on Boatcan. Should what you want not be found, click BOAT ALERT. When you complete this area, you will be sent an e-mail when a boat is placed on the website that matches the criteria you have inserted.

Regardless of the size of boat you use... BE A RESPONSIBLE BOATER...

THINK ABOUT THIS... Without a BOAT, 75% of the Earth’s Surface is Wasted!!!!

Author: Dave McPhail,  President of Boatcan