Are Inflatable Boats Easy to Pop?

Inflatable boats are quite versatile as they help you perform various activities with ease. From fishing at the nearby lake to patrolling the river, people use them as one of the primary modes of travel. They are big enough to carry two to three people safely at a time without wobbling.

While an inflatable boat has proven to be more efficient than a raft or a regular boat, there are some speculations that prevent people from using it. Most think it can get punctured easily when it comes in contact with anything sharp and pointed, like a needle or pointed rock surface. If you also think the same, read on to know whether it is a mere myth or the statement holds an ounce of truth.

CAN AN INFLATABLE BOAT GET PUNCTURED SUDDENLY?

An inflatable boat is made from polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is the most widely used material due to its lightweight construction, low cost, and excellent durability. But if you think it is easy to pop, then you are mistaken. In the below section, we have listed some reasons to explain why inflatable boats don’t deflate when they collapse with something sharp.

Tougher and thicker material

Most inflatable boats are made from thick and tough material to ensure they don’t get punctured easily. The PVC sheets used in manufacturing feature high density, thickness, and robustness to prevent punctures. Inflatable boats used for commercial purposes like police patrolling and river rafting are crafted using thick rubber that is quite hard to puncture. In recent times, neoprene is also used for strong fabrication, making the boat puncture-resistant.

Reinforced seams

If you check inflatable boats, you will find reinforced seams that take their durability and sturdiness a notch higher. They won’t allow air to escape and let the product puncture. In most boats, there are double seams to secure the boat and reduce any chance of air leaks and a sudden decrease in pressure.

Improved pressure control

Inflatable boats are designed to improve pressure control and prevent air from exerting too much pressure against the inner walls. They are compatible with a pressure gauge to help you read the values while pumping air inside. This way, you will be able to prevent over or under-inflating the boat and lower the possibility of puncture.

Leak-free valve

Most inflatable boats feature a leak-free valve to ensure the air doesn’t escape when pressure is exerted from the top. This way, the chances of puncture are minimal.

ARE ALL INFLATABLE BOATS PUNCTURE-RESISTANT?

No, all inflatable boats are not puncture-resistant. If the chosen product is made from cheaper material or has a leaking air valve, there is a high chance of the boat getting punctured when poked with a needle or coming in contact with anything sharp. Sometimes, boats can also get punctured if the total weight handling capacity is more than what the manufacturer has recommended. Apart from picking a product made from high-quality material, you should also follow some precautions to avoid punctures and holes. Some of them are:

• While fishing, try to stay away from rocks and boulders in the water
• Always store the boat in proper condition to prevent accidental punctures
• Keep sharper and pointed things away like knives, screws, and nails to keep the inflatable boat from popping

FINAL WORDS

An inflatable boat is quite helpful for fishing, patrolling the waterways, river rafting, and many other purposes. With this guide, we can conclude that they are not easy to pop if they are made of high-quality material and handled carefully.