INFLATABLE BOATS of the FLORIDA KEYS

Questions and Answers 1-888-207-0011

We at Inflatable Boats want you to get the maximum enjoyment  from your inflatable boat.  More and more, people are realizing the terrific advantage these boats offer in a large variety of situations.  Many different models, using various materials and designs, exist on the market today.  We hope to pass on some of the experience we have gained during our more than 20 years in the business.

These are questions we have received from our customers.  We hope Sharing them with you might HELP YOU PURCHASE, REPAIR OR MAINTAIN YOUR INFLATABLE BOAT.

Q: What material is used to make Inflatable Boats?

A: Inflatables are typically crafted from a fabric that is reinforced with a coating on both sides, creating a material with several layers.

Outer Layer - To protect the boat against the elements and abrasions, this layer must be extremely tough.  The layer must be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) sun rays, as well as gasoline products, water, environmental pollutants and temperature variations. The two most popular products used to build inflatable boats are Hypalon, the registered trade name for a Dupont patented product, and polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC.

Middle Layer - The boat's strength comes from this layer, which is made from a heavy - weaved fabric of either polyester on nylon.  Polyester is more expensive, but will stretch significantly less than nylon and has better resistance and memory.

Inner Layer - This layer ensures that the boat remains air-tight and that the seams are well bonded.  The products used for this layer are usually Neoprene, Hypalon or PVC.

Q: Why do you only sell Boats made from Hypalon?

A: We have found the life of the glue that is used for Hypalon boats will live from 20 to 25 years where the glue used to build PVC boats many times fails when the boat is around 3 to 5 years old.

Q: Will a Hypalon boat cost more than a PVC boat?

A:  A good Hypalon boat will cost $100 to $200 more than a PVC boat and weigh a few pounds more.  Hypalon boats start at about $1200 for an eight foot foldable.

Q: What should I consider when purchasing an Inflatable Boat?  

A:  First you will need to consider how you intend to use your boat.  This will influence the design and size of the boat that best meets your needs.  You should consider:

Q: How much air should I put in my boat?

A:  You can not over inflate your boat with a foot pump. The pump will take the pressure to about 3 1/2 lbs.  The boat was factory tested to about 10 lbs. Pump the boat up hard and let the sun do it's thing. All inflatables perform better when inflated to full pressure. One word of caution, if the boat is made of PVC (plastic) don't let it get too hard in the sun, let some pressure off.

Q: Is it best to store my Inflatable Boat inflated or un-inflated?

A:  If it is a name brand boat it doesn't matter.  A word of caution,  If you have mice or rats in your area they will chew an un-inflated boat into little pieces to make nests.

Q: What size Inflatable Boat do I need if I want to plane four people?

A:   When customers tell us they want a boat that will carry 4 people on plane we start thinking at least an 11' boat, with a 20 - 25 HP motor.  It will take this size rig to do the job right.

Q:  What is the life expectancy of my Inflatable Boat?

A:  A Hypalon (rubber) boat should have a life of 20 - 25 years.  We repair 15 to 25 year old boats all the time.  

Q:  Is my boat worth repairing?

A:  People ask us every day if we think their boat is worth fixing.  Our rule is, if the boat can be made to hold air, and you are happy with it, fix it!

Q:  What are the basics of repairing an Inflatable Boat?

A:  If you need to repair a hole in your inflatable,  the patch should be large enough to cover the hole, or cut, by 1 and 1/2 inches all the way around.  If anything such as a seam or an  oar lock or anything is in the way of the patch then it must be lifted and glued back down over the new patch.  The rule is "You can not place an air seal patch over anything".  Please see our repair instructions on another page.

Q:  How can I remove the mildew from my white Inflatable Boat?

A:  If you have a white Hypalon boat and it looks like it has the blight, get some old towels and cut them in 1 foot sections.  Place a section of towel on the tube where you have the discoloration and poor bleach on the towel and let is stand for an hour or two.  This is best done in the bright sun light.  This will help the bleach work. This process will take a lot of time and a few towels but it is the only thing we have found that even comes close to working.  It may not get it all but it will help a lot.

Q:  My air valve caps leak, what can I do? 

A:  The caps on the air valves of your boat are the final air seal.  Most air valves will leak air with the caps off.  If they leak with the cap on, flush the valve and clean the cap with some dish soap and water. A grain of sand will let them leak.  If you have leaks around the outside edge of the valve, next to the material,  call us and we will tell you how to tighten them.

Q: Is it OK to install a higher horse power motor than recommended by the boat manufacturer?  

A:  Choosing a motor that exceeds the maximum HP recommended by the manufacturer is dangerous, may cause vibration, impede performance and void your boat's warranty.

Q:  Is a Tohatsu outboard motor the same as the Nissan?

A:  Tohatsu Outboards are the same as a Nissan.  The only difference is the color and the name on the side.  Nissan is made by the Tohatsu Motor Company - Tokyo Japan.

If you have any questions about your Inflatable boat, please Email us.  We will get back to you with an answer.

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Have a great day,

Lee

GOT A ? Email US:   ERIC@IBFKEYS.COM