Pneumatic Appendix

Which inflatable dinghy to choose?

Different types of inflatable dinghies for boats exist on the market, each with its own characteristics. It is important to distinguish between them in order to make the best choice and to adapt it to your uses (boating, fishing, cruising).

• Inflatable tenders with slatted floors are the most affordable in terms of price. They have the advantage of being easy to use, relatively light and particularly suitable for occasional use. They can be fitted with a small motor. For example, Comptoir Nautique offers you the Raid inflatable battened dinghy from Plastimo.
• Inflatable tenders with an inflatable floor (or inflatable "bottom") offer greater versatility while remaining compact, very light and easy to handle. Such is the case with Plastimo's Fun dinghy. This type of inflatable boat is distinguished by its greater motor sailing capacity, thanks in particular to its V-shaped hulls, which make it easier to hold on to and get through choppy waters. 
• Finally, solid-bottom tenders , such as Plastimo's Trail, or semi-rigid tenders, are more efficient for sailing, and can be likened to real Zodiac-type inflatable boats, as they are better suited to high speeds. They are the most comfortable and rigid boats available. Their hard bottom allows you to stand upright, and their seaworthiness is incomparable. However, they are less easy to handle and require greater storage space, as they are heavier, wider and longer. 

You'll also have to choose the type of hull: inflatable V, PVC, aluminum or rigid polyester. Yacht models, for example, are at the top end of the dinghy range, with rigid bottoms, aluminum hulls, high performance in the water, and hypalon tubes inflated at high pressure, high quality and solidity. For example, the Yacht PVC dinghy.

Adapt the size and carrying capacity of your boat dinghy.

You'll find different sizes of inflatable tenders in our catalog. They are distinguished by their passenger capacity and maximum load capacity. These are essential factors to take into account when choosing your inflatable boat.

The dinghy must be adapted to the size of your vessel. The more passengers it can accommodate, the larger the dinghy should be and the greater its maximum load. However, it is important to make sure that you have enough room to transport your dinghy (on the deck, in the hold, on davits).

Also, it is good to know what you will use your dinghy for: simple trips between the anchorage and the port, or excursions in inaccessible areas. You may prefer a boat that is quicker to install a motor.

At Comptoir Nautique you'll also find all the accessories you need to operate your inflatable dinghy, from motors and oars to electric inflators, carry bags, control panels, benches and rear seats.

SOME USEFUL TIPS:

To help you maintain your inflatable dinghy, we offer a few basic but effective tips:

• Strictly observe the inflation pressure. As with your SUP or inflatable kayak, too much pressure can put too great a load on seals and adhesives, leading to problems such as delamination. So check that your electric inflator is equipped with a safety device.
• When wintering, it's a good idea to deflate your inflatable boat. Not only will you save considerable space by storing it in a carry bag, for example. You'll also extend the product's lifespan, whatever its range and construction.
• Rinsing with clear water is a simple yet highly beneficial gesture for your inflatable dinghy. It will prevent salt build-up, which can"stiffen" fabrics and damage inflatable boat fittings.

With all this advice, you can now choose precisely which of our in-stock inflatable dinghies you need: inflatable battened dinghy, rigid dinghy ...