What to Consider When Purchasing an Inflatable Dive Boat

Inflatable Raft versus Rigid Hull

You're ready to take the plunge (so to speak!). After several years of relying on the goodwill of friends or local diving tours you have decided that you're ready to purchase your very own inflatable dive boat. Now what to look for! You started your research and here's some of the information that you found on the differences between an inflatable raft versus a rigid hull inflatable dive boat.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each:

• An inflatable raft dive boat is cheaper and when equipped with the right type of floor allows you to place your tanks regulators etc. in the boat with confidence. They are not as fast as a rigid hull boat because of their design and smaller engine capacity. For casual divers in small groups they are ideal. If the groups are too large you would be short of space.
  
• A rigid hull inflatable dive boat is more expensive than a inflatable raft type inflatable boat but it is cheaper than a traditional boat. Transportation is more difficult than a raft which can be transported in the trunk of a car but easier than a traditional boat which is heavier.

That is all very well and good to say, but what other features should I be looking for? You continue your research and uncover the following must have/should have features.

They Are:

• A large open deck so that divers can gear up and not get in each others way. This is a function of how many people are regularly diving with you and how much you are able to spend to get a boat that is the proper size.
  
• A Low center of gravity is always important in any boat. This is usually not a huge issue with these types of inflatable craft. Ask yourself if you will be able to store your heavy gear low in order to keep the center of gravity at the proper place for high speed maneuvering while traveling to your diving destination and move around the boat easily.
  
• Tough construction of the tubes for long life and resistance to punctures from your diving gear.
  
• The proper floor is important for wear and tear from heavy diving equipment. Some inflatable diving boats offer better than average flooring for the diving market.
  
• A place to secure heavy equipment is important. Is there a convenient and safe place that allows easy movement around the boat and secure equipment storage? If you are a diver you need an inflatable dive boat that allows you to transport your gear easily and securely. You don't want to worry when placing your tanks and regulators in the boat that you're going to cause damage to either the boat or your equipment. Your equipment needs to be secured low in the boat in order to not impact the handling or performance while at full speed.

The above while just a taste of the research that you need to do is a good place to start when searching for your inflatable dive boat.

See Also: Accessories for My Inflatable Pontoon Boat

About the Author:
Andrew Thomas is a successful author both on and off the Internet. He is a regular contributor to best-inflatable-boats.com.