LEVELS OF QUALITY IN INFLATABLE BOATS
THE MAIN QUALITY DIFFERENCES IN INFLATABLE BOATS
FROM LOWEST TO HIGHEST
Welded seam vinyl boats.
These boats have no fabric weave inside the fabric therefore they can not be inflated to the pressure of a boat with a weave cloth inside Also puncture resistance and lifespan is not as good. The upside is they are cheap and will get you on the water.
Glued seam reinforced pvc boats.
These boats are entry level reinforced fabric boats. in most cases these boats have good puncture resistance but do not have the lifespan of better quality boats.
Welded seam reinforced pvc boats.
A welded seam boat will give you a longer lifespan than a glued seam boat as the fabric on the seams is melted together therefore you do not get problems with the glue breaking down.
Another thing to consider is the transoms and floors are usually
not welded. there is only a small percentage of welded seam boats on the market.
Glued seam hypalon boats.
There is no comparison between a glued seam hypalon and a glued seam pvc boat. These boats are made from rubber not pvc which gives them better uv resistance and abrasion resistance and a longer lifespan. I have seen these boats last up to twenty years old.
Please note there are other types of boats out there but these are the main types.
Also not all inflatable boat fabrics are the same quality and weight.I hope this blog helps you understand inflatable boats a little better.
Safe boating
Brocky