Posted by
CI on Friday, June 01, 2007 10:27:27 PM
An inflatable is an object that can be inflated, usually with air, but hydrogen, helium and nitrogen are also used. The advantage of an inflatable is that it can be stored in a small space when not inflated, since inflatables depend on the presence of a gas to maintain their size and shape.
An inflatable boat is a lightweight boat constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes and a flexible flat floor. Often the transom is rigid allowing a location and structure to fasten an outboard motor onto, and this type of inflatable is sometimes called a "Zodiac boat". Often, inflatable boats are designed to be packed into in a small volume, so they can easily stored and transported to water when needed. This feature allows such boats to be used as liferafts for larger boats or aircraft, and for travel or recreational purposes.
Subject to a great deal of wear and tear from the elements - both water and sun - inflatabl boats are often replaced when they could be restored or even repaired. Products that aggressively adhere to the damaged Hypalon or PVC shell can fix virtually any surface damage through a unique chemical bonding between the undercoat and topcoat that permanently vulcanizes the two rubber coatings together to make the inflatable as good as new. However since the Hypalon material increases the cost of the inflatable up to 15% not all manufactures provide the option. Some, such as the Brig and the Zodiac offer the option between the PVC or the Hypalon wich is recommended for environments of increase heat and sunlight.