Air deck vs Solid Floor Inflatable Boat: Which one for you?

Hey boaty pals, Simon Higham here to help you if you’re navigating the world of inflatable boats, you’re delving into the realm where air meets water in a symphony of buoyancy and adventure! Let’s unfurl our sails, and dive into the nuanced differences between air deck inflatables and their solid-floored counterparts, charting a course through their assembly and the seas of advantages and disadvantages each type presents.

Air Deck Inflatables: The Featherweights

What’s an Air Deck? Picture this: an inflatable boat where the floor itself is buoyed by air. That’s your air deck, mate. No fuss, no muss, just inflate and you’re set to sail. The air deck is a marvel of convenience, transforming from a compact bundle to a fully functional vessel with just a breath of air (well, a few breaths from a pump, to be exact).

Assembly Procedure:

Simpler than a sea shanty’s chorus. With the Seapro airdeck inflatable range just out your craft, inflate the main chambers, and then give the air deck floor a good puff. As it takes shape, you’ll see it’s not just about floating; it’s about providing a surprisingly firm base, akin to a magic carpet on water. Hey and you won’t want to do it without a Genovo Speedy Pump too – they’re the fastest air slinger in the west!

Advantages:

Light and Easy: Like a cloud on the sea, these boats are light, making them a breeze to transport and handle.

Quick to Deploy: No fiddling with floorboards or fittings. It’s just inflate and go, making it ideal for spontaneous sea adventures.

Comfort: The air underfoot acts as a cushion, a boon on longer voyages where the sea’s chatter can tire out even the saltiest of sailors.

check the detailed guide here 

Disadvantages:

Durability Concerns: While tough, they’re more prone to punctures than the solid-floored fleet. Sharp objects and rocky shores demand extra vigilance.

Performance: In the face of choppy waters or when speed is of the essence, the air deck might not hold its ground as firmly as its solid counterparts.

Solid Floored Inflatables: The Sturdy Sea Steeds

The Essence of Solid Floors: Here, we enter the realm of structure and rigidity. With panels of wood, aluminum, or composite materials forming the floor, these vessels offer a dance floor as stable as the deck of a ship. The perfect example of this style is the Seapro Heavy Duty range – this is a RHINO of a boat!

Assembly Procedure:

This calls for a bit more elbow grease. Start by inflating the boat partially, slot in the floor panels, ensuring they’re snug and secure, and then finish inflating. It’s a bit like building your own floating fortress, piece by piece. And don’t forget the air pump – to speed up the process!

Advantages:

Rigidity and Performance: With a solid floor beneath, these boats cut through water like a knife through butter, offering superior performance and handling.

Durability: More resilient against the whims of the wild, they stand up better to abrasions and punctures.

Load Capacity: Ready to bear heavier burdens, they’re well-suited for hauling gear, making them favorites among anglers and treasure seekers.

check the detailed guide here 

Disadvantages:

Weight and Portability: They’re heftier, which might weigh down your spirits when hauling them from shore to sea.

Assembly Time: Unlike their air-filled brethren, they ask for a bit more time and patience to put together, a small ceremony before the voyage begins.

Conclusion

In the end, choosing between an air deck and a solid-floored inflatable is akin to choosing between a swift sloop and a sturdy galleon. My personal preference is for an airdeck if I’m putting the boat up and down each day, and if she’s staying up for a few days I opt for a heavy duty. But whether you lean towards the airy embrace of the air deck or the steadfast support of a solid floor, the sea awaits with open arms. So, hoist your sails, pick your steed, and let the horizon be your guide. Here’s to smooth sailing and the freedom of the seas!