by A.J. (Jib) McMasters
Inflatables are very popular. The reason for their success is several-fold. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to store, tough and long-lived (12 to 15 yrs.) and easy to maintain. But like everything else, they last longer and perform better if you treat them right. Boatmen who have not had experience with inflatables often wonder whether the boat won’t pop if they hit a sharp object. The heavyweight cloth used in the top brands is ripstop nylon which, of course, is rot-free. The water-proofing is a neoprene/hypalon mixture which has demonstrated long life. There is only 2 to 3 lbs. of pressure in the tubes so even if they’re slashed with a knife, the air only oozes out. In water it is almost impossible to damage an inflatable. It is around shore that problems occur. Heres how to take care of them.
