Inflatable Boat Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Dinghy for You

A beginner-friendly guide to choosing the best inflatable boat for your needs. Find just what you need whether you're sailing, cruising, or heading ashore.

Why Choose an Inflatable Dinghy?

• Compact, lightweight and portable
• Ideal for tenders, beach landings, or exploring anchorages
• Can be deflated and stored easily on board

🔗 See our full range of Inflatable & Rigid Dinghies

 

Key Considerations When Buying an Inflatable Boat

Size & Capacity: Finding the Right Fit

When choosing an inflatable boat, size matters — but bigger isn’t always better. You’ll want a dinghy that’s large enough to carry your crew and kit comfortably, but also compact enough to store onboard or transport in a car boot.

Each boat is rated with a Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) capacity. It is often shown as something like 3+1 — meaning it can safely carry three adults and one child.

Always keep in mind what kind of trips you’re planning. If you’re just popping ashore, a smaller boat may be fine. But if you're loading up for longer journeys or need space for bags, pets or beach gear, it’s worth sizing up slightly for extra comfort and stability.

✅ Tip: Don’t max out the capacity — choosing a boat with a little extra room gives you more flexibility and a safer, more comfortable ride.

 

Weight & Portability: Easy to Handle, Store & Carry

Weight can be a make-or-break factor — especially if you’ll be lifting the boat on and off a yacht, hauling it up a beach, or storing it in a locker. Lightweight inflatable dinghies often use PVC fabric and simple slatted or air deck floors. This helps make them much easier to carry and fold away.

All of our inflatable boats list their fully packed weight, so you can make an informed decision. Also consider how the boat is stored — some models come with basic handle bags. Others include rucksack-style carry bags that make life much easier, especially if you’re walking any distance to the water.

✅ Tip: If portability is a priority, look for a lightweight model with an air deck and rucksack-style bag for the best convenience.

 

Choosing the Right Material: PVC vs Hypalon

One of the most important decisions when buying an inflatable boat is choosing the right tube material. The two main options are PVC and Hypalon (also known as CSM). Each has its pros and cons depending on how — and how often — you plan to use your dinghy.

 

PVC: Lightweight, Affordable & Practical

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common material used in inflatable dinghies. It’s lightweight, easy to fold, and typically more affordable than Hypalon. This makes PVC boats ideal for occasional use, especially if you can store them out of direct sunlight when not in use.

Modern marine-grade PVC fabrics have come a long way — with improved UV stability and tougher, reinforced coatings — making them far more durable than they used to be. For seasonal use or casual boating, PVC can be a very reliable and cost-effective choice.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Lower cost
• Improved UV stability in modern fabrics
• Easy to fold and store
• Ideal for casual or seasonal use

Cons:

• Still less UV resistant than Hypalon
• Can degrade faster if left exposed in harsh sun long-term
• Slightly lower lifespan with heavy or year-round use

 

Hypalon (CSM): Built for Longevity & Demanding Conditions

Hypalon (also known as CSM – chlorosulfonated polyethylene) is a premium synthetic rubber used in high-end inflatable boats and RIBs. It’s exceptionally resistant to UV rays, extreme temperatures and abrasion. This helps make them ideal for regular or long-term use, especially in sunny or demanding environments.

This durability does come at a higher cost, and Hypalon boats are often heavier than their PVC counterparts. For many recreational users, this level of performance may be more than they need — but for serious boaters or those keeping their dinghy inflated and exposed year-round, Hypalon is a smart investment.

Pros:

• Outstanding UV and weather resistance
• Highly durable and abrasion-resistant
• Excellent long-term performance
• Preferred for professional and heavy-duty use

Cons:

• More expensive than PVC
• Heavier and bulkier to store
• May be more than necessary for casual or seasonal use

✅ Tip: If you’ll be using your inflatable regularly, or keeping it inflated and exposed on deck or a dock, Hypalon is the most durable option. But for occasional trips and easy storage, PVC still offers excellent value.

 

Floor & Hull Types: What’s Underfoot Matters

The type of floor or hull your inflatable boat has will affect not only how it feels underfoot, but also how it performs on the water and how easy it is to pack away. There are a few key options to choose from — each with its own advantages depending on how and where you’ll use your dinghy.

 

1. Slatted Floor

A slatted floor is one of the simplest and lightest options. It consists of wooden or aluminium slats fitted between the inflatable tubes, creating a basic but functional deck.

Best for: Occasional use, short trips, easy storage

Pros:

• Lightweight and quick to set up
• Easy to roll up for compact storage
• Durable and less prone to punctures

Cons:

• Less rigid underfoot
• Limited support for standing or rougher water

🔗 A great example of this style is the Windward Slatted Floor Inflatable Boats, which combines family-friendly stability with impressive on-water performance.

 

2. Air Deck Floor

Air deck floors are made using drop-stitch technology, allowing them to become rigid when inflated to high pressure. This creates a flat, comfortable, and stable surface that adds rigidity to the whole boat.

Best for: Lightweight performance, solo handling, compact storage

Pros:

• Lightweight and fully inflatable
• Packs down small for storage
• Comfortable and supportive underfoot
• Helps the boat hold its shape in use

Cons:

• Requires a good high-pressure pump
• Can be less resistant to heavy or sharp loads

🔗 A great example of this style is the Windward O2Lite Mk2 Lightweight Inflatable Boat, which combines family-friendly stability with impressive on-water performance.

 

3. Air Deck with Inflatable Keel

This version adds an inflatable keel beneath the air deck floor to form a shallow V-shaped hull. It improves the boat’s performance when under engine power and enhances tracking when rowing.

Best for: Users wanting a balance of portability and performance

Pros:

• Better directional stability
• Helps the boat plane under power
• Still fully inflatable and easy to pack away

Cons:

• Slightly more setup required
• Not as rigid as a full RIB

 

4. Air RIB (VIB – V-Hull Inflatable Boat)

Sometimes called a VIB, this design uses twin drop-stitch air chambers to form a proper deep-V hull, both inside and outside the boat. This gives it excellent handling and stability, especially in chop or swell.

Best for: Confident handling, families, open water use

Pros:

• Deep-V profile improves performance and comfort
• You sit lower inside the boat — ideal for kids and pets
• Excellent rigidity without a hard hull
• Packs away more compactly than a hard RIB

Cons:

• Higher cost than flat air decks
• Slightly bulkier when deflated

🔗 A great example of this style is the Windward O2Lite Lightweight V-Hull Inflatable Boat 2.9m, which combines family-friendly stability with impressive on-water performance.

 

5. Aluminium RIB

Aluminium RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) combine inflatable tubes with a solid welded aluminium hull, offering the best performance and durability. They can’t be rolled up, but the tubes can be deflated to reduce size for storage or transport.

Best for: High-speed handling, beach landings, heavy use

Pros:

• Excellent performance under engine power
• Deep-V hull cuts through chop confidently
• Ultra-durable — ideal for dragging onto beaches or trailers
• Lighter than traditional fibreglass RIBs and corrosion-resistant

Cons:

• Can’t be folded (though tubes can be deflated)
• Heavier and less portable
• Higher price point

✅ Tip: For compact storage and easy handling, air decks are ideal. If performance and stability are your priorities, look at VIBs or aluminium RIBs.

 

6. Inflatable Catamaran (e.g. Aqua Marina AIRCAT)

Catamaran-style inflatables offer a different approach to hull design. They have twin inflatable pontoons running parallel beneath a raised floor. This creates a wide, stable platform with excellent buoyancy and minimal drag — ideal for families, watersports, fishing, or just relaxed cruising.

Unlike traditional inflatable boats, the floor sits above the waterline, reducing spray and improving ride comfort. Their large internal space and impressive load capacity make them a great option if you want room to move around or carry gear.

Best for: Family adventures, fishing, flatwater fun, high stability

Pros:

• Extremely stable — great for standing or moving about
• Large usable deck space
• Raised floor stays drier than typical inflatables
• Surprisingly easy to pack and transport
• Distinctive twin-hull design for low drag and smooth handling

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier than basic inflatables when packed
• Less common than standard dinghies

🔗 A great example of this style is the Aqua Marina AIRCAT Inflatable Catamaran, which combines family-friendly stability with impressive on-water performance.

 

Final Tips Before You Buy

Choosing the right inflatable boat means thinking about how, where, and how often you’ll use it. Keep these quick tips in mind to make the best choice:

• Match the size and capacity to your usual crew and gear — but leave a little extra room for comfort and safety.
• Consider the weight and portability if you’ll be handling the boat solo or storing it in tight spaces.
• Pick the right material based on how often and where you’ll use it — PVC for casual users, Hypalon for year-round or heavy-duty use.
• Choose the floor or hull type that fits your needs — from lightweight slatted floors to high-performance aluminium RIBs or stable catamarans.
• Don’t forget the accessories — a good quality pump, sturdy oars, comfortable seats, and a reliable carry bag can make all the difference.
• Store your boat properly — keep PVC boats out of direct sun when not in use to extend their lifespan.

 

Happy Sailing with Your New Inflatable!

Inflatable boats are incredibly versatile and fun — whether you’re using them as tenders, exploring coastal waters, or enjoying family days out. With the right knowledge and careful choice, your inflatable dinghy will provide years of hassle-free boating enjoyment.

🔗 Ready to find your perfect inflatable? Browse our full range of Inflatable & Rigid Dinghies or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.