Tube Boat
Buying Used Inflatable Boats
There are plenty of online stores that sell inflatable boats nowadays. You have a wide array of choices that sometimes choosing the best one for you is quite a task. In some cases, it is better to source for a used inflatable boat.
How do you choose a used boat? Here is a checklist of the things that you need to inspect when buying a used boat: overall appearance; fabric condition; tube seams; hard-bottom-to-tube seams; bottom seams; transom-to-tube seams; outboard bracket; bottom abrasion inside and outside; valve condition and operation; valve-to-tube seams; oarlocks; floorboards; transom; steering cables; oars and paddles; pump; owner’s manual and repair kit.
The list is extensive as it’s the same checklist for a new inflatable boat. Make sure that the boat is inflated without the engine, floorboard and other things. Check the fabric of the boat. It is alright for a Hypalon to have a chalky fabric but not on a PVC boat. Check that the boat is not coated with petroleum jelly or oil to make it look good. PVC boat is especially vulnerable to silicone-based protectant such as Armourall.
It is not easy to tell from its looks if a boat is made of PVC or Hypalon. Most manufacturers call their Hyaplon boats “Hypalon” but when PVC is used manufacturers tend to hide them behind some obscure name. A seller might not actually know if Hypalon or PVC is used in his boat as it might have been sold under the name Strongan or Decitex or Sevylor. To check, get acetone or nail polish remover and place a spot on the boat. If the wet area becomes sticky after a few seconds, then the material is PVC. If it is not affected, then it’s Hypalon. It is best to test the tube fabric too as some manufacturers make tube fabrics different from the floor and dodgers. It is also almost a certainty that the sport boast is made of PVC when the transom is attached to the hull flange using bolts or screws.
Make sure you check the seams for leaks. You can do this by using water and dishwashing liquid on the seams. If there are bubbles, then there are leaks. Small leaks are fine especially if the boat is a bargain – generally good condition at a very reasonable price.
Check the seams that attach the bottom fabric or fiberglass hull to the tubes. Make sure there are no exaggerated abrasions on the interior and exterior. Check that the transom is not in any danger of separating from the tubes which is especially true in PVC boats.
Air-tight inflation valves should be present in each air chamber. Make sure that the diaphragms inside the valves are intact as these are the check valves that keep the air in the boat. If the boat is old model, you might find it difficult to find replacement diaphragm.
Check that the general condition of the wood- transom, floorboard and oars is sound. Blistered paint or varnish is fine as long as the wood has not deteriorated. Since marine plywood is generally used, you should not have a problem in this area. Check that the oarlocks are in position and not missing.
Check that there’s a good manual inflation pump included in the boat. Make sure that the nipple fits for ease in inflating and deflating. Do not forget the windshield, lifelines, dodger, seats and other mechanical equipment. Make sure the owner’s manual and repair kit is intact.
Get a second opinion. If you are buying a small boat that does not cost a lot of money, then it is alright to trust your own judgment and buy or junk the boat. However, if you are about to buy a big RIB that costs thousands of dollars, it would be to your advantage to have it looked over by a qualified boat repair person or an authorized service center. A boat survey will give you an unbiased list of the things that you need to do in order to bring the inflatable back to prime condition.
Will the expenses be worth it or will it be better to buy a new one? The decision is yours.
For more information about buying used inflatable boats please visit:
http://inflatable-boats-kayaks-and-canoes.com/buying-a-used-inflatable-boat/default.php
About the Author
Flying An Ordinary Tube Behind A Boat
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