What are Dinghy Boats?
In boating terminology, the word “dinghy” is used to describe a huge variety of small boats. Dinghies come in various types, from the classic plywood rowboat to fibreglass, aluminum, composite, or inflatable construction. Dinghies can be powered by a low-horsepower outboard motor, rowed with oars or sailed with a removable mast and boom.
They are often used as safety vessels for larger boats in case of an emergency. They are your perfect multipurpose boat for recreational activities on the water, since they are easy to transport, store, and operate.
What is a Tender Boat?
A tender boat is a small watercraft used to transport people and supplies between a larger vessel and the shore. It is typically used when the larger vessel can’t reach the shore in shallow waters or when anchored offshore. Tenders are also used to ferry passengers to and from a yacht. They come in different sizes and materials, including rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), wooden boats, and aluminum boats.
The key difference between a tender boat, a dinghy, and an inflatable boat stems from their design and purpose. A dinghy is a small boat that is usually carried on a larger vessel as a lifeboat or for leisure activities. It can be made of wood, fiberglass, or other materials and has a flat bottom and pointed ends. By contrast, an inflatable boat is made of PVC or rubber and is inflated with air. It is lightweight and easy to store and transport, making it ideal for recreational activities like boat camping or fishing. While most dinghies and inflatable boats can be used as tenders, they may not be as resilient or durable as tender boats designed specifically for carrying people and supplies.
What Size Are Inflatable Boats?
Inflatables come in a range of sizes, from one-person models to large boats that can seat several passengers. Inflatable boat measurements typically come in feet and inches, which are the standard measurement units in the boating industry.
- U-shape inflatable boats with outboard motor (LP series) are typically smaller, ranging from around 7 feet to 13 feet in length.
- Inflatable motor boats with keel are larger than LP series boats, being around 8 feet to 12 feet in length.
- Inflatable rowing boats U-shape (LG-series) are smaller than keel motor boats, their length range is usually 7 feet to 10 feet.
- RIBs are typically the largest of the inflatables ranging in length from around 12 feet to 16 feet or more.
Why Buy a Dinghy?
You have never been on a boat before? The fear of being trapped at sea? With our inflatable dinghies, anyone can enjoy the water safely. We use marine-grade plywood instead of aluminum, so these boats are light enough to carry easily but durable enough for years of enjoyment!
These small boats are perfect for a range of activities, from fishing and hunting to leisurely cruising and transportation. They can be operated on a variety of bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and even calm coastal waters.
One of the great things about dinghies is their multi-purpose use. They can be used for everything from fishing and hunting to exploring new waterways and transporting people. What’s more, they are a great option for emergency situations, as they can be quickly deployed and used to evacuate people or move supplies in times of crisis.
Dinghies maintenance and transportation are also relatively low-effort, making them an excellent choice for those who want a boat they can easily take on trips.
Our dinghy boats are very light as we use marine-grade plywood instead of aluminium for the floor construction. This material is covered in waterproof layers that help protect the boat’s bottom from oxidation. Due to the lightweight, you can cruise with all the items you need stored onboard and enjoy convenience while transporting.
How much do Dinghy Boats Cost?
The cost of inflatable dinghies differs widely based on brand, size, materials, and additional features. Inflatable dinghies are generally less expensive than hard boats due to their lighter weight, portability, and easier storage.
Dinghy boats start from CA$799 for Rowing Boat Navigator LG 240S and pricing can reach CA$2700 for some Inflatable Boats with Keel models and CA$8000 for our exclusive Electricat models, respectively.
Inflatable Dinghy for Sale
Navigator Inflatable Boats offers a range of heat-welded inflatable boats, including dinghies, to fit any budget and style preference. Our inflatable boats feature a mixture of appealing design details and high-tech manufacture features, bringing to you enhanced manoeuvrability and additional safety.
The Navigator tenders have raised forebody that enhances navigation characteristics, enabling you to go into the sail mode using outboard engines with minimal horsepower. The inflatable sections of our dinghy models are separated, adding to their stability and durability. Navigator’s roll-up dinghies are perfect for any activity, whether it’s an adventurous weekend or a laid-back holiday on the water, and they can be assembled and disassembled with no fuss.
With a large selection of inflatable dinghies for sale, including motor boats, motor boats with keel, rowing boats, and rigid inflatable boats, Navigator is committed to meeting all your boating needs. Browse our website, check out our gallery, pick out your favourite inflatable boat, or call us if you have any questions!
Inflatable Dinghy with Motor
These dinghies come with an inflatable bottom and sides and are powered by an outboard motor. They are lightweight and easy to store and transport, making them ideal for fishing, leisurely cruising, or as a tender for a larger boat.
Inflatable Boat with Outboard Motor U-shape (LP series)
Inflatable Rowing Dinghy
Designed for rowing or paddling, these dinghies are typically smaller and more lightweight than dinghies with motors. They can be used for fishing, exploring secluded bays, or as an additional anchor tender.
Rowing Boats U-Shape (LG-series)
Inflatable Dinghy with Keel
A rigid keel provides stability and tracking, making them ideal for sailing. They can also be used with an outboard motor or for rowing. These dinghies are often larger and more stable, making them a popular choice for family day trips or longer getaways.
Rigid Inflatable Boats
Often called RIBs, they form a separate category: these boats have a solid hull and inflatable tubes around the deck and sides. RIBs are a must-have for a wide range of activities, including fishing, diving and water sports. They are often used for search and rescue operations by the military or law enforcement.
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB Boats)
PVC Dinghy
Navigator Inflatable Boats was the first company in this industry to introduce a broad model range of boats made with heat welding technology. The heat-welding process creates a bond between the material layers that is stronger than other methods of manufacturing, making these dinghies highly resistant to punctures and abrasions, while decreasing the number of connective seams on the hull. Unlike rubber boats and their glued seams, heat-welded seams are firm and elastic, providing extra security for each inflatable tender dinghy and minimizing leakage. It also allows us to lower the water resistance of PVC dinghy boats once they enter glide mode.
Sailing Dinghy
A sailing dinghy is a small sailing boat that is typically used for recreational sailing or racing. It is designed to be sailed by a crew of one or two people and can be made of various materials, such as fiberglass, aluminum or even wooden dinghies.
Sailing dinghies contrast with regular boats since they are smaller, lighter, and have a single mast with a sail. Compared to inflatable boats, sailing dinghies require some level of skill and sailing knowledge to operate effectively, as they rely on the wind to propel them forward rather than a motor. They are often used for day trips and regattas, or when learning to sail.
We’re committed to meeting all your boating needs and want nothing more than to provide you with the perfect experience. Browse our website, check out our gallery, pick out your favourite boat, or contact us if you have any questions!