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 manufacturing 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 keels, 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 Boats with Motor
To enhance your fishing and boating experience, try exploring new waters with our inflatable boats equipped with various types of outboard motors. Our boats are made using modern manufacturing technologies like heat welding and five-layered PVC to ensure maximum durability of the air chambers. We’ve also improved the hydrodynamic contours, achieving a perfect geometric balance between length, width, and adjustable diameter. The boats are made with marine-grade waterproof plywood, and each has a gentle-rising bow that facilitates planing mode.
The trolling motor is an essential component of any inflatable boat as it provides the necessary propulsion to move the boat through the water. An inflatable boat motor is typically mounted on the reinforced transom at the stern of the boat. The reinforced transom of Navigator’s boats is designed to handle the weight and force of the motor, providing stability and balance.
Direct drive motors provide efficient power delivery to the propeller without the need for a transmission. This results in a smoother ride with better fuel economy.
Overall, the outboard motor plays a critical role in the inflatable boat’s performance, so we recommend selecting the appropriate type and size of a motor with careful consideration.
Outboard Motor
If you’re considering improving your boating experience, you can’t go wrong with an inflatable boat with a motor. At Navigator Inflatable Boats, we carry a range of outboards from 2.5 hp to 90 hp to cater to your boating needs. Carefully selected, we offer the best motors brands on the market. Lightweight, powerful, and easy to install, they’re perfect for use on rigid inflatable boats, inflatable raft models, and Navigator roll-up boats.
Inflatable Boat with Gas Outboard Motor
For those who prefer gas-powered motors, we offer Tohatsu outboard motors, known worldwide for their exceptional performance, durability, safety and fuel efficiency. Tohatsu motors are durable marine masterpieces, with their excellent power-to-weight ratios. Innovative technologies and their appealing design guarantee a comfortable and safe boating outing.
Inflatable Boat with Electric Outboard Motor
We offer electric outboard motors for inflatable boats if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly and efficient motor option. Electric motors are quiet, low-maintenance, and emission-free – an excellent option for those who value sustainability and comfort. Their compact size also makes them easy to store and transport. An electric motor lets you enjoy smooth and quiet propulsion on your inflatable boat without disturbing the surroundings.
Our inflatable boats with outboard motors are perfect for fishing, cruising, and water sports. Learn how to find a perfect outboard motor and enjoy a reliable and loved solution for years to come.
Types of Flooring
Inflatable boats come in a variety of types, and one important consideration is the type of flooring. Two common types of inflatable boat flooring are book-type floors and slatted floors.
Book-type floors are solid, flat surfaces made of plywood that can be easily installed and removed from the boat. This type of flooring provides stability and a level surface for standing or moving around the boat.
Slatted floors, on the other hand, consist of interlocking slats that bring flexibility and lightweight. This type of flooring is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient for transportation and storage.
Both types of inflatable boat flooring have their benefits and disadvantages, so the choice ultimately depends on the intended use of your inflatable boat and personal preferences.
Hints for Using Motor Boats
When using an inflatable dinghy with a motor mount, consider that the outboard motors are cooled by water. That means you need to follow the installation instruction and take precautions. Otherwise, heat can irreversibly damage the engine. The engine propellers can easily damage an inflatable boat with a motor if they touch the boat’s bottom. Adhering to these technical hints can enhance your experience and ensure the safe use of your motor inflatable boat.
If you are looking for an affordable way to explore waterways without investing too much time and money into the process, take an inflatable boat with an outboard motor with you on your next vacation. Navigator LP-series of Inflatable Motor Boats with U-shape cylinders are available in models like the LP 240S/B, LP 270S/B, LP 290S/B, and LP 320S/B. These boats are affordable, light, compact, and durable – they are everything you need for an unforgettable experience on the water!
Inflatable Fishing Boats with Motor
An inflatable fishing boat with a motor can be incredibly useful for all fishing enthusiasts, as it offers several advantages over a traditional fishing boat. The engine provides easy maneuverability to move quickly between different fishing spots and cover more water. Additionally, the portability of an inflatable fishing boat makes it easy to transport and launch from a variety of locations, giving anglers more flexibility in finding the perfect fishing spot.
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)
Keel Inflatable Boat
Navigator LK-series motorboats with keels are perfect for boating in harsh conditions. The functioning of the keel is comparable to the fin movements. It dampens the flood of water, which runs at high speed towards the keel. This is because it has a natural ability to resist waves and currents that would otherwise disrupt your journey.
Boats with inflatable keels have excellent maneuverability. The nose doesn’t lift off from the water’s surface even at high speeds. Navigator LK-series models are also easy to control and can get into planning mode well.
The Inflatable Keel
The inflatable keel makes a boat safer. Plus, it improves navigation, lets you move smoothly at high speeds, and improves the dinghy’s efficiency! It also helps keep your boat steady so that there’s no risk of lateral displacement when turning at high speeds.
Technical Characteristics of Motor Boats with Inflatable Keel
The cylinders range from 40-46 cm. To make our boats strong, watertight, and UV protected, we use a five-layer PVC boat fabric with a density of 850 g/m2 – 1100 g/m2 (certified PVC manufacturers ISO 9001). No worries about rocks or risks of damaging the craft with the fishhook. One of the advantages of the hard bottom hull on an inflatable boat is better navigation due to the cylinders’ narrower diameters closer to the nose and smoothly raised forebody.
Navigator boats with keel are available in different colours: olive, khaki, light grey, and dark grey. It is also possible to order a model in a combined colour. Navigator Inflatable Boats use the advanced heat welding technology of straight and circular seams of inflatable balloons. No worries about leakage, and the welds are solid and reliable.
Additional comfort is provided by the book type or hard deck floor – whichever you prefer can be chosen from the pull-down menu when placing an order.
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 fibreglass, 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!
