Synopses & Reviews
Just about everyone who owns a cruising boat needs a dinghy, and inflatables have become the most popular choice. Modern inflatables carry large loads safely, and with a modest outboard they travel fast and keep their occupants safe and dry. Unfortunately, inflatables have a limited life span and can be difficult to repair. Until now, those wishing to repair their own boats were reduced to squinting at the labels wrapped around glue cans. This books tells you how to do it right. The author details simple maintenance procedures that can double an inflatable's life and includes step-by-step instructions for carrying out professional-level repairs and modifications. And isn't just for inflatable dinghy owners. All types of inflatables are covered, including sportboats, which have become increasingly popular for watersports--scuba diving, waterskiing, fishing--because they're safer, more comfortable, and more easily stowed than traditional hard-skin small boats. To realize the advantages of inflatable boats and to protect your investment, you must choose the correct book, equip it properly, and then learn how to use it and maintain it. "Inflatable Boats is the only book dedicated to showing you how.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1 Inflating History
The Dead Pig Theory
The Inflatable Boat in Ancient History
The Modern Inflatable
Chapter 2 How Inflatable Boats Are Made
Neoprene and Hypalon
Polyvinyl Chloride
Fabrics
Color
The Future Is Yet to Come
Construction Details
Chapter 3 Why an Inflatable?
Types of Inflatable Boats
The Uses of Inflatable Boats
Chapter 4 Selecting a Boat
Do I Really Need an Inflatable?
How Will I Use the Boat?
Where Will I Keep the Boat?
How Much Do I Want to Spend?
Buying a Used Inflatable
Buying a New Inflatable
Chapter 5 Outboards, Oars, and Other Options
Outboard Motors
Tiller Extensions
Wheel Steering
Oars and Paddles
Launching Wheels
Air Pumps
Other Options
Chapter 6 Operating an Inflatable
Safety
Rowing and Paddling
Poling
Sailing
Powering
Towing the Inflatable
Stowing the Inflatable Dinghy on Deck
Stowing the RIB Dinghy
Inflatables as Towboats
Anchoring
Security
Chapter 7 Storage, Trailers, and Transportation
Winter Storage
(and more...)