All You Need to Know About Inflatable Boats

Love for water has been an inherent part of human nature. From slashing in the cool bath tub in childhood days to extreme water sports, wateractivities always attract us in one way or other. Adventure and water sports lovers completely understand the role of a good boat when they venture out in a sea, lake or river. Designed in a scientific way to provide you maximum safety and efficiency, Inflatable boats are powered by either an inboard or outboard engine to achieve optimum efficiency while navigation or floating.

Since an inflatable boat has to pass through various obstacles in a water body, it becomes highly essential that they are made of a durable material. Made from material that has a Hypalon and PVC coating, inflatable boats ensure proper toughness and resilience for bridges, rocks or branches during its journey in the vast expanse of water. The ergonomic design and seats ensure that the riders do not have any kind of discomfort while riding. Moreover, two large buoyancy tubes on the either side provide support to an inflatable boat. The buoyancy tubes creates a center of gravity that enables the boat to sit flat on the water surface that makes it difficult to topple even in high water pressure regions.

RIBs can be used for a variety of purposes. Their safe, sturdy and reliable design makes them perfect for not only recreational purposes, but also for professional and commercial purposes as well. Different inflatables are available in the market to suit your particular needs. A majority of inflatable boats come with an option of oars for manual navigation, as well as with motors for achieving higher speed and efficiency. In addition, the puncture resistant inflatable boats can be folded that make them perfect for beachside or some river excursion. Being more affordable and durable than the traditional boats, these boats are also less bulky and easy to store.

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UK Marine Industry [Infographics]

Billhigham Marines releases its first {Infographics} about UK's leisure and small commercial marine industry. We tried to highlight some Interesting UK Stats

• 1.1 million boats/craft are owned by UK households
• 5.9% of UK adults went boating in 2011, which is 3.2 million adults

The Info graphics also highlights boating purposes and UK's adult boating activity participation in various events.

UK Marine Industry [Infographics]

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Choosing Tohatsu Outboard Engine for Your Inflatable Boat

Choosing an efficient and reliable outboard engine for your inflatable boat is no more a challenging task. With plenty of options available on the Internet, you can easily get what you require. Outboards such as Tohatsu outboards are well known for their excellent efficiency, less noise, smokeless exhaust and fuel sipping features. When you need an outboard on which your inflatable boat can rely, look no further than Tohatsu outboard engines.

These outboards are ideal for boating enthusiasts for personal as well as professional use. The excellent engine propulsion system ensures that your inflatable boat performs well and allow you to enjoy each moment on your boat. There is a varied range of outboards to choose in the market. It is advisable to find a reputable supplier to help you get the right outboard so that you could your water activity an fun filled experience. Modern Tohatsu designers have come up with a modified range of outboards that are actually distinct from other types of outboards.

These outboards are compact in size, have low engine emissions and excellent fuel economy. Ideal for many boaters- make Tohastu outboards your choice and feel the benefits they offer.

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The Evolution of Rigid Inflatable Boats

The rigid inflatable boats that we use today were initially developed in the beginning of the 20th century. However, the principle of buoyancy aids obtained from air being squeezed in a ‘bag’- has been used for thousands of years. Some ancient pictures show men crossing water on inflated animal skins. To ensure the right degree of buoyancy and stability, there was a need for more versatile and robust inflatable boats and inflatable structures.

The actual evolution of inflatable boats started with the development of rubber coated fabrics that were used by the airship industry but several airship accidents held back the further development of hydrogen filled airships. Societe Zodiac – an airship maker based in France decided to use the rubber coated fabrics for air filled boats and in the year 1934 he manufactured 2 seater inflatable kayak followed by an inflatable catamaran. The company later added a floor connecting the buoyancy tubes and this is how the modern Zodiac inflatable boats evolved.

After World War 2, the development of inflatable boats took a major leap forward with new synthetic materials - neoprene and Hypalon - being coated onto nylon fabrics. Further, with the production of new generation of glues, inflatable boats could now cope with hard natural elements without becoming brittle, (as natural rubber does) and they also became impervious to salt, UV rays and petrochemicals.

Inflatable boats became popular, and with the progress of manufacturing techniques, boat users appreciated the possibility of combining the inherent buoyancy and stability of an inflatable boat with speed of modern planning hulls. Inboard and outboard motors were then used in these boats – this gave more speed and control to the vessel.

Manufacturing of rigid inflatable boats, tenders and kayaks has now moved into mass production era. RIB manufacturers have developed several sophisticated models of such boats and use high quality heat weld seamed PVC and vinyl materials for coating. The future for RIBs and inflatable marine structures looks bright and the support for the owners and operators of these products is also excellent.

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Tips for Outboard Motor and Inflatable Boat Repair

When you are going for an outboard motor and Inflatable repair, the primary thing to consider is that spark, fuel and compression are all working properly. Generally a gasoline fuel is used for an outboard motor and it is combusted to drive the pistons up and down. Spark is typically the ignition source that allows the fuel to combust. Compression is integrated in the cylinder that allows the pistons to move efficiently. Since each component has potential to perform in unexpected ways, outboard motor repair requires testing and verification of each part. Fuel issues can often be traced back to the ignition system in case the cylinder that is responsible for sending a pulse signal to the fuel pump is not working efficiently.

There are numerous types of outboard motors, hence the repair process may differ depending on the design as well. If the engine is not running properly a good place to execute the outboard motor repair process can be compression. Each spark plug should be separated and the testing device can be screwed into one of the plug holes. Then the engine can be cranked or turned over a couple of times until the needle over the gauge stops rising. In case, any of the cylinders are considerably lower than the others, this indicates there is perhaps a mechanical issue the outboard motor.

You can find more tips on outboard motor repair and get your boat repaired from a reputable online outboard motor repair service provider.

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What are Outboard Motors?

Outboard motors are typically used to push boats through the water at faster speeds. You can find these outboard motors along with ribs in a wide variety of power levels used for everything from small-sized rowboats to large-sized fishing boats. 

The outboard motors appear in both electric as well as gasoline powered versions. The electric versions are often smaller and deliver less horsepower in exchange for a noise-free ride. These outboard motors from Tohatsu, Mariner, Yamaha are beneficial for smaller watercrafts or for fishing to mitigate noise that may scare away fishes. On the contrary, gasoline powered outboard motors are quite noisy but can provide much more power. These begin as low as two or three horsepower for small watercraft and can reach well to hundreds to power large fishing boats. Another possibility to increase power is to have multiple outboards. It is certainly not uncommon to find large fishing boats powered by two or even four outboard motors all attached with the same steering wheel.

Outboard motors are usually durable and can often last for a longer period of time. However, appropriate care is required. The two biggest threats are carbon and heat. Boat owners must always ensure that the engine's cooling system is functioning to combat heat. With appropriate care, outboard motors can provide you several years of service.

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Affordable Inflatable Boats

The ergonomic design, safety and operational efficiency of inflatable boats make them very popular among professional and amateur boaters. Rigid inflatable boats are now coated with hypalon or a PVC material which makes them truly puncture resistant. So you can not only have kids aboard, but also your pet dog for a wholesome joy ride!

An outing by the river or seaside becomes more enjoyable when you can actually ride the waters and with rigid inflatable boats, such activities become safe and pleasant for the entire family. If you are planning for a short holiday by lovely waters, make sure that you pack the right gear for a nice time. There is a wide range of inflatable deals with products such as rigid inflatable boats, kayaks, propellers and outboard engines for inflatable boats. Inflatable boat are also easy to pack and carry!

If you are in search of some tailor made deals on inflatable boats and other marine equipment, Bill Higham Marine is the one stop shop for all your needs. You can browse through a collection of the best inflatables, RIBs and outboard engines from the most famous global brands including Yamaha, Parsun, Suzuki, Mariner and Flover among others. Let your shopping for inflatable deals begin at: www.billhigham.co.uk

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Rigid Inflatable Boats for Fun on the Waves

Rigid Inflatable Boats, also called RIBs are the latest rage in the world of power boating. RIB is a light weight, high performing, and high capacity boat constructed with a solid, well- shaped hull and flexible tubes at the gunwale. The inflatable collar of this boat makes it sufficiently buoyant even when a large quantity of water is splashed aboard. RIBs typically cope better with rough seas as they are hard to sink and better absorption of heavy loads by their flexible tubes adds to their efficiency.

The safety and operational efficiency of these boats has made them very popular amongst professional as well as amateur boaters. An outing or short vacation on the beach or by the river side can be made a lot more fun with boating. Indeed, what good is a beach or riverside trip without a joy ride on bubbly cool, waters? So add this delightful waters ports gear to your vacation kit and check out some good RIB deals. There is a wide range of sizes and engine horse power options available in the market if you are looking for RIBS for sale.

Bill Higham Marine has an array of the best RIBs, Inflatables and outboard engines from brands such as Mariner, Flover, and Tohatsu. Purchase yours at: http://www.billhigham.co.uk/

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Main features of Tohatsu outboards

Tohatsu is one of the most reliable brands that deal in a wide range of 2 stroke and 4 stroke outboards. They design outboards to provide incredible oil and fuel savings by utilising an air helped direct fuel injection system to precisely mix air and fuel.

Some of the main features of Tohatsu outboards include

• Air supported direct fuel injection system that provides exceptional fuel economy
• Extremely silent operation
• Lightweight, compact and easy maintenance
• Low emission and efficient air compressor

Tohatsu outboards are durable, fuel efficient and has all the standard features that you need to have in your outboard .There is an outboard motor to fit everyone’s needs. Tohatsu outboards come in a wide range of models and different horsepower. Tohatsu’s four stroke series include many models to horsepower ranging from as much as 30 in MFS30 to as little as 2.5, in the MFS2.5.The brand’s 4 stroke line offers superior fuel economy when compared to its 2 stroke line. The company also claims that 4 stroke series has an excellent horsepower to weight ratio. The 2 stroke series of Tohatsu outboards weigh less than their 4 stroke counterparts and also cost less.

If you want to know more about Tohatsu outboards and Outboards for sale, please visit www.billhigham.co.uk

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Mariner Outboards – Buying the Right Outboards

Want to repower your craft with one of the best outboards?

If yes, then your foremost choice should be Mariner outboards. Mariner outboards have been the only choice of many professionals including Commercial Fishermen, Royal Navy and RNLI. These outboards now come with a 5 years optional warranty. This makes Mariner outboards more reliable and trustworthy than any other outboards for sale.

Mariner outboards are well known for their power and versatility. They come in various models, 2 or 4 strokes varying in horsepower, length of shaft and other upgrades. If you want to have an outboard motor that has a gear shifter integrated onto the tiller, you must go for a Mariner outboard. It is because these outboards for sale are the only brand that has a shifter built right into the twist tiller. Most of the latest Mariner outboards are highly efficient out performers and are SmartCraft enabled. They use a fuel injection system developed from the sophisticated multi-port technology of the motor industry. A 4 stroke Mariner outboard would provide you all the performance benefits that you want, plus astonishing levels of refinement.

Therefore, consider buying Mariner outboards for your inflatable to have a good experience.

If you want to buy 4 stroke Mariner outboards or want to know more about outboards for sale, please visit www.billhigham.co.uk

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Whats new for the boating market in 2012?

With the new 4hp 5hp and 6hp from mariner outboards launched at the end of 2011, the 2012 will see some new advances in inflatable boat technology also, Seapro inflatables will launch the all new one for all range of boats incorporating a newly designed deep V air hull using technology from the inflatable surf board world, it will also use a new aluminum deck system to allow the boat owner to choose whether they want to use the boat as a pure airdeck, and ALSO to fit an aluminum floor to the boat for extra rigidity and heavy duty use purposes. This inflatable boat should become one of the most popular around next year, and early tests suggest that the new deep V keel of these inflatables is very seaworthy, allowing the boat to corner more like a rib and absorb the chop much better than its flat bottomed cousins. To complement the deep V keel the transom has been made with a deep V also, this should be a new inflatable boat that everybody is talking about in 2012.

Also look out for the new 4 stroke 150hp from mariner outboards to make some waves in 2012, it’s the lightest 150hp 4 stroke ever built!

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Tohatsu 15hp outboard review 4 stroke on inflatable boat

If you are thinking of re-powering your 3.5m inflatable boat, or buying a new inflatable boat package then you will doubtless be considering which is the best engine of choice for this application. Here you will have a quandary, because most of the major manufacturers have a good quality offering in this hp category. Some are a little lighter than others, the lightest 15hp outboard engine is the Suzuki at 44kg, then its the honda 15hp outboard engine @ 45kg, after that the Parsun 15hp 4 stroke comes in at 47kg. Then they get a bit on the heavy side really! The mariner/mercury/

tohatsu outboards offering is 52kg and the new yamaha 15hp outboard is also 52kg which one would say is not competitive, until one looks at the displacement figures:

Mariner/merc/tohatsu 15hp 350cc

Yamaha 15hp 360cc

Suzuki 15hp 300cc

Honda 15hp 350cc

Parsun 15hp 330cc

So if you have an airdeck lightweight, portable inflatable boat then you will want to go for the Suzuki, honda or Parsun. Whereas if you are looking for something that really packs a punch for a larger heavy duty boat then the merc/mariner/tohatsu outboards will be on the cards.

If you want the best UK prices on new outboard engines or if you are looking for a used outboard engine then check out bill higham marine in manchester, north west england, we have consistently the best deals on cheap outboard engines and inflatable boat packages. www.billhigham.co.uk or call 0161 790 7678 or email sales@billhigham.co.uk

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Boat review, interview with seapro inflatables designer simon higham

Seapro not only make new ribs but they also manufacture a well respected  inflatble boat range, I asked simon higham what makes seapro inflatables better than the rest, and what’s round the corner?
Q.Seapro inflatable boats have been around for 5 or 6 years now, what sets them apart from other inflatables on the market?
A.Well two things really, firstly each boat is designed by an avid inflatable boat enthusiast (me), I have probably spent more time in inflatable boats being whizzed along by mariner outboards throughout my life than a helmsman on a D class lifeboat! And secondly the company motto of never settle for anything, period, there is no such thing as perfect, everything is always being tweaked and improved.
Q.Give an example.
A.Ok, 3 years ago I was sick of the hull hook and wave follow on our airdeck range, a customer at the london boatshow said to me, my seapro 340 airdeck inflatable and 9.8hp from tohatsu outboards package digs in at the back end when its at full speed periodically and it slows us down. I replied that all airdeck boats do, from any manufacturer, and he said well thats a design fault waiting to be fixed. I agreed with him. The next season we were the first inflatable boat manufacturers in the world to put a series of under mattress pressure plates along the length of our boats, this completely eliminated the problem. I gave the complaining customer a free boat as thanks for his kick up the arse!!

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Shall I buy a new or used inflatable boat?

It comes down to budget AND preference for shiny new, or built to last used. Only you can decide on this so I expect you will have made up your mind on that one.

If you have chosen shiny new, stick to a good quality brand - honwave, avon, bombard, zodiac, seapro, with one of these brands you will have a boat designed and built right.

Choose your outboard carefully too, I have written articles and blogs on this so look at these. Mariner outboards are a very good choice - middle of the road price wise, and VERY reliable.

If you are thinking of a used inflatable boat then you need to go for a premium brand - avon inflatables, zodiac, bombard, Seapro in that order would be my choice. Make sure you can see the inflatable boat blown up and if possible test it on the water, look at the transom for cracks, look at the tubes for abrasion, cracks and leaks, also look for patches and or wear to the underside from beach launches etc.

You need to check the seams for fraying/wear, and the fixtures and fittings for over use - oars and oar locks, transom pad, grab lines and d rings will all give up their story of the type of use the boat has had. If it’s done a lot of work then walk away. Age is also a consideration, but this should be the last thing you look at, amount of use is way more important.

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How to look after an inflatable boat

So you have done your research and hopefully have made a wise investment. With a little luck you have steered away from the chinese cheapo brands and have plumbed for something reassuringly substantial like one of the french makes - bombard zodiac inflatables, or a british avon, or maybe one of the high quality korean boats like Seapro. You have bought your new outboard engine to match the boat perfectly, possibly one of the offerings from Mariner outboards. Well if you have bought carefully there is pretty much no maintenance required of a good quality inflatable boat. If you use it in salt water then its a good idea to rinse it down with fresh water after you holiday is over, you can clean it with soapy water and for more stubborn greasy stains I find one of the modern “searching” spray on lubes is really good, try GT85 or wurth ultra, wd40 will do as a second best. Alternatively you can plumb for one of the specialist inflatable boat cleaners such as is made by farecla.

At the end of each season when you are ready to store your inflatable it is a good idea to remove all moisture from the boat if you can, some people use talcum powder to effect this. Another useful material is silica crystals, this also stops milldew appearing on your bow bag, boat bag too. Look after your kit and it will look after you! Happy boating.

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Why choose mariner outboards?

Lets face it, you as the boating public are spoilt for choice these days when looking for new outboard deals. Whether you’re looking for mariner outboards to put on your inflatable boat, your new rib package, or your warrior fishing boat, you have a mind boggling selection to choose from. Every outboard dealer will tell you his brand of outboards is the best. Well, the real truth is all new outboard brands are pretty good these days, sorry, with the exception of the chinese cheapo’s - Hidea (or Hideous) and Vector with their crappy carbs and cheap chinese electrics. The rest are very good.
Parsun outboards are the new kid on the block, manufactured by an American company called Genovo they are what Tohatsu outboards used to be - reliable, no nonsense, well priced and dependable. Of the big brands it seems that mariner outboards have the edge on the rest as regards price, the build quality is un-questionable, the range is concise, and the warranty is the best in the business. But if you can’t afford the price tag of a new mariner, before you start looking for a used engine, get a look and a listen to a Parsun outboard engine, don’t be put off by what so called professionals have posted online, they have either never seen one or are intentionally slating the product. Look for the posts written by ENGLISH people who actually own one, you wont find anything negative there.

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What next for the inflatable boat?

What next for the inflatable boat?

Well inflatables have retained their integrity for the past fifty years or so, the odd new innovation here and quirky add on there, but to all intents and purposes they have remained unchanged. With so many brands vying for their little cut of the pie inflatable boat manufacturers must look to new horizons to turn their inflatable boat for sale into an inflatable boat sold! They can no longer rely on special offer deals to dazzle the punters with seemingly irresistible arrays of extras: free bow bag with every boat, extra seat worth £45 with every inflatable for sale this week etc.etc. This stuff has all been done. What the discerning and forward thinking manufacturer needs is something to set their inflatable boats out from the crowd, a true innovation that will either increase the enjoyment of the boating experience or help them save time getting the boat either together or down again. Well at Seapro boats HQ in korea they think they have cracked it, an innovation for 2012 which will set seapro inflatables ahead of the rest, zodiac inflatables will be running back to the drawing boar to try to better the most common sense invention since the airdeck!! Want to know more? Then watch this space...

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