Few things are better than life on the water. Whether you want to relax in the sun, catch fish, or play with your kids, the water is the place to go. Unfortunately, getting out on the water in a traditional hard-hull boat is expensive and inconvenient for many people. Inflatable dinghy boats are the solution. If you think these boats are a good fit for your situation, consider the following five things before buying.

What Type of Inflatable Dinghy Boat Do You Want?

In the past, inflatable dinghy boats only came in a few options. However, brands like Achilles Boats understand that people want more. Now you can find boats that are rigid, console rigid, roll-up, hard floor, and more. Each type of inflatable dinghy boat offers different features to users, such as extra stability, easy portability, and more. Consider what features you need from your boat to determine which type is best for you.

What Material Is the Desired Boat Made Of?

Some brands try to get away with making cheap inflatable dinghy boats. This isn’t fair to boaters who want a high-quality inflatable boat. That’s why we partner with Achilles, who use Hypalon in their inflatable boats. Hypalon is durable, but manufacturers can’t heat-weld it, so it’s crafted into boats by hand. Achilles uses Hypalon as the outer layer on their boats to help protect against harmful UV rays, abrasions, and other common boating problems. Look for a boat made from this material or a similarly durable material to ensure your boat will last.

What Safety Features Are on the Desired Boat?

One of the biggest concerns with inflatable dinghy boats is their safety. Many people worry about overinflating or underinflating their boat and the potential to capsize or cause other problems. A good boat will feature safety valves that keep your boat at the right inflation level. They also have lifelines so that you can pull yourself on board if necessary and other safety features that will help you feel confident on the water, no matter your experience level.

Do You Want a Keel?

A keel is a structural beam that runs the length of a boat, providing extra stability and control. Some inflatable dinghies come with inflatable keels, and others do not. If you plan to use your boat on choppy water like the open ocean, you need to look for a boat with a keel. If your planned boating locations are calmer and shallower, you may not need a keel. Consider common water conditions and if you want to spend time inflating an extra boat piece.

Is There Adequate Storage Available?

No matter where you live and what weather conditions you experience, you can’t leave your boat out on the water all the time. You will need an adequate storage option that will protect your boat from the elements. Many inflatable boats come with a storage bag that you can fold them into. Keep these bags in a warm, dry space for the best protection. You can also leave your boat partially inflated to protect the seams. Again, you’ll need to store your boat in a dry place. Potential storage locations are one of the most important things to consider before buying an inflatable dinghy boat.

After making these considerations, you can decide which Achilles boat or other inflatable boat is right for you. You can peruse many boating options to find the best one for your life on the water.