How do Inflatable Boats Measure Up to Rigid Boats?

	Inflatable Boats	Rigid Boats
Coast Guard Approval	None are Coast Guard certified. They are not required to be Coast Guard approved. Since there is no testing protocol, ratings advertised can be determined arbitrarily by each manufacturer.	Coast guard certified and tested to the latest safety standards. Rigid Boats were subjected to weight capacity testing to 5 times the rated capacity, then swamped and tested for stability with weights on each side. The test allows a maximum list of 15 degrees to pass. The Rigid Boat had a 2 degree list at maximum test weights. That means you are purchasing a safe reliable boat to transport your most valuable cargo, You and your family.
Weight	Rib inflatable boats are heavy for their size. As an example a popular 11' 10" rib inflatable weighs in empty at over 450 lbs. Add a 30 hp motor a few options and you will approach 650 lbs. total weight.	Weight is a designed in process with Rigid Boats to limit weight. Our 12' Sport weighs in empty at a 335 lbs. Add a 30 hp motor a few options and you will weigh in around 535 lbs. A 30 hp motor will drive the efficient Rigid Boat hull design.
Features	Rigid inflatable boats are deflatable for storage, except ribs.	Rigid Boats utilize a total fiberglass construction process with NO wood. The Rigid Boat uses yacht quality hardware, shoe box hull to deck construction fastened with SS screws every six” plus a high quality marine sealant to further insure a secure leak proof attachment and a rugged rub rail.
Stability	Slippery when wet round inflatable tube. Walk- around tubes must be fully inflated for maximum safety	Rigid, non-skid flat walk around. Safely stand on gunwale for secure ingress and egress
Flotation	Most ribs have multiple air chambers; however, if one is punctured and deflates, it's unlikely the boat will get you home.	Standard, full-circle, closed-cell upright foam, flotation allows motor operation even fully loaded and swamped
Ride	Needs larger motor, tubes must be inflated properly for smooth ride and adequate tracking	Easy to plane, smooth ride and tracks straight
Dry	Being wet is part of the inflatable boat experience	Dependably dry
Storage	Basically none; some offer a bow locker	Lots! Both tubes and a bow locker. Over 12 cubic feet in every Rigid Boat.
Maintenance	Keep the pump handy and don't let the sun hit the tubes. Fix any leaks promptly, watch out for barnacles, ETC.	A little wash and wax and you're done.
Performance	Lumbers onto plane, jiggles at speed, somewhat predictable, bounces like a ball in bumpy water.	Easily planes, nimble and predictable at speed, takes the bumps in stride
Safety	Great until she springs a leak and one or more of the chambers deflates. You will have to wait there to be rescued. I hope the water is not cold!	Coast Guard approved and tested. Even swamped and loaded to rated capacity you can start the motor and head for home.
Resale	My experience has been... you are lucky to get 50% after 2 years when you sell your inflatable boat.	We have sold used models for 90% of new cost after 2 years.
Comfort	Seating is adequate, ergonomically adequate, ride is adequate but WET.	Seating is comfortable, ergonomically well laid out, and ride is superb and dry
Quality	Most inflatable boats are very good quality and construction. The problem is you have a flawed product to start.	Yacht-quality design and construction with no expense spared
Custom Colors	The majority of manufacturers offer one color. There are a couple that offer several optional colors. I don't believe any offer a custom color match.	Any color you like!
Customizing	Many do offer basic options such as cushions, lights and fuel tanks. The basic structure is somewhat limited to customize	Rigid Boats has a history of working with clients to meet that special need plus a long list of special options.
Gel Coat	Ribs use a gelcoat on the fiberglass portion of the rigid hull.	We have a superior, long-lasting UV resistant fiberglass finish.
Warranty	5 -10 years with lots of limitations	5 no-hassle years
Manufacuring	France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Canada, US, etc.	Made in the good ol' US of A
Hardware	Specially designed, glued or laminated onto tubes.	Yacht Quality 316 Stainless Steel all thru bolted with backing plates.
Interior Room	Inflatable boats are narrow due to round shape of tubes intruding on interior width, floor space cluttered with necessary gear due to no storage.	Maximized by flat vertical inside gunwales increasing interior width by 4 to 6 inches.