Looking to buy an inflatable or RIB? Here’s what to know.
Whether you’re after a compact paddle dinghy for calm waters or a high-performance RIB with a motor for serious offshore runs, the options can be overwhelming. From soft-bottom inflatables to rigid-hull designs, each type comes with its own set of strengths, limitations, and best-use scenarios. Whether you’re planning to explore sheltered freshwater areas or take on different saltwater environments, choosing the right inflatable boat depends on how, where, and why you plan to use it. Below is a break down on the key differences between the main types of inflatables, covering their pros, cons, durability, pricing and more.
Types of Inflatable Boats: Choosing Your Boat.
Inflatable boats fall into 3 main categories: non-motorised, small-motor, and RIBs. Each suits a different purpose, so knowing the differences helps you choose the right one.
Inflatable Paddle Boats
non-motorised boats
Best for: Calm lakes, rivers, estuaries, tenders, or kids
General size: 1.8m – 2.5m
Construction: Lightweight PVC or vinyl
Floor: Air deck or slatted
Price range: $150 – $500+
Popular brands: Intex, Sea Eagle, Takacat, Zodiac, Aqua Marina
Inflatable Boats With Power
electric & petrol motors
Best for: Fishing, exploring, tenders with range
General size: 2.4m – 4.0m
Construction: Reinforced PVC or Hypalon
Floor: Inflatable, aluminium, or slatted
Compatible motors: 2.5hp – 15hp
Price range: $800 – $5,000+
Popular brands: Zodiac, Takacat, Mercury, Highfield
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)
power boat
Best for: Offshore use, performance, fishing, diving
General size: 3.0m – 10m+
Construction: Fiberglass or aluminium hull with Hypalon/PVC tubes
Floor: Fixed solid hull
Motor: 10hp to 300hp+
Price range: $10,000 – $100,000+
Popular brands: Zodiac, AB Inflatables, Highfield, Brig
Beyond boats, the inflatable world also includes kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and pontoons — each offering unique ways to explore the water.
Before You Buy: Key Considerations
Before buying, consider how and where you’ll use the boat—these factors are key to choosing the right fit and avoid buyers remorse.
- Primary Use: Match the boat to your main activity, whether it’s fishing, exploring, for the kids, or tendering.
- Material Type: Choose PVC for light use or Hypalon for durability and harsh conditions – fresh or salt water.
- Floor Type: Pick a floor that balances comfort, stability, and ease of transport.
- Size & Capacity: Ensure the boat fits your passengers, gear, and storage space needed.
- Portability vs Performance: Decide between easy transport or better on-water handling and storage.
- Budget: Plan for the boat, motor, accessories, and ongoing maintenance.
Accessories You’ll Likely Need
Owning an inflatable isn’t just about the boat—it’s the whole kit. Some accessories are mandatory, others just make boating better.
Essentials:
- Manual or Electric Pump
- PFDs/lifejackets (required)
- Paddles
- Repair/patch kit
- Rope
Nice to haves:
- Sun shade or canopy
- Dry bags and waterproof storage
- Rod holders (for fishing)
- Anchor
Maintenance & Care Tips
Inflatables need love to last. Don’t just deflate and toss it in a corner — proper care means more use and a safer boat. Whether its a smaller paddle boat or a large rib, good maintenance is a must!
Rinse after every saltwater trip
Saltwater is harsh on materials and fittings. After every outing, give your inflatable a thorough rinse with fresh water to prevent salt build up, corrosion, and deterioration of seams and valves. Using a mild soap is also recommended.
Dry before storing to avoid mildew
Storing your boat wet can lead to mildew, unpleasant odours, and material degradation. Always let it air dry completely before folding it up for storage, especially in humid climates.
Store in a cool, shaded place
UV rays and heat can weaken fabric over time. Keep your inflatable boat in a shaded or indoor area when not in use to extend its lifespan—avoid hot sheds or direct sun exposure. This is for all boats including the larger ribs.
Avoid dragging on rough ground
Dragging the boat across sand, concrete, or rocks can cause abrasions and punctures. Instead, lift it when moving short distances or use a set of wheels or a dolly to transport it. Similar for ribs, when loading your boat be careful not to rub hard materials against the boat tubing.
Use UV protectant if stored outdoors
If outdoor storage is your only option, applying a marine-grade UV protectant can help shield the material from sun damage. Reapply every few months to maintain protection. In addition, a boat cover will help.
Patch small leaks early
Even tiny leaks can worsen with time and pressure. Keep a patch kit onboard and repair small punctures as soon as they’re discovered to avoid bigger issues later on.
Warranty & Brand Reputation
Not all boats are built to the same standard—even if they look similar. Reputable brands often offer longer warranties (2–10 years) and better customer support, while off-brand or cheap imports may not back their products at all.
As with many things, you get what you pay for so its important to understand what your buying and the warranties they provide. Be specifically concerned with the following areas of your boat warranties:
– Construction material, hypalon often come with longer warranties to pvc.
– Valve and seam quality, this is an area that often fails over time.
– Chamber design, which is important in cases of part of the boat being punctured, the other chambers will keep you a float.
The Smart Way to Buy an Inflatable Boat
Buying an inflatable boat isn’t just about picking a size or price point. It’s about matching the boat to your lifestyle, environment, and intended use. Whether you’re cruising calm rivers in a paddle dinghy or chasing offshore fish in a high-performance RIB, the right setup will make all the difference. Take your time, weigh the features that matter most to you, and invest in quality where it counts. A well-chosen inflatable boat will provide great memories on the water and last for years to come.
FAQs
Buying a inflatable boat online vs in-store
Online deals can be cheaper, but you don’t get to inspect quality first hand. Local stores offer setup help, service, and peace of mind. In addition, these days, most store locations will price match.
Below are a few things to consider.
– At a store you can ask for inflation demos or see the actual boats already inflated to easily gauge size and quality.
– If purchasing online, buy only from reputable dealers with return policies
Can you finance an inflatable boat or rib?
Yes, inflatable boats and RIBs can be financed, but the options depend on the boat’s price. Most lenders offering personal loans typically require a minimum borrow amount of $5,000. For higher-value boats, secured boat loans are also available, often with better rates and longer terms. If you’re looking at a smaller inflatable under $5,000—or even just a few hundred dollars—many retailers offer Buy Now, Pay Later options that allow you to pay in instalments, making it more accessible without taking out a traditional loan.
If your in need or considering finance for a larger purchase, visit our specialist marine finance section to compare finance across Australia’s leading lenders in the boat loan space.
Do I have to register my inflatable boat?
Many buyers don’t realize that boat size, motor power, or usage type may require licensing and registration.
Boats with motors over 4.5hp generally require boat registration. However this may vary based on state or territory. Be sure to check with your state’s requirements.
Can I use any inflatable in the ocean?
Not all are rated for offshore use. Look for multiple chambers, Hypalon construction, and a sturdy transom if you plan to go offshore. RIBs are the safest option. Always make sure you have the required safety gear aboard your vessel when out on water.
How long does it take to inflate/deflate?
With an electric pump, most boats inflate in 5–15 minutes. Slatted and aluminium floors take a bit longer to assemble/disassemble.
Where is the best place to buy inflatable boats, looking for affordable inflatable boat for sales?
There are multiple places where you can purchase inflatable boats. See below for different inflatable boat sale options.
Inflatable Paddle Boats – Blow up boats can be found at shops like Big W, BCF, Anaconda and other retail shops. They can also be found online direct from the manufacturers or online retail shops.
Inflatable Motorized Boats – These are larger boats and can be found at some of the retailers mentioned above but are typically found at boat dealer locations. They can also be found online, but are usually from the boat dealerships.
Large Motorized Inflatables & Ribs – These are typically purchased from boat dealerships or via private sales.
For the larger boats, they can also be found on sites like Boatsales, Gumtree or other online marketplaces.
Are inflatable boats made out of rubber?
Not exactly. While early inflatable boats were made from natural rubber, modern inflatable boats are typically made from synthetic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or Hypalon (a type of synthetic rubber known as CSM). These materials offer much better resistance to UV, abrasion, and chemicals than traditional rubber.
Hypalon, in particular, is often mistakenly referred to as “rubber” because of its texture and durability, but it’s actually a synthetic elastomer designed for marine use.
What is the best blow up boat that I can buy for cheap?
Intex is a very popular blow up boat that you can purchase at many retailers across the country. A few other well know brands with good reputations include: Sea Eagle, BRIS and Airhead.