| |
| |
|
Cruising & Sailing Information |
|
|
|
Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable
Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable sport boats have several advantages over their traditional watercraft counterparts. They typically cost less, are easy to transport, and can operate in more shallow waters than a deep hull boat. But many people don't realize that inflatable boats are just as safe, or even more secure, than traditional boats. Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide. Buoyancy Buoyancy is one of the main concerns with any watercraft. How high a boat sits in the water and how well it stays afloat are important contributors to overall safety. Buoyancy also helps determine the amount and weight of cargo that a boat can transport. Inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks tend to be more buoyant than traditional watercraft, mainly because of the inflatable collar or tubes. The inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out over the entire area of the boat, making it more resistant to sinking. In addition, the collars or tubes on an inflatable boat are usually designed with separate chambers so that if one chamber becomes deflated, the overall buoyancy will not be noticeably affected. Stability Not only does the design of inflatable boats contribute to increased buoyancy, it also helps make the watercraft more stable. Unlike traditional V-hulled boats, an inflatable boat sits flat in the water and has a low center of gravity, making them virtually impossible to tip. They are better able to handle rough water, and people standing up in the boat are not going to cause the craft to capsize. And swimmers and divers can use the sides to pull themselves up without causing the boat to rock or flip. Power & Maneuverability With the right size motor, inflatable boats can be quicker and more powerful than traditional boats because they are much lighter. For this same reason, they are much more responsive and easy to maneuver. In fact, because inflatable boats are so light and quick, it is important that you do not use too large of a motor. For general boating and fishing on inflatable boats, an 8 horsepower motor is adequate for watercraft up to 14 feet. Larger boats and inflatable sports boats for activities such as water skiing will require a motor with around 30 horsepower. Other Safety Factors As with traditional boats, there are a number of other precautions that help increase the overall safety of inflatable boats. The following list provides comprehensive guidelines, both for preparing to use an inflatable boat and for operation while out on the water. Before Leaving Port ? Familiarize yourself with all aspects involved with the operation of your inflatable boat and make several practice runs before heading out on the water with passengers. ? Familiarize yourself with the water safety regulations for your area. ? Explain basic boat operations to all passengers and make sure that there is someone else in the boat that can operate it in case you become unable to do so. ? Tell someone on shore the names of all people on your inflatable boat, where you plan to go, and when you expect to be back. ? If you have a cellular phone, bring it with you in case of emergency. ? Be sure to bring enough life vests or other allowable floatation devices for yourself and all passengers and make sure everyone puts them on before leaving if required by law to do so. ? Also pack paddles, maps, flares, and other essential navigational and safety equipment. ? When loading your boat, distribute weight evenly from side to side and front to back. Tie down loose cargo so it doesn't shift. ? Check weather conditions for the area and consider bringing a waterproof weather radio or hand held VHF Marine radio. ? Learn about navigational concerns related to the specific body of water on which you plan to use your inflatable boat and don't exceed the capabilities of you or your boat. On The Water ? Require all passengers to remain seated while the boat is in motion, and never allow anyone to ride on the bow of the boat. If anyone must stand up, be sure they maintain three points of contact. ? If using a motor, keep your hands away from the propeller and be sure passengers remember to stay clear of the prop when they are in the water. ? Always use the stop switch lanyard that attaches to the driver that will kill the engine should you fall overboard. Test it before leaving port to be sure it is operating correctly. ? Be aware that heavy rains and other water changes can create problems with debris floating in the water or hidden under the surface. ? Do not operate the inflatable boat under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. ? Remember that the captain of the boat sets the standard for safety, and you are responsible for the operation of the boat as well as your passengers' behavior. Special Safety Considerations For Inflatable Boats When using an inflatable boat, it is also a good idea to take along a foot pump and a repair kit. Even though boats with independent inflatable chambers can still operate when one chamber deflates, there may be instances when you may need to patch a puncture or re-inflate the boat at some point. It is important to have the necessary tools as well as an understanding of how to make repairs. In addition, organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safe Boating Council and the American Boat & Yacht Council provide information on boating safety. The Coast Guard, many state agencies, and private groups offer water safety classes and Web sites such as BoatEd and BoatSafe offer online testing and certification approved by many states. Although it is unlikely that your inflatable boat will capsize if you follow these safety precautions, it is also a good idea to know how to swim. Those who enjoy boating on a regular basis may also want to consider a CPR course. In addition to being easy to use and often less expensive than traditional boats, inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, and other inflatable watercraft are more safe and secure in key areas such as buoyancy and stability. Following the tips listed in this article will add to the overall safety of your boating experience and enhance your enjoyment of your inflatable boat as well. About the Author: C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com, providing consumer information on rigid inflatable fishing boats and the best inflatable kayaks. She and her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada's backcountry. The numerous portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of most inflatable sport boats. Copyright 2005 Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com
MORE RESOURCES:
cruising sailing - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To Yachting Vacations Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the rich or famous; the price being unachievable for most people. Prices have now dropped considerably with the introduction of chartering and many yacht owners now offer other potential seafarers the opportunity to 'rent' their boat for their dream vacation. Carribean Cruise Caribbean Cruises are among the most demanded cruise vacations in the world; with almost two million plus travelers sailing on different liners every year. Warm tropical climates sprinkled with great beaches, exotic foods and excellent tourist spots in a chain of fine islands is a hot tourist destination in the world. Australia Cruise Expert Guide Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe- inspiring beauty. From grand cities to ancient coral reefs, there is no end of star attractions in the land of Oz and the best way to see them is to book yourself on an Australia cruise. Boat Detailing - Final Process in the Reconditioning - Applying the Protective Sealant on Gel Coat It is often recommended that you do not use any natural or pure Carnauba automotive waxes as they will tend to yellow the gel coat over time and not properly seal the boat from environmental marine contaminants, however we do not always agree with this. It is not recommended that you use any paste waxes except we do strongly recommend using 3M Ultra Performance, which is a paste wax. Keltic Seafaring Many academics are unable to handle the possibility of ships that travelled the oceans as long ago as the Franchithi Caves dig that showed 13,000 B.C. Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results One of the most famous and popular brands in the wax industry is Meguiar's. Meguiar's has stood the test of time as a brand name. Yacht Winterization Service Business If you own a boat maintenance business you need to be providing winterization services to your customers. Many boat owners who get to know you may trust you to help them winterize their boats. How A Boat Can Make Retirement A Pleasure Boats are a fine part of any man's retirement. They give us something to do, offer us new places to see and keep us active mind, body and spirit. Want a Dream Career? Get a Job on a Yacht! If you're the "outdoorsy" type, prefer to work on a team, have a positive attitude and are a confirmed "people-person," you may fit right in as part of a yacht crew. Though jobs on most yachts are seasonal or part-time (depending on when someone rents it for a cruise), you will gain an incredible amount of experience while sailing your work days away. Tips on Marina and Dock Sealing It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a private dock or a dock at the marina. Always let the dock dry for three to twenty-four hours before applying any coating or sealant. Carnival Cruise - A Perfect Holiday - Rock and Rolling with Carnival Cruise If you want to have fun for one low price, all you need is a Carnival cruise. A Carnival cruise is a perfect way to pamper yourself. At the Boat Ramp The weekend is finally here. You're all loaded up (well, the car is loaded, you're not) and it's time to head for the lake. Survival At Sea: What You Need To Do, What You Need To Have Two boys from South Carolina made headlines a few weeks ago. They had spent six days adrift at sea before being rescued . Western Caribbean Cruise We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the western Caribbean cruise on November 28/04. This was our second cruise with Royal Caribbean with our first last year on the larger Adventure of the Seas. Monaco Yachts Sea and rich people: where else to find a better combination than in Monaco! A real Monaco yachts parade can be admired throughout the year in the Hercule Port, beside the local yearly yachting events. From imposing, big-sized ones to neat, small, jewel yachts. Alaska Cruise Ship Vacations Alaska is one of the world's great cruise destinations, particularly for those with an interest in world class fishing. Alaska is arguably the most beautiful of the American states, and cruise ships offer a unique way of seeing Alaska's beauty. Reducing Wake Turbulence and Wing-Tip Vortices Using Contoured Winglet Designs Some Taiwan scientists have figured out a way to reduce the wake from ferries crossing the harbor, most harbors and lakes, many rivers have speed limits to reduce the wake which cases hardships accidents, inconvenience and damage to other craft. We have all heard of the gentleman who ended up between the dock and hull of a large boat and was crushed to death, so obviously it is a serious matter. How To Save Money On Cruises 1. If you're 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts. Bermuda Cruise Expert Guide At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of Bermuda in the Western Atlantic is one of the smaller destinations in the world to visit on a cruise ship. Only a day and a half sailing from the U. Types of Cruise Ship Cabins Many cruise ships today have standard cabins of similar size and accoutrements, with the price differential being the location. The least expensive, inside standard cabins on a mainstream cruise ship run from about 120 square feet to 180 square feet.
|
| Article List | Index | Site Map |
|
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved. |
