Rigid, inflatable, or semi-rigid annex: what to choose?
Do you have a boat and consider buying an annex for it?
In this article, we will come back to the differences between rigid, inflatable, and semi-rigid annexes to light your choice.
The three types have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget.
Rigid boat appendices
A rigid annex is generally built in fiberglass or aluminum. It can be equipped with a rigid or inflatable floor.
Rigid annexes tend to be more durable and more stable that the inflatable annexes, which makes them ideal for long -term uses.
They are also often faster that the inflatable annexes, which makes them Ideal for water sports such as water skiing or windsurfing.
However, they are also heavier and more difficult to store.
Regarding budgets, a standard rigid appendix with a rigid floor can cost Between 2,000 and 4,000 €. However, for larger models or with additional features such as an outboard engine, prices can easily exceed € 10,000.
Example
Model: Aviron 400
Brand: Armor
Price: around € 2,500
This rigid annex is 4.05m long and a width of 1.60m with 5 places and which can equip an engine up to 10 CV. It is equipped with wheels to facilitate its displacement.
Inflatable boat annexes
On the other hand, an inflatable annex is made of materials such as PVC or Hypalon.
They are light and easy to store Because they can be deflated. They are also more easy to transport Because they are light and can sometimes even be folded and stored in a transport bag.
However, the inflatable annexes are less stable that the rigid annexes, which makes them less ideal for water sports. They also have need to be inflated and deflated with each use, which can be tedious.
On the price side, the most basic inflatable models can cost Between 500 and 1,000 €, while high -end models with features like inflatable floors can cost Between 2,000 and 5,000 €. Depewel engines for inflatable annexes can cost between € 1,000 and € 2,000.
Example :
Model: Zodiac Cadet 310 Aero
Brand: Zodiac
Price: around € 1,300
This 3.10 -meter inflatable annex is made of PVC and has an inflatable floor. It can accommodate up to 4 people and can be equipped with an outboard engine up to 10 horses. It is also easy to transport and store, as it can be deflated and folded.
Semi-rigid boat appendices
Semi-rigid annexes, on the other hand, are a compromise between the rigid annexes and the inflatable annexes.
They have a rigid background and Inflatable PVC or Hypalon floats.
Semi-rigid annexes offer better stability that the inflatable annexes, while being more light and more easy to store than the rigid annexes. They are also more rapid that the inflatable annexes, but not as much as the rigid annexes.
The semi-rigid annexes have become very popular in recent years for use as an extra boat or for nautical leisure, such as fishing or sea outings.
The prices of the semi-rigid boat annexes are between those of the rigid annexes and the inflatable annexes. The most basic models can cost Between 1,000 and 2,000 €, while high-end models of annexes with additional features such as outboard motors can cost Between 5,000 and 10,000 €. Prices can also vary depending on the size and quality of the materials used. There are obviously much more expensive semi-rigid boat models for several thousand euros, but these are more readily used as a main boost than a simple boat annex.
Example :
Model: Zodiac Cadet 310 Rib Alu
Brand: Zodiac
Price: around 2,000 euros
This annex is 3.10 meters long and a width of 1.60 meters. It is equipped with an aluminum floor and a high resistance PVC float. The boat can accommodate up to 4 people and can be motorized up to 15 horses. It also has several carrying handles to facilitate its transport.
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