Why buy a semi-rigid boat? Advantages
Are you a lover of nautical outings and considering taking the plunge by acquiring your own boat?
While of course you can choose to opt for a sailboat, today, we will talk about motorboats, and more specifically about Zodiac-type models, namely so-called "semi-rigid" hull boats, as opposed to "rigid" hull models.
Although they are not exactly inflatable boats, semi-rigid boats do have tubes air-inflated floats, often very easy to maneuver and versatile, allowing all types of marine activities: water sports, fishing, diving, leisure, and mini cruises.
But what exactly are the advantages of these semi-rigid boats, and why favor them over rigid hull models? Our answers in this article.
Advantage 1: Sizes and choice of equipment
First of all, let's break a myth: yes, a semi-rigid boat can be luxurious, featuring numerous pieces of equipment, and carrying a significant number of passengers.
Ordinarily, when one imagines a Zodiac-type boat, one envisions a craft that is "fun" but somewhat modest, accommodating 2 or 3 people, or with limited functions.
In reality, this is not the case! We invite you to check out our article on the best models of semi-rigid boats.
There you will discover that prices for semi-rigid boats can reach considerable amounts, with high-end services and equipment, such as: cabins, sanitary facilities, complete state-of-the-art electronic equipment, modular decks, sunbathing areas, kitchenettes, and plenty of storage.
Semi-rigid inflatable boats can also comfortably accommodate up to around 20 passengers.
In short, there are hundreds of models on the market to discover, for all tastes and all budgets.
Advantage 2: Maneuverability, reactivity, speed
Due to its lightness, a semi-rigid boat is ideal for maneuvering in tight environments, particularly in ports. This makes it an ideal choice especially for beginners, but not only!
It's no coincidence that sea rescuers, diving clubs, firefighters, or coast guards are often seen at the helm of semi-rigid boats: their maneuverability and reactivity qualities are immense.
And this "light" weight does not prevent semi-rigid boats from carrying one or more very powerful engines. Again, don't be mistaken: if you are a fan of speed, you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy yourself with a semi-rigid boat!
However, be careful, this lightness (even though, once again, it depends on the chosen model) implies a sometimes tricky wind resistance not suitable for rough seas, especially concerning models less than 6.5 meters.
Advantage 3: Buoyancy
Again, this may seem counterintuitive, especially after what has been said previously, but semi-rigid boats benefit from a much better buoyancy than rigid hull models!
Because in reality, a semi-rigid behaves on the water a bit like a catamaran, always staying flat on the water with the tubes inflatables.
This ensures good stability and prevents getting unexpectedly wet. This is also due to their lower center of gravity than rigid hull models, making it nearly impossible to capsize a semi-rigid boat. This lower center of gravity also makes semi-rigid boats ideal for divers entering the water.
Advantage 4: Resistance and Durability
Here too, semi-rigid boats will surprise you because, in many configurations, they prove to be more resistant than rigid models. The tubes, while they can indeed puncture, are actually very resistant and, unlike rigid boats, they can absorb shocks. In fact, most ribs are equipped with a pressure relief valve that prevents the dangerous increase of tube bursting pressure.
In the event of a measured impact, the tubes can therefore absorb the impact, whereas a rigid hull (often made of fiberglass) will be irreparably affected in its structure.
You can also easily buy resistant fabric to repair or reinforce your tubes.
Overall, the maintenance of a semi-rigid boat is relatively easy and does not require special investments if you do the minimum after each outing.
Advantage 5: Transport
Thanks to a lighter weight than a rigid hull — 760 kg for a 6 m compared to 1,020 kg for a rigid hull of the same size, the semi-rigid is more easily transportable.
Let us recall that to be transported on a trailer, a boat must not exceed a width of 2.55 m. But since it is possible to deflate and disassemble your floats, you can actually own a boat wider than this limit and still tow it wherever you like.
The other consequence of this is that launching is also made easier. For more information on this point, see our article on launching semi-rigid boats.
Advantage 6: Price
If once again you want to treat yourself, you have the possibility with a semi-rigid boat to offer yourself a very high-end product.
But one of the definite advantages concerning semi-rigid boats is that they are in the entry-level range of boats at very affordable prices, starting from only €10,000! And to save even more and make good deals, read our article dedicated to the best sites to buy a second-hand semi-rigid.
Conclusion
Semi-rigid boats are competitive on many points and offer unprecedented advantages compared to traditional rigid hull models.
Take the time to study the characteristics of the various models offered by the plethora of manufacturers on the market, and you are sure and certain to obtain satisfaction!
Orca Retail is here to ensure the maintenance of your future semi-rigid boat, whether it is maintenance kits or repair fabrics for your floats.
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