Nothing compares to the combination of convenience and adventure that you get with a portable sailboat. These are one of the most versatile boats you can own. Take it anywhere, store it in your closet at home, and save a ton of money on maintenance. All while offering an incredible sailing experience unlike any other.
Are inflatable sailboats with it, though? What are the benefits of an inflatable sailboat? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
At Red Beard Sailing, you’ll gain access to an unparalleled selection of inflatable sailboats for sale. Sailing is our passion - and today, we’re excited to show you all the reasons why inflatable sailboats are worth it. Then, we’ll offer a few recommendations for where to start this new journey. Let’s not waste any time!
What are the Benefits of an Inflatable Sailboat?
If you’re looking for a versatile, cost-effective approach to sailing, a portable sailboat stands out as an obvious choice.
Not only do these offer a one-of-a-kind sailing experience that traditional sailboats can’t replicate. But, they also unlock more possibilities than ever before in terms of where you can sail and how you use the boat. And with less maintenance, simple storage, and transportation, you really can’t ask for much more!
Save Money on Transportation, Slip Fees, and Marina Storage
The biggest obstacle for most people getting started sailing comes down to storage and transportation. You’re not just buying a boat - you need to buy a trailer and pay for marina storage. Or, deal with the hassle of constantly pulling it out of the water to store it at your home.
An inflatable sailboat is a way to avoid all of this.
These boats are highly portable and oftentimes are stored in just two bags. You can transport these in the trunk of your car to save money on a trailer. And, the inflatable nature of these boats adds a whole lot of added convenience to how you store the boat at home, too.
Throw it under your bed, in your closet, on a shelf in the garage - wherever you’ve got the space. Avoiding slip fees can save you thousands a year. And, it will save your boat from being exposed to the elements, too…
Keep Your Boat Safe From Harsh Elements
When your boat is stored in the water year-round, the elements can take a serious toll. This leads to the degradation of the material from constant exposure to moisture and sunlight. But, your boat is also at risk of damage from intense storms.
This can contribute to fading and discoloration, or more intensive repairs down the road like leaks, sail/mast replacement, and more. And, on a somewhat related note, your boat is also at risk of theft or vandalism when stored either on a trailer or at the marina.
Knowing all this, boat storage is a common source of stress for owners. But because inflatable boats are broken down after use and stored somewhere behind a lock with protection from the elements, you can enjoy peace of mind. Harsh temperatures, sunlight, water, or other elements can’t degrade your boat prematurely. As a result, your boat will last longer - helping you really get your money’s worth.
Take it Anywhere & Use it More Often
Owning a portable sailboat is great - but sometimes, finding the right lake or coastal setting to set sail in can be tricky. This prevents you from getting your full money’s worth from the investment as it’s harder to get out on the water.
Wouldn’t it be nice to sail virtually any body of water - like a large pond or small lake? Or better yet, effortlessly bring your boat along for vacations? An inflatable sailboat is your key to unlocking these possibilities!
You can inflate these right on the beach and get out in any conditions. You’ll be able to use the boat more often, too, as it’s as simple as heading out to the nearest body of water, pulling it out of your vehicle, and getting it inflated. Some boats - like the MiniCat Guppy - take under 10 minutes to assemble. It’s way easier to get out after work and enjoy the last of the daylight from the water!
And because they fully break down into bags, you can bring them along to weekend getaways or longer vacations and explore new waters you’d otherwise never have access to.
Effortless and Affordable Service/Maintenance
Another huge source of stress for sailboat owners is the service or maintenance aspect of ownership. It’s either time-consuming or expensive - or in some cases, both.
Traditional sailboats require regular maintenance to ensure they are in good working condition, such as cleaning and polishing the hull, inspecting and replacing the rigging, and checking and servicing the other components of the vessel. And in the event you discover a serious problem and something needs to be professionally serviced, you’ll pay a pretty penny.
Inflatable sailboats, on the other hand, require much less maintenance than traditional boats. The inflatable boat material is durable and resistant to fading, discoloration, and damage from the elements. Because your boat is taken out of the water after each use, you don’t spend nearly as much time cleaning and polishing the hull.
And with fewer components to worry about, there are fewer steps in your maintenance schedule (and fewer things that could go wrong!). In the case you deal with a puncture - which is rare due to the strength and durability of portable boats - you are only paying for a patch job rather than a new fiberglass hull.
All of this means less time, money, and stress about the maintenance side of things.
If you want to learn more about inflatable boat maintenance, our guide to cleaning, protecting, and caring for your watercraft is a great resource. For now, let’s move on to the next inflatable sailboat benefit: the unparalleled versatility they offer!
Unparalleled Versatility - Sail, Row, Paddle, or Motor
If you’re like us, you like trying new things out on the water and switching up your routine to keep things fresh. After all, there are countless ways you can enjoy the water. What if you had one boat that could practically do it all? Well, portable sailboats can!
Of course, you can sail your boat and work with the wind to cut through the water with ease. But you can also remove the sails and mast and row your boat - getting in some very valuable rowing fitness! There is no better rowing machine alternative than actually getting out on the water and experiencing the real thing.
But, that’s not all. You can also paddle your boat solo (depending on the model) or with friends. Take the X-Cat boats, for example. This can be configured in three different ways at Red Beard Sailing: as a SUP, a standard rear-facing rowboat, or an innovative forward-facing rowboat! Name another sailboat that can do that.
To top it all off, you can even use your inflatable boat with a motor depending on the specific model you buy. Perfect for those days when you’re just looking to relax and take in the scenery. With the right inflatable boat accessories, nothing is off-limits.
But, let’s face it - you came here because you’re interested in sailboats. Are inflatable sailboats worth it purely based on a sailing experience? Absolutely - here’s why…
Experience a One-of-a-Kind Sailing Adventure
One of the most absurd inflatable boat myths we’ve heard is that they can’t compete with their hardshell counterparts. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In some cases, a high-end inflatable boat will outperform a traditional sailboat. There are some inflatable boats that can effortlessly exceed 20 knots. And they’re incredibly dynamic and maneuverable, too.
But, it’s not just the pure adrenaline rush you’ll feel while cutting through the water on an inflatable sailboat. It’s the diverse range of experiences you gain access to. Yes - you can do that. But you can do so much more than race your inflatable boat.
Maybe you want to sail solo - but a traditional sailboat makes that next to impossible. Certain models - like HappyCat Sailboats are designed for exactly that! You can also find inflatable sailboats that allow you to sail with the entire family.
In fact, you can even go sailing with your dog as the material on these boats is puncture-resistant, yet offers traction to keep your pup safe! As we’ve mentioned a few times throughout this conversation, the variety of adventures you can experience on an inflatable sailboat is one of the reasons why inflatable boats are worth it.
And with that said, let’s get back to the question you came here with: is this the right choice for you?
So, Are Inflatable Sailboats Worth it?
So - are inflatable sailboats worth it? Absolutely - and by now, we’re confident you agree. But to a certain extent, some of the points we’ve made today you have to feel firsthand to truly understand. With that said, it’s time for you to head over to Red Beard Sailing and start your search for the perfect vessel!
Our sailboat buying guide is a great starting point if you’re just beginning this journey. Or, reach out to us for a personalized recommendation. As lifelong sailors, we’re passionate about helping others enjoy the water as it was intended - and we can’t wait to play a role in getting you out there.
Once you’ve got your boat ordered, read up on our guide on how to sail inflatable catamarans for the first time and get ready for a whole new world on the water!
Final Thoughts on the Inflatable Sailboat Benefits
That brings our conversation on the inflatable sailboat benefits to a close. In summary, these boats save you a ton of money over the course of their lives on storage, transportation, and maintenance. And, the boat itself is more cost-effective than its traditional counterpart. Meanwhile, the performance these boats offer is right up there with the best fiberglass sailboats - while offering a more diverse range of experiences for you to enjoy.
What more could you ask for in a vessel? This is why inflatable boats are becoming the go-to choice for modern sailors.
Ready to get yours? Start exploring the options on our site or reach out to talk shop!