Fishing Frenzy

For water-adventure worshippers, inflatable boats have become highly-preferred. One of the reasons why they have become so appealing is that they can be lugged around virtually anywhere. Pumping and releasing air can be done in as fast as 10 to 15 minutes, making set up easy. After an inflated has been deflated, it's easy to fold and put it in a bag and brought to your hiking/camping/boating adventures. And because the center of gravity of a blow up is placed lower, it is stable and much safer compared to a traditional hard shell.

Another draw card of a rubber duck is its affordability vis--vis a traditional wooden boat. But it's also a sad reality that for most devoted boaters, financial constraints still prevent them from owning their own inflatable. The solution, instead of buying a cheap blow up that is only be good for the swimming pool, is to get high-end used inflatable boats.

Many boaters are often surprised with the value and quality of getting a used inflatable. When well-chosen, the only signs of wear and tear are just a few minor scratches, otherwise the vessel is as good as a brand new rig. That it has to be chosen well has to be emphasized. If you are not equipped with this kind of knowledge, have someone help you out.

Of all the used inflatable boats available in the market, the one closest to being brand new are those that have been returned to the manufacturer because they didn't meet the specifications of the customer. While not as gleaming as a brand new rig, they are still, for all intents and purposes, brand new. You can save anywhere from $100 to $200, sometimes more, when you get used returns.

Buying used inflatable boats online can be a bit trickier since you will have to rely on the word of the seller, pictures and maybe a video of the item you are planning to purchase. Unlike acquiring a used inflatable in the flesh, you won't get the chance to inspect the item first-hand. Thus, buying online requires exercising more caution on your part. You will have to be a bit more specific about your requirements so you know what inflatable to look for over the Internet.

Ask sellers all the repairs that have been done on the inflatable for sale. Request for pictures so that you will be able to see if the patches are well-done and the boat still has a good many years left. You have less to worry about if the repairs were done by a professional. See to it that the patch adheres seamlessly to the material the boat is made of.

Have the seller send you pictures or video of the hull. Check it for longitudinal cracks since presence of these compromises the vessel and should serve as your warning flag to not consummate the sale.

Stay safe when you buy used inflatables by limiting your search to websites that are reputable. Purchase used returns from the manufacturer's website and used inflatables from online vendors affiliated with Ebay or Amazon. Sellers here are required to adhere by certain standards and they also need to describe and post pictures of items they sell.