Anthony Appleyard
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Every inflatable-type diving boat that I have seen for a long time has been a RIB. Does the old-type inflatable boat with a flexible floor still exist? Do many scuba divers use them?
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Every inflatable-type diving boat that I have seen for a long time has been a RIB. Does the old-type inflatable boat with a flexible floor still exist? Do many scuba divers use them?
The old type of inflatable that I was familiar with here in England had a flexible floor and when deflated could be rolled up. With inflated it was kept rigid crosswise by a foldable removable thwart.
Those are of the "two additional" catagories I mentioned. The old Metzler was of that type and I think it is long gone, they were nice boats. Those flat bottom inflatable floor boats are mostly used for low horsepower applications in the smallest of boats. Having a V bottom held by a inflarable/wooden/fiberglass keel and a solid wooden/aluminum or glass floor is so much stronger and versatile. The floor pops out so the boat can be rolled up.
Soft floor boat like your asking about sans transom:
RIB:
High performance roll up boat with rigid floor system:
My 1984 Novurania Cancuro 420, 25 to 50 horsepower, rigid wooden and aluminum floor, rolls up and fits in the trunk of a hatch back. I shot this pic after refinishing the floors and other items in my basement a few winters ago. I need a new engine for it.
My Boston Whaler, sure is nice not having to blow it up:
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