Check Out Your Inflatable Boat Floor Carefully
Look For Damage, Repairs, And Condition

The floor of an inflatable boat is often overlooked when examining used boats. Make sure you take a close look at it because repair can be difficult, and replacing one will cost so much you will wonder why you bothered buying a used boat in the first place.

For wood floor boards check if the finish is still intact. It will most likely be in need of refinishing!

Are the interlocking hooks or channels still in good shape?

Is the floor a hollow wood floor, and if so is it soft or springy?

My first inflatable had a hollow wood floor, and the thin top layer was very springy!

For aluminum floors is it still possible to take it apart?

Is there any physical damage?

Make sure you take the floor out and look at the bottom and the connecting parts.

Aluminum floors have been know to seize together if they have been left in salt water for extended periods and have not been cleaned and maintained properly.

With inflatable floors look for patches.

Does the floor hold air? Inflate it hard when you first arrive to look at the boat, then check it after some time has passed to see if it has lost pressure. (It would be even better if you could monitor it over a longer period of time, but that could be difficult)

Take the inflatable floor out and check the bottom and edges of the inflatable floor for physical damage or extreme wear due to abrasion.

Roll up floors are the simplest system, but still check for signs of physical damage, broken wooden slats or bent aluminum slats

Many people never take the floor out of their inflatable. For proper maintenance of any collapsible boat the floor should be removed regularly so the boat can be properly cleaned.

Floors are generally pretty tough, but don't overlook this important part of your boat. Best to check it before you buy!

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