The latest generation of inflatable boats has successfully shaken off the “pool toy” stereotype, combining heavy-duty, military-grade materials with advanced hull engineering to deliver unmatched safety and portability.
* prices and specifications subject to change without notice
AirSolid 22
Airsolid stands alone among competitors. Every hull leaves its factory with a warranty structure few competitors match: 10 full years on the welded aluminum hull, and 10 full years on the welded polyurethane composite float. That’s not an inflatable tube in the usual sense. It’s a welded fabric composite float, built for institutional service with police, firefighters, and coast guard operators.
The 22-foot Airsolid is the most common example on the used market and a great entry point for a new buyer in the recreational market. Welded marine aluminum hull and welded polyurethane composite float draw immediate attention. For buyers who put a boat through hard service (docking on rocky shorelines, hauling gear, running long days), the Airsolid build is a distinctly different proposition from the sport-tender segment where PVC and Hypalon dominate.
Look for additional coverage in the next issue of Power Boating Canada, including an exclusive tour of the Airsolid factory! More info: www.airsolid.ca
Specifications: Length: 22 ft | Hull type: Welded marine aluminum hull; welded polyurethane composite canvas float; 10-year warranty on both | MSRP: CAD $82,000 (approx.)
Blackwater LTD 580
Blackwater Inflatables is headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, and brings a combined 50+ years of powersports experience from its founders, who partnered with a manufacturer to build a line of tenders and coach boats.
The LTD 580 sits at the top of the LTD series (5.80 metres, approximately 19 feet). A fiberglass deep-V hull, multi-chamber inflatable collar is standard to this model. Console-equipped configuration is also included, providing additional versatility. For buyers who want a coach boat, a dive platform, or a serious yacht tender in the 15-to-20-foot range, the LTD 580 is a build backed by a strong Canadian dealer network. More info: www.blackwaterboats.ca
Specifications: Length: 5.8 m (approx. 19 ft; LTD 580) | Hull type: Fiberglass deep-V RIB hull; multi-chamber inflatable collar | MSRP: CAD $54,995 plus HST (approx.)
Brig Eagle 8
The Eagle 8 is Brig’s flagship luxury RIB, featuring twenty-six feet on the collar and Hypalon Orca fabric across five independently sealed chambers. It benefits from a Deep-V fiberglass hull with an extended waterline and a square bow that stays stable in following seas. Extra-wide tubes, a console toilet compartment, freshwater transom shower, and a ski mast also come standard. Seat lockers under all aft benches provide storage that a conventional RIB doesn’t have room for. The off-centre console layout maximizes port-side walkthrough access to the bow.
The Eagle 8 will be shown off at one of the biggest in-water events this year, the 1000 Islands Poker Run, where it will be showcased as the featured pace boat and safety boat. The 1000 Islands Poker Run will be hosted by Power Boating Canada in Kingston, Ontario on August 7-8, Canada’s largest in-water showcase. Sousa Marine President Luna Sousa will be running the Eagle 8 during the run. More info: www.brigboats.com
Specifications: Length: 26 ft 2 in (7.98 m) | Beam: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) | Max horsepower: 300 hp | Passenger capacity: 16 rated; 10 seated | Hull type: Fiberglass deep-V RIB; Hypalon Orca collar; 5 independent chambers; freshwater system 23 gal | MSRP: CAD $164,000 (approx. base)
Pace Arrow 580
The 10-foot Pace with an aluminum floor hits the right size for most tender duties. Light enough for davit use on a mid-size powerboat, stable enough to stand in when boarding, large enough for two adults and a gear bag. An inflatable keel helps it track when there’s a headwind. PVC fabric, aluminum transom, and slatted floor are all serviceable in the field without tools. Pace distributes primarily through smaller Canadian marine retailers and direct dealer sales. More info: www.pacemarine.ca
SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 5.8 m (approx. 19 ft; Pace Arrow 580) | Hull type: High-tensile chromated aluminum RHIB; multi-chamber PVC (HEYtex/VALMEX) or Orca Hypalon tubes; self-draining cockpitstrakes | MSRP: N/A
Suzumar DS-360AL
Backed by Suzuki Marine, 3.6-metres long and carrying up to 5 people, the DS-360AL sits at the top of Suzumar’s soft-bottom DS range. The craft features an aluminum floor rather than wood slats, which means it’s rigid, drains fast and adds minimal weight. Built with a sturdy five-layer polyester-reinforced PVC construction, the mark of quality runs through the collar with glued seams.
An integrated bow lifting eye and stern carry handle are sized for davit deployment from a mid-size powerboat. The 25 hp rating gets five people across a harbour in a reasonable time and leaves throttle in reserve for current or wind.
A 3-year warranty plan also protects buyers. Owners already running a Suzuki outboard will also benefit from a shared service network: same dealer, same maintenance schedule, same account. Those details matter for owners who want the whole package managed in one place, rather than chasing parts in different service channels. More info:
www.suzuki.ca
Specifications: Max horsepower: 25 hp (DS-360AL rated max) | Passenger capacity: 5 persons | Hull type: 5-layer polyester-reinforced PVC inflatable; aluminum floor; glued seams | MSRP: CAD $3,450 (approx.)
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