Editing Inflatable boat (section)

{{short description|Lightweight boat constructed with flexible tubes containing pressurized gas}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2009}}
[[File:Zodiac on the beach.jpg|thumb|A [[PVC]] inflatable boat on a beach]]
[[File:Rigid inflatable jersey.JPG|thumb|right|A modern, specialized [[Rigid Inflatable Boat|rigid inflatable boat]]]]

An '''inflatable boat''' is a lightweight [[boat]] constructed with its sides and [[Bow (watercraft)|bow]] made of [[Inflatable|flexible tubes containing pressurised gas]]. For smaller boats, the floor and [[Hull (watercraft)|hull]] are often flexible, while for boats longer than {{convert|3|m|ft|1}}, the floor typically consists of three to five rigid [[plywood]] or [[aluminium]] sheets fixed between the tubes, but not joined rigidly together. Often the [[Transom (nautical)|transom]] is rigid, providing a location and structure for mounting an [[outboard motor]].

Some inflatable boats can be disassembled and packed into a small volume, so that they can be easily stored and transported. The boat, when inflated, is kept rigid cross-ways by a foldable removable [[thwart]]. This feature makes these boats suitable for [[Lifeboat (shipboard)|liferaft]]s for larger boats or [[aircraft]], and for travel or recreational purposes.