Category: Lejen Marine

How Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Better than Other Inflatable Boats?

X-factors refer to traits or properties that can be hard to define, but are important nonetheless. Any object or person having such characteristics will stand at an advantage over others. When it comes to vehicles, a car that seems to possess an X-factor will attract more people than other vehicles in the same category. Similarly, in the world of inflatable boats, Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have an X-factor that makes them the best in their category. When Australians want to go cruising, they will invariably look for vessels that are solid and reliable. Not surprisingly, in many cases, RIBs will be their watercrafts of choice.

What Qualities Make Rigid Inflatable Boats So Popular in Australia?

RIBs and Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) denote lightweight and high-performance powerboats. These boats typically feature a solid hull. They feature several inflatable tubes (or sponsons) placed around the outer edges too. This combination serves to enhance the shock-absorbing qualities of RIBs quite significantly. This gives the RIB a unique characteristic known as the Variably Geometry Hull, which refers to the fact that the hull of the RIB can change shape under the effect of the waves.

Many Australians have preferred RIBs over other conventional boats because RIBs:

  • Offer higher levels of safety and stability, especially as the inflatable tubes can keep the boat afloat even with large quantities of water within the RIB
  • Are lightweight
  • Do not take as much space as conventional boats do when not inflated and,
  • Have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 20 years

Lejen Marine – The Name to Rely on for the Best Inflatable Boats in Melbourne

If you want to purchase a watercraft that meets your budget and your requirements, simply shop at Lejen Marine. We specialise in supplying all kinds of boats to our clients. Our enviable range of vessels does not only suit professional buyers. We offer immense choice to amateur boating enthusiasts as well. From Rigid Inflatable Boats to Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs), we have it all. With us, you’ll be able to find leisure craft, safety vessels and workboats that suit you to a ‘T’. When you shop with us, you can rest assured that you will receive the best product at the best rates. Moreover, we’ll be glad to share our advice on the best vessel for your needs too. To know more, call us at (02) 9979 4533.

Inflatable Kayaks in Australia: Do’s and Don’ts when Kayaking

Many of the buyers of inflatable kayaks in Australia are fairly new to the activity. If you are one of them, one of the first things that you’ll need to learn are the different do’s and don’ts of kayaking. Knowing these things can help make your kayaking adventure more enjoyable and much safer.

Before Heading Out

  • Do tell a friend or a family member where you are going. Tell them when you expect to be back from the trip as well.
  • Pack your air pump and repair kit in a dry bag and bring it with you in the kayak.
  • Inflate your kayak to full capacity. Otherwise, it will not be as rigid and may end up sluggish as you float in the water.
  • When loading your kayak, make sure that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the kayak.
  • If the above is impossible, it is recommended that you make the back end of the kayak heavier than the front end.
  • Pack some snacks and drinking water to last you while kayaking.
  • Bring a hat. You’ll need it to protect your face from the sun. A wide brimmed hat is recommended since it offers protection for the back of your neck as well.
  • Put on some sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun. If you’ll be paddling for hours, re-apply sunscreen whenever possible.

When Out in the Water

  • As a first time kayaker, it is best to keep close to the shore. This is a wise thing to do whether you’re kayaking in the ocean, lake or river.
  • When kayaking in rivers, avoid running into hard rocks. Avoid fallen logs and tree branches as well. Inflatable kayaks in Australia are tough, but they’re not invincible.
  • Keep hydrated. Drink water whenever you can.
  • Don’t stand up when in the water. If you’re riding a tandem kayak, don’t switch places while you’re in the water.

After Kayaking

  • Don’t drag your kayak out of the water and over gravel or rocks. Carry it even though you’re tired.
  • Clean your kayak before deflating and storing. Make sure it’s properly dried so it won’t develop mold and mildew while in storage.

Kayaking is an extremely fun adventure. However, it pays to be careful especially if you’re a first-timer.

If you’re looking inflatable kayaks in Australia, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (02) 9979 4533 or leave a message in our contact page. We also supply inflatable buoys and inflatable boats in Sydney.

Inflatable Boats Australia: Common Types of Valves

One of the most important components of inflatable boats in Australia are the valves. These are parts of the boat that allows you to blow air into and out of the air chambers. There is a wide range of valves being sold in the market nowadays. However, the ones listed below appear to be the most commonly available.

Leafield Valves

These types of valve are often the preferred choice for many manufacturers of inflatable boats in Australia. There are several reasons why this is so. First, these valves are known to be of high quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship. This makes them very durable and suitable for boats used in challenging environments like Highfield boats and Swift Marine boats.

Second, they come in a variety of styles and models like recessed boot or bootless. This gives the manufacturers more freedom when designing their inflatable boats. Some models of this valves can be difficult to repair, like the A-7 models which have their core assembly located inside the tube. Other models though like the C-7 is easy to work with since they’re located outside.

Military Style Valves

The military style valves are made from metal and are very strong and durable. Aside from that, they are also very easy to operate. You only need to twist off the cap and then you can start to inflate or deflate the boat. However, some boaters have issues with these types of valves. One common problem is corrosion, which usually happens since inflatable boats like those from Swift Marine and Highfield boats are constantly exposed to salt water. When corrosion strikes, it leaves the valves difficult to operate and sometimes, in open position.

Halkey-Roberts Valves

These types of valves are designed to clamp directly to most boat fabrics. For those used in inflatable boats in Australia, they are usually made with aluminum. They also have a double seal protection and a low profile. Along with these is a spring-loaded center post. This is what allows air to be pumped into the chamber. Depressing the center post allows you to deflate the inflatable boat.

There are several other types of valves used in many inflatable boats. However, the above mentioned types are the most commonly seen. If you are looking inflatable boats in Australia, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (02) 9979 4533 or leave a message in our contact page. We are suppliers Highfield boats and Swift Marine boats and many others.

 

Inflatable Kayaks Australia: How To Choose An Inflatable Kayak

For first time kayak buyers, shopping for inflatable kayaks in Australia can be a daunting task considering all the many factors that needs to be thought of. In order to make the buying process much easier, here are some things to keep in mind.

Price

Prices for inflatable kayaks in Australia can vary widely depending on the brand and model. However, as with any other purchase, you get what you pay for. If you want an inflatable kayak that performs well and glides smoothly over water, then you should invest in the more expensive models. This is especially true if you’re planning to make kayaking a hobby.

Tandem or Solo

You should also consider whether you’ll be using the kayak solo or if you’ll be riding with a friend or partner. There are certain benefits to buying a tandem kayak, but if you will be using your inflatable kayak alone, then you there is basically no need to get a tandem. Solo inflatable kayaks in Australia are lightweight, easier to inflate and transport which is more convenient. However, if you’re really not sure or would want to have a single kayak that can be used solo or in tandem, then a tandem kayak which can be converted into a solo kayak is what you may want to consider.

Warranty

It is always a good idea to go for inflatable kayaks in Australia that comes with a solid warranty. A warranty is an excellent indicator of the quality of the inflatable kayak that you intend to buy. This is because companies who are proud and willing to stand by their products will always offer a warranty. This is also true for inflatable boats. Remember, a high quality kayak should give you years of enjoyment, and those years should be backed by a warranty.

Type of Kayaking

Inflatable kayaks in Australia come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and when making your choice, you should consider they type of kayaking that you will do like whitewater kayaking or touring. Each type of inflatable kayak has its own set of features and characteristics and you’ll want to make sure that you get the one that fits your needs.

There may be other factors that you’ll need to take into consideration when shopping for inflatable kayaks in Australia, but the ones mentioned above should give you a good start on what to look for. If you are looking for inflatable kayaks, inflatable boats, or HIghfield RIBs, do get in touch with us today.

Inflatable Boats NSW: Choosing An Engine

When buying inflatable boats in NSW, one of the things that you’ll need to consider is the engine. For many, the engine is considered to be the most complicated part of the boat, and it also is the most expensive part of it as well. Because of that, it is only right that you spend time and effort in learning about boat engines to ensure that you are getting the right one for your needs.

When it comes to choosing an engine for inflatable boats in NSW, you need to think about how much horsepower you require. However, don’t be misled into thinking that the more horsepower an engine has, the better it will be for you. Keep in mind that inflatable boats in NSW have their own rating system as to just how much power you can safely attach to your inflatable boat.

Still, there is no law that limits the power of the engine that you can attach to your inflatable boats in NSW, but you should know that this will have implications on your insurance. This is because an overpowered boat, though capable of moving at faster speeds, can negatively impact the handling and safety of your inflatable boat. In addition, the more powerful engines are normally larger and heavier, and this can affect the stability of the inflatable boat and its balance. Suffice to say that your choice of engine should not only be based on power alone, but you should also consider if it is the right fit for your inflatable boat.

As part of your research in learning about which engine fits your needs best, make it a point to visit a showroom that displays and sells inflatable boats in NSW. Talk to the salesman and be sure to ask about the engine on the inflatable boat that you intend to buy. Some sales representative may try to hype up a certain engine or inflatable boat because it’s what they have in stock, but you can be sure that most of them are honest and will tell you upfront the pros and cons of each engine they have in the store.

Along that line, this is why it is important to visit a shop or manufacturer who has excellent reputation not only with regard to their products but also with their customer service. Inflatable boats and their engines are huge investments, and you want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth. If you are looking to learn more about inflatable boats and their engines, or are looking for inflatable boats like those from Swift Marine or Highfield, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Inflatable Boats Sydney: PVC or Hypalon?

When you’re shopping for inflatable boats in Sydney, one of the things you’ll need to decide on is which type of fabric you want for your inflatable boat—PVC or hypalon? The past few years have seen improvements in the types of fabrics used in the manufacture of inflatable boats, which kind of makes the choosing process a bit challenging for the first time buyer. With regard to these two types of fabric mentioned, here’s a brief overview of each and some of their pros and cons.

PVC Fabric

PVC is a very popular option when it comes to inflatable boats in Sydney because they are the more affordable option. This is mainly because manufacturers are able to mechanize the manufacturing process to a greater degree, thus allowing for a more cost-effective production process and pricing scheme. Aside from affordability, other reasons why boating enthusiasts love PVC is because they can be easily folded and lightweight. In addition, PVC fabric can be very strong and durable, though that only applies to high quality fabrics and if they come from reputable manufacturers like Highfield Boats. Furthermore, PVC comes with threads woven into them, and the tighter the weave, the more resilient the fabric is. The only downside to PVC fabric is that they are susceptible to damage from exposure to sunlight for long periods of time.

Hypalon Fabric

Inflatable boats in Sydney which are manufactured with hypalon fabric is also a very popular choice mainly because of their strength. They are able to withstand constant exposure to weather elements and certain chemicals and have excellent wicking capabilities. This is why hypalon is used in the manufacture of large and heavy-duty inflatable boats and tenders. The downside to hypalon inflatable boats though is that they can be very expensive as a result of the tedious manufacturing process (e.g. they need to be sanded first before they can be glued together).

Which One Should I Buy?

Choosing between PVC or hypalon inflatable boats in Sydney can be either easy or hard. If your buying decision largely depends on your budget, then PVC would be the easier choice. However, if your buying decision is influenced by factors like longevity and ease of use, as well as how often you’ll be taking your inflatable boat for ride, then you may want to consider choosing between excellent quality PVC or hypalon boats. If you need help in choosing, or would like more information about our products and services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Pointers To Use When Choosing Highfield Boats

It is clear that Highfield boats are among the best inflatable boats you can use in NSW. But you should look at a few key aspects of such boats when determining which option is right for your use.

What Conditions Do You Sail In?

Think about the conditions that you might be sailing in when finding one of these inflatable boats NSW. A model with a thicker aluminum base and a series of long stringers might be better if you need something stable enough to last through the toughest conditions. The Patrol series of Highfield boats is a good option for intense sailing situations.

See How You Steer It

The steering mechanism in your boat should be checked. It has to work quickly and not require far too much pressure just to make it work. The Ocean Master series offers a powerful steering apparatus that responds quickly.

How Does the Floor Feel?

The floor must feel comfortable and thick enough to work with any kind of console. The Classic line, for instance, offers a double-skin floor that is carefully lined and will not tear easily.

A smaller boat like a Roll-up model will come with a flatter and thinner airmat floor. It is flexible to where it can be quickly rolled up. It is still best for lighter use.

How Much Space?

The amount of space that you’ll have on your boat has to be reviewed well. You can order a larger boat like a Ocean Master Deluxe boat that comes with a few bench seating areas. The more basic Ocean Master option just has two seating spots. Smaller choices like the Classic can handle one or two people at a time. Think about how many people are going to be on your boat at a given time when choosing something worth having.

You can’t go wrong with any of these Highfield options. Check carefully when finding one of these inflatable boats NSW so you can have something comfortable and enjoyable for your sailing needs.

A Few Pointers For Cleaning Inflatable Boats Sydney

Your Swift Marine boat can develop plenty of dirt and stains from all that use. These issues can especially be concerning if you have an inflatable boat. There are a few things that can be done to help you clean one of these inflatable boats Sydney without hurting the boat.

Use a Cleaner for the Specific Fabric

Don’t just use any kind of soap to clean off an inflatable boat. Use one that has been formulated for the specific fabric of your boat whether it is for PVC use or something else. A specially designed cleaner will work with the fabric to clean off all forms of dirt and debris.

Use Gentle Water

When using water, you must keep it as gentle and comfortable as possible. Don’t add lots of pressure on the boat. Use clean water with a gentle mist around the boat’s body. This lets you get the specialized cleaner to move along the boat quite well.

Inflate It a Bit Before Cleaning

The cleaning process works best when the boat is slightly inflated. This allows you to clean more of the surface as you won’t miss any small creases or crevices that may develop.

What to Avoid

When cleaning inflatable boats Sydney, you must never use anything that is alkaline in nature. This includes anything with a pH of 11.5 or higher. Alkaline materials can weaken the inflatable surface.

You should not use anything abrasive like a rough scrubbing pad or bleach cleaner. Such items will hurt the quality of the boat and damage its body.

Don’t use any typical all-purpose soaps or detergents on your boat either. These can cause soap scum and residues to build up around the boat’s body. This in turn can cause mold and mildew to develop.

It won’t be hard to clean a swift marine boat like this when you are careful. Watch for how you are treating your boat so you will have a better chance with keeping it clean and capable of lasting long.

Inflatable Tenders – PVC Can Help Too

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC can also be used on your boat. It is a popular fabric for how it won’t tear up. It is especially great for use in rough water conditions where the boat might be at risk of running into rocks or other hard materials.

Watch carefully for how your inflatable boat is made. Be sure you choose something that has a great basic boat and a comfortable texture that is flexible and yet easy to inflate while lasting long.

This article is a follow up from the previous that can be found here.

Inflatable Tenders – Hypalon Works

A nylon material known as Hypalon can be added to your tender. This is a nylon material treated with neoprene. It is a rugged surface that is easy to add onto any boat. It can also handle UV rays quite well and will not break down due to exposure to those rays. This is suitable for tropical sailing where the sun might be more intense but it is not for use in reefs or areas where things other than water can get in contact with the boat.

Note: This is a follow up articles from a previous post by Lejen Marine.

If you’re looking to buy Highfield inflatable boats, shop at Lejen Marine’s website.