Inflatable islands are perhaps the most fun that you can have on the water. These islands offer a seating area, platforms for jumping and ease of getting back on it, and a lot of other features that make them a great time on the water. To discover how much fun you could be missing out on we are going to talk about choosing inflatable floating island important features before deciding on which model to Buy, benefits, and more.
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Benefits of Choosing the Inflatable Floating Islands
So, what makes floating islands such a good thing? Obviously, they are fun to use on all summer outings, but beyond that, they also offer many other bonuses that you may enjoy. For instance:
Space When Needed
They give you extra space, especially if you have a small boat. You can simply anchor the island to your boat and spread out the people you may have on board. One thing we like is that it does not cost you as much as a new boat to accommodate all that you want to bring along.
Very Portable
The inflatable islands are easy to store, easy to use. All you have to do to store it is dry it, deflate it, and roll it up. Then when you are ready to use it again, you can inflate it easily with a hand pump or an electric air pump. This is also ideal for people who want the fun of a boat when they do not have a driveway, garage, or yard that is large enough to hold a boat.
Less Maintenance
How much maintenance does a boat require? Most of us know that boats cost a small fortune, not just to buy, but to keep up with. Inflatable floating islands require much less effort. No batteries, no oil changes, and no complicated accessories. You simply have to keep it away from extended UV rays and maybe patch it if you happen to drag it over something very sharp. As part of maintaining your raft, you should: allow it to dry completely before storing, never over-inflate, and monitor use to ensure that those on it are not using it roughly. These rafts are usually made with durable and dependable PVC plastic.
Using Inflatable Floating Islands Safely
By monitoring how others use it, you will be ensuring that everyone has a safe day out on the water. For this, you may also consider setting some rules for safe use. We do encourage you to set simple rules for kids that may use the island and adults who want to play as well. We recommend setting rules that include:
- Wearing vests if you cannot swim.
- Don’t flip the raft upside down.
- Don’t tow it at fast speeds.
- Using anchors.
- Keeping paddles on the raft.
- Supervising kids always.
What to Look for in an Inflatable Floating Island?
One of the first things you must do is decide what purpose you want the floating island to serve. This will allow you to choose the features that can make your purpose more enjoyable. For instance, if you want just a flat surface to rest on when swimming, a flat island may be good enough. If you want a place to sit and talk with friends while the kid’s dive and splash, a canopied island with diving platforms may be better suited for your needs. Using it as a boat because you want to be on the water and have to cut corners? A floating island with cup holders, coolers, and other features may make it more enjoyable.
As we have already touched on, inflatable floating islands have a lot of features. Accessories include patch kits, cup holders, anchors, and more. You have to decide which ones will be necessary for you to make the most out of your time on the water.
Installation/Setup
Most floating islands are ideal for boating and floating. However, you may want to make sure that the one you are considering is easy to setup. You should also try to have a pump that you can take to the water, especially with a larger island, because dragging it across dry land could lead to snags.
With all floats, you will want to make sure that it has enough air before you climb on it. This does mean testing it, even if you leave it inflated overnight. Keep in mind, inflatables are filled with air, and air can always seep out slowly.
Inflatable Floating Islands Comparison
Perhaps the best way to show you the features is to take a look at a few options.
One option that we really like is the Bestway CoolerZ Tropical Breeze floating island. It has all the features you could want and more. With this one island, you can hold 6 people with room to spare. There is a mesh area for feet or quick dips, a cooler and cooler holder, a canopy, and much more. This makes it the perfect spot for relaxing and visiting with those you love.
If you want something enjoyable for the kids and attention-grabbing as well, that could be the Sun Pleasure Party Bird, which can hold up to six adults. There is plenty of space for moving around, a drink cooler, cup holders, etc. Transporting is also easy with large, heavy-duty handles.
Just looking for a float to rest on when you are tired of swimming? The WOW World of Watersports Stadium Islander could be for you. It has enough space to accommodate 12 people and a large center hole to make it easy for people to climb on board.