What is a Dinghy?
A dinghy (also called an inflatable boat or inflatable boat) is a light, inflatable boat made of PVC or Hypalon material. The boat floats on air and is in most cases Foldable, making it practical to carry and store.
Inflatable boats are widely used as dinghy on a larger yacht, for recreational sailing, fishing and water sports. They are popular because of their low purchase price, versatility and ease of transport.
Note the difference with a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat): a RIB has a fixed hull of aluminum or polyester and is not foldable. Both types are insurable, but have different premiums.
Which Inflatable Boat Do You Have?
Inflatable boat
Fully inflatable, foldable, soft bottom.
€200 - €2,000Slatted base
Soft boat with wooden or aluminum floorboards.
€400 - €3,000Airdeck
Inflatable floor, extra light and compact.
€500 - €2,500RIB
Fixed hull, inflatable tubes, not foldable.
€2,000 - €50,000Which Coverage Suits Your Boat?
WA (Liability)
Basic coverage for damage to others
- ✓ Damage to third parties €5-7.5 million
- ✓ Mountains & lights boat
- ✓ No deductible
- ✗ Own boat not covered
- ✗ Theft not covered
WA + Limited Casco
+ Coverage for own boat
- ✓ Everything from WA
- ✓ Fire & explosion
- ✓ Storm & lightning
- ✓ Theft of boat & motor
- ✗ Own debt not covered
WA + Full Casco
All risk: maximum protection
- ✓ Everything from Limited Casco
- ✓ Collision & own fault
- ✓ Damage to tubes
- ✓ Road transport
- ✓ New value guarantee 3 years
🔄 Dinghy vs RIB: The Difference
🎈 Dinghy
- ✓ Fully inflatable (PVC/Hypalon)
- ✓ Soft bottom (foldable)
- ✓ Lightweight, easy to transport
- ✓ Located ON the water
- ✓ Lower purchase price
- ✓ Suitable as a dinghy
⚡ RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
- ✓ Fixed hull (aluminium/polyester)
- ✓ Inflatable tubes all around
- ✓ More stable, better sailing characteristics
- ✓ Located IN the water
- ✓ Higher speeds possible
- ✓ Not foldable
🧵 PVC vs Hypalon: Which Material?
🔵PVC
Lighter and cheaper. Suitable for the Netherlands and inland waterways. Less UV and salt resistant. Popular with recreational dinghies.
🟡 Hypalon (Neoprene)
Stronger and more durable. Resistant to extreme sun and salt water. Recommended for Mediterranean and Caribbean. More expensive boats.
💡 Both materials are insurable. The material has no direct influence on the premium, but it does affect the value of the boat.
🏆 Popular Inflatable Boat Brands
All brands insurable. From entry-level to premium:
🎯 What do you use your inflatable boat for?
🔐 Security requirements Dinghy
Insurers set security requirements for coverage against theft:
- 🔒 Tie up boat: Approved chain/cable + lock on yacht or shore
- ⚙️ Outboard motor: CCV-approved toggle or nut lock required
- 📦 Stored: Store in a closed area when not in use
- 🚗 In car: Out of sight, not visible through windows
- 💨 To deflate: Foldable storage reduces the risk of theft
💰 Premium indication Inflatable boat
| Type Inflatable boat | Value | Complete airframe |
|---|---|---|
| Small inflatable boat | €200 - €500 | €3-€6/month |
| Inflatable boat with motor | €500 - €1,500 | €5-€10/month |
| Slatted base + motor | €1,500 - €3,000 | €8-€15/month |
| RIB entry | €3,000 - €10,000 | €12-€22/month |
| RIB middle class | €10,000 - €25,000 | €20-€35/month |
| RIB sporty | €25,000 - €50,000 | €30-€50/month |
* Indicative prices. Exact premium depends on engine power, sailing area and claim-free years.
🔗 Insuring a rubber boat as a dinghy
Your rubber boat can often be insured free of charge on your yacht insurance policy:
- ✓ The main boat is a motor cruiser, cabin sailing yacht or motor sailor
- ✓ Dinghy max. 35% of the length of the main boat
- ✓ Open touring boat or rubber boat
- ✓ Max. speed 20 km/h
- ⚠ For larger or faster inflatable boats: insure separately
📈 No-Claim Discount: Save up to 40%
Every year of sailing without damage you build up a discount:
- ✓ 1 year damage free: 10% discount
- ✓ 3 years damage free: 20% discount
- ✓ 5+ years claim-free: 30-40% discount
- ✓ Interpolis: Up to 50% no-claim after 9 years
- ✓ Transferable: Take your no-claim with you
⚠️ Not Covered / Exclusions
- ✗ Normal wear and tear: Wear on tubes due to use
- ✗ UV damage: Damage from prolonged sun exposure
- ✗ Unsecured: Theft without approved security
- ✗ Business use: Only private recreational use
- ✗ Rental: Renting out the boat
- ✗ Air leakage: Slow deflation due to wear
💡 Tips for Inflatable Boat Owners
- ✓ Please mention engine separately: Make sure the outboard motor is listed on the policy with horsepower and value
- ✓ Always secure: Even when the boat is on board the yacht
- ✓ UV protection: Use a cover to prevent tube degradation
- ✓ Maintenance tubes: Regular cleaning extends the lifespan
- ✓ Check pressure: Correct air pressure prevents damage
- ✓ Store dry: Prevents mold and rot
Specialized Inflatable Boat Insurers
These insurers have experience with inflatable boats and RIBs:
