🕐 Read time: 2 minutes
The SIB — small, mighty and foldable. Whether it’s been packed away in a bag, sitting on a trailer all winter or still seeing regular use, it’s worth giving it a proper check before you rely on it on the water. Cold temperatures, damp storage and regular use all take their toll on inflatable boats. Even if you’ve been enjoying your SIB through the colder months, a quick check now helps keep everything safe, comfortable and working as it should.
Start with the inflatable tubes.
👉 Good practice: Once inflated, leave the boat for a few hours or overnight. If it softens noticeably, you may have a slow leak that needs attention.
Valves often show wear first, especially in cold conditions.
⚠️ Warning: A leaking or sticking valve can quickly spoil a day on the water.
Next, check the floor and how it fits.
💡 Pro Tip: A solid floor makes a big difference to stability and comfort.
If your SIB is used with an outboard, this step is key.
💡 Pro Tip: Any movement or softness here should be addressed before use.
Small fittings often get overlooked.
💡 Pro Tip: Loose fittings are easy to fix early and harder to deal with later.
Whether you’re boating year-round or seasonally, safety checks matter.
💡 Pro Tip: Cold water makes preparation even more important.
Finally, think about how the boat is stored or moved.
💡 Pro Tip: Good storage helps extend the boat's life.
"Checks for me before heading out, make sure my tubes are fully inflated, that my outboard is mounted properly (I almost lost my brand new outboard once after hitting a wave! My own fault for not checking). I recommend telling a family member or friend where you’re going and how long you expect to be out for. Check the weather conditions, as they can change quickly at sea, and do not forget to check that you have enough fuel. Other than that, a few other checks are to ensure your launch wheels are inflated, or you won’t need a gym membership to retrieve your SIB and check your buoyancy life jacket, or PFD, is the right rating for your size."
Whether this is your first launch of the year or just another winter outing, taking a few minutes to run through these checks helps keep your SIB dependable and enjoyable to use.
If you need spares, repairs or advice, our team is always happy to help.
Whether this is your first launch of the year or just another winter outing, taking a few minutes to run through these checks helps keep your SIB dependable and enjoyable to use.
If you need spares or repairs, we’ve got you covered—but if you just need a bit of advice, let us know! Drop a comment below with any questions about your boat setup, and we’ll get back to you.