Yachting Monthly Puts Boatworld Inflatable Craft Through Their Paces
Independent editorial testing is the ultimate benchmark for marine equipment, and we are thrilled to share the results from the August issue of Yachting Monthly. The magazine’s test team put six leading inflatable craft through real-world testing on open water, evaluating tracking under power, load capacity, packed weight, motor efficiency, and seam durability.
A huge thank you to the Yachting Monthly team for putting our craft through their paces. Boatworld models earned solid 3 to 4-star ratings across our tested lineup, proving that our thermally welded seam construction and British design deliver where it counts on the water.
Here is the complete breakdown of how each Boatworld craft scored in the group test.
1. Boatworld Air V Type 300 - Rated 4/5 Stars ("Best for Loading Up")
- Price: £895
- Length: 3.0m (9ft 10in) | Beam: 1.54m (5ft 1in)
- Tube Height: 40cm | Test Weight: 40kg
- Capacity: 4 adults, 1 child (Tested with 6 adults)
- Max Engine Rating: 10hp
"If it's seaworthiness you're after, the big tubes, deep V and robust construction make the Boatworld Air V 300 an easy choice."
— Yachting Monthly
Built for maximum capacity, stability, and open-water tracking, the Boatworld Air V 300 stood out during testing for its massive internal deck volume and high freeboard. The deep V-hull is engineered using two panels of drop-stitch air floor protected by a heavy-duty triangular keel strip, allowing it to slice through chop smoothly and keep crew dry.
During speed and load testing, the Air V 300 comfortably carried six adults without feeling precarious and tied for the fastest top speed on test at 4.7 knots under electric power.
Ideal For:
SIB cruising, island hopping, coastal exploring, fishing trips, or high-payload tender transport.
2. Boatworld ST 240 - Rated 4/5 Stars ("Best Budget Tender")
- Price: £550
- Length: 2.4m (7ft 10in) | Beam: 1.35m (4ft 5in)
- Tube Diameter: 34cm | Test Weight: 26.7kg
- Packed Size: 89cm x 55cm x 28cm
- Max Engine Rating: 3.5hp
"I was excited to see the Boatworld 240 short transom too, as that would easily have fitted in the length-limited locker in my old Sadler 29 and was a remarkably capable little boat."
— Yachting Monthly
The ST 240 (Short Transom) earned a 4-star rating and picked up the "Best Budget" badge. By angling the transom right at the rear between two stern tubes rather than pushing it forward, this 2.4m craft provides the interior floor space and passenger capacity of a boat 0.5m longer.
Weighing just 26.7kg, it is easy to carry single-handed, folds down small enough for tight yacht lockers or car boots, and rows smoothly.
Ideal For:
Yacht owners requiring maximum deck space from a tight locker footprint, or boaters seeking an ultra-portable car-boot inflatable.
3. Boatworld Kat 275 - Rated 3/5 Stars (Sporty Catamaran Design)
- Price: £750
- Length: 2.7m (8ft 10in) | Beam: 1.4m (4ft 7in)
- Tube Diameter: 40cm | Test Weight: 29.3kg
- Max Engine Rating: 8hp
Also featured in the comparative test was our Kat 275 catamaran inflatable. The testers highlighted its sharp bow styling, lightweight 29.3kg carry weight, flat airdeck floor, and efficient tracking under oars and electric power.
Ideal For:
Riders looking for an agile, lightweight catamaran platform for quick water runs.
The Boatworld Construction Advantage: Thermally Welded Seams
A key element highlighted in Yachting Monthly's report is how tube construction impacts long-term durability. While cheaper inflatables rely on glued seams that can weaken over time under UV exposure and heat, all Boatworld tube seams are thermally welded.
This process thermally fuses the high-strength PVC fabric into a single, permanent bond built to withstand years of tough marine use.
Pick up the August issue of Yachting Monthly on newsstands now to read the full comparative feature, or explore our complete range of inflatable boats.
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