Traditional boats in the same category as folding boats include inflatable
dinghies and small aluminium boats (tinnies). Inflatable boats try to solve the portability problem with an inflatable
keel and side pods. This allows better storage and weight advantages. The main problems of these craft are that they are still quite heavy, can puncture while on the water and can be time-consuming to inflate and deflate for usage. Folding boats require around 10 to 15 minutes to set up and put away but are much tougher than an inflatable craft, and may ultimately be smaller in storage as an inflatable boat may have hard board components for the floor.
Aluminium boats cannot be disassembled, and the folding boat of space-age material is stronger than aluminium, while the strength to weight of some wooden ply is actually better than aluminium. The lower stiffness and rigidity may add to potential safety of a folding boat by allowing it to flex over waves. This stops the boat from the rocking effect of an inflexible boat. ==Powered==