Wing Inflatables Expands Boat Series

Wing Inflatables has added a new model to its IB series of Hypalon boats designed for small craft operations. The IB-470 features a 15.5 ft overall length and a 7.3 ft beam affording an 11 person capacity. Its specially reinforced 1.5 inch transom is designed to accommodate single or twin outboard engines for a combined total of up to 60 horsepower.

“The IB-470 is compact and durable — two traits that make it well-suited for small craft ops,” said Wing president Bill Wing.  “And with options like auto-inflation, you can deploy it from a submarine tube or drop it from a plane and it’ll be there waiting for you.”

The IB-470 features a special through-bolted transom-to-tube construction to accommodate the optional engine weight and torque. Standard features include a transom-mounted drain assembly accessible from inside the boat, high capacity deck drains and an aluminum deck with D-rings. Notable options include speed tubes and a high pressure air deck.

The IB-470 is the second member of the IB series. The larger IB-530 featuring a 17.5 ft length overall was introduced in June 2009. Capable of accommodating twin 50 horsepower outboards, the IB-530 can achieve speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour with optional speed tubes.

Known for its commercial-grade polyurethane inflatable boats and sponsons, Wing Inflatables introduced this Hypalon series to afford customers a choice of products built to their specifications at a lower cost.

“We’ve built a reputation for producing extremely durable boats,” said Wing President Bill Wing. “And although Hypalon doesn’t initially demonstrate the level of puncture and abrasion resistance you see in polyurethane, we’ve taken measures to beef up the material and construction in the areas that historically see the most wear and tear. At roughly a third of the cost of polyurethane, we can afford to reinforce the Hypalon to our standards and still offer an attractive price point.” Wing said they have been developing specifications for the project for more than a decade, refining details and leveraging new technology to meet stringent quality, durability and performance requirements.

The IB-470 will debut at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans, La., December 2-4.

(www.wing.com)