Matt, Before I went with an inflatable boat I had the
same questions. But have no fear, the new generation
of inflatable boats are very safe. Boats made by Sea Eagle, Saturn, Zodiac.ect..are safe boats. They are made of super stong material. Also, these boats have 3-4 seperate air chambers just in case for some reason any air chamber lost air. plus, these boats have a bult in transom that can carry a large HP gas engine. Not only are they made strong, but the bottom of the boat is double layerd with material where it is really needed. I ran over a stump cause I wasnt watching out, figured the boat was damaged-found only a scrape mark. Department stores do not carry these boats. You have to buy them online or mail in order,ED