BARK B-280P – Three-Person Inflatable Rowboat with Reinforced Strake (Rugged 3-Seater)

The Bark B-280P is the toughest member of Bark’s three-person boat family, designed to meet the needs of users who regularly put their boat to the test. Thanks to the protective rubbing strake, this model confidently withstands the bumps and friction that inevitably come with intense use by a crew of three. Imagine a group of avid fishermen who every weekend launch their boat from a gravel bank, navigate to rocky shores, or drag the boat through shallow riffles – the B-280P is made for exactly that scenario. The strake around the tubes acts as a buffer between the boat and the outside environment, so the PVC tube itself stays protected from cuts, scrapes, and punctures.

In its core specifications, the boat retains the characteristics of the standard B-280: 2.80 m length, 1.35 m width, about 287 kg capacity, and the large 36 cm tubes that provide high stability. The difference lies in the reinforcement – aside from the strake, every structural element is sized for greater stresses. The slatted floor, though consisting of 3 pieces, is made of thick marine-grade plywood, resistant to water and bending under full load. It keeps the boat’s shape even when three adults climb in with their gear. Additionally, the Bark B-280P is fitted with reinforced handles and D-rings – for example, strong grab handles at the bow and stern for towing or pulling, as well as secure points for anchoring, tying off, or towing another object.

Despite the focus on durability, the B-280P remains surprisingly practical. Its weight has increased only slightly compared to the standard 3-seater – around 24 kg, which is an excellent figure for such a reinforced model. This means you can still transport it in a car and set it up quickly on-site, without the need for a trailer or special equipment. When deflated, the boat fits in the provided bag, albeit snugly, which hints at the slightly increased bulk due to the strake – a trade-off well worth it for the added protection.

When it comes to performance, the B-280P holds up well in a variety of conditions. In calm waters, it carries three people as confidently as the standard model – the strake doesn’t hinder its glide at all; in fact, it can even help slice through small waves. In more extreme situations – say, punching through surf or bumping into obstacles – the strake absorbs the kinetic energy and shields the boat, meaning you’ll likely only see cosmetic damage on the strake itself (which can be considered a sacrificial part). The boat’s PVC material (5-layer, 850 g/m²) has enhanced resistance to aging and UV rays, which is important if the boat spends long periods in the sun during use or storage. With its two air chambers and reliable valves, the boat remains safe even on extended outings. Bark provides a 3-year warranty on this rugged model as well, which attests to their confidence in its longevity.

Recommended Uses: The Bark B-280P is an ideal choice for professional applications or extensive hobby use. If you run a fishing school or camp where novices use the boat daily – stepping in with boots, accidentally banging it with heavy gear – this model will withstand the abuse. For guided fishing on rough terrain, where you might have to drag the boat over shoals or rub against fallen trees, the protective rail shields the vital parts. If you work as a tour guide on rivers or lakes with coarse banks, the B-280P lets you pull ashore wherever needed without constantly worrying about damage to the material. Additionally, for rescue teams in crisis situations, the B-280P could be the better option – when evacuating people from floodwaters filled with debris and sharp objects, this boat would suffer fewer damages. Of course, the B-280P is fantastic for regular users as well – three friends who love pushing the limits in rough conditions, or a family that doesn’t want to worry if the kids put the boat through some paces. Anyone who values a long-term investment in a boat and wants it to last as long as possible will appreciate the Bark B-280P as an extremely reliable and robust partner for all water adventures.