Large Inflatable Boat Handle (290 x 95 mm) – Hypalon/PVC Grip, 4 Colors

This large boat handle is designed to provide a reliable gripping and carrying point on your inflatable, as well as enhance passenger safety. With its 290 mm length and 95 mm width, the handle offers plenty of space for a full hand grip or even two hands if needed. This makes it ideal for heavier boats or when two people carry the boat together. The height is about 55 mm (from the base to the top of the handle), giving enough clearance to get a solid hold without fingers getting pinched against the tube.

Material & Compatibility: The handle is made of a high-strength rubber compound suitable for Hypalon (neoprene fabric) – the material used in high-end inflatables. However, it can also be glued onto PVC boats using the proper adhesive (often, the black and dark grey versions are chosen for Hypalon boats, and the light grey for PVC, but in practice the difference is primarily color). The rubber material is UV-resistant and saltwater-proof, so it won’t harden or crack over time.

Handle Design: The top of the handle has an ergonomic shape – slightly arched with indentations for fingers, which prevent slipping. The surface is matte and slightly textured to enhance grip friction. The wide “foot” of the handle base conforms to the curve of the tube, ensuring forces are spread out and there are no stress points that could cause peeling.

Installation: To attach the handle to your boat, follow a gluing process:

1. Positioning: Typically, handles are installed in pairs on each side of the boat – e.g., one near the bow and one toward the stern on each side, for carrying and holding on. Mark the spot where you want the handle (ensure that on the opposite side you’ll place another at a symmetrical location for balance).
2. Surface Prep: If the handle is Hypalon, use Hypalon adhesive; if you plan to glue it on a PVC boat, you may need a special 2-part adhesive formulated for Hypalon-to-PVC bonding. Lightly sand the underside of the handle’s base and the boat surface with fine sandpaper, then clean both with MEK or an appropriate solvent.
3. Apply Adhesive: Apply a thin layer of adhesive to both the handle base and the boat surface. Let it dry until tacky, then apply a second thin layer.
4. Bonding: Press the handle firmly in place, applying even pressure. Pay particular attention to the edges of the base – use a roller or a rolling motion to ensure no air is trapped and the edges adhere fully.
5. Curing: Allow the adhesive to cure for about 24 hours without putting stress on the handle.

Once properly bonded, the handle becomes an integral part of the boat. You can confidently lift, pull, or tie the boat using this grip.

Practical Uses:

• Carrying the Boat: Grab these handles when pulling the boat out of the water or carrying it – the broad, comfortable grip protects your hands from cuts or strain.
• Passenger Support: While underway in choppy conditions, passengers can hold onto these handles to steady themselves. Placing them strategically (e.g., on the inside of the tubes) greatly improves safety and comfort.
• Securing Gear: You can run a strap or rope underneath the handle and use it as an anchor point for light items (like paddles, ropes, or a lifejacket) when the boat is stationary.

With 4 color options available, you can choose handles that best match your boat’s aesthetics: black or dark grey for boats with dark tubes, light grey for lighter-colored boats. The “medium grey” is a neutral tone that blends with many schemes. In all cases, the functionality is identical – the difference is purely visual.