Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Inflatable Boats & Marine Services in Richmond, BC
Kits Inflatables has been serving Western Canada and the USA for over 50 years, specializing in inflatable boats, accessories, and marine services. Founded in 1954 by Bob Fraser as Kits Marine, the business transitioned to focus exclusively on inflatable boats in 1979 under his son Craig Fraser's leadership. As a second-generation family-run operation, we pride ourselves on offering the largest selection of new and used inflatable boats in Western Canada, including brands like AB Inflatables, Zar Formenti, and Achilles. Our expertise extends to custom rigging, console installations, and emergency repairs, supported by a team with 70 years of combined boating experience. We relocated to a larger facility in Richmond, BC, in 2022 to better serve our growing clientele.Our services include parts supply, maintenance, and manufacturing, catering to both retail and commercial clients. We emphasize personalized customer service, ensuring every client receives tailored solutions for their boating needs. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our ISO 9001-certified partnerships and decades-long relationships with industry leaders. We operate a full-service showroom and warehouse, open Monday through Saturday, offering convenient pickup/delivery options for local customers. Our mission remains to provide exceptional value through superior products, expertise, and service that lasts the lifetime of every boat we sell.
Services
Inflatable Boat Sales
Marine Parts Supply
Boat Servicing
Custom Rigging
Emergency Repairs
Console Installations
Commercial Boat Sales
Kayak & Paddleboard Sales
Davit System Installation
Outboard Motor Packages
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of specialized experience in inflatable boats
- Second-generation family-run business with deep industry knowledge
- Largest inflatable boat selection in Western Canada
- Full-service facility with expert repair and customization capabilities
- Emergency repair services available by appointment
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
What people say
Excellent product
Great troubleshooting
Knowledgeable staff
Great service
Saved the day
Services
Inflatable Boat Sales
We offer the largest selection of new and used inflatable boats in Western Canada, featuring premium brands like AB Inflatables, Zar Formenti, and Achilles. Our inventory includes rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), jet tenders, and compact foldable models suitable for recreational and commercial use. Our knowledgeable staff helps customers choose the perfect vessel based on their specific boating needs and budget.
Custom Rigging
Our custom rigging services create tailored boat packages with consoles, outboard motors, and accessories. We specialize in designing and installing complete systems that enhance functionality and performance. From davit systems to fuel tanks, our solutions ensure optimal configuration for both leisure and professional applications.
Marine Repairs
Our certified technicians provide comprehensive repair and maintenance services for all inflatable boat types. We handle everything from minor repairs to major overhauls, including tube patching, hull maintenance, and engine servicing. Emergency repair options are available with pickup/delivery for lower mainland customers.
Parts Supply
We maintain an extensive inventory of OEM and aftermarket parts for inflatable boats and accessories. Our chandlery division stocks thousands of items including safety gear, navigation equipment, and repair materials. We also offer special ordering for hard-to-find components from major marine suppliers.
Commercial Boat Sales
We supply heavy-duty inflatable boats for commercial and government operations. Our professional-grade vessels include Hypalon models from AB, Achilles, and Zar Formenti designed for law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime operations. We provide complete packages with specialized equipment and ongoing support.
People
Craig Fraser
Owner
Craig Fraser leads Kits Inflatables as the second-generation owner, continuing his father's legacy since 1979. With over 40 years in the industry, he brings deep expertise in inflatable boat design and marine operations. Craig maintains hands-on involvement in customer service and business development.
Bob Fraser
Founder
Bob Fraser established Kits Marine in 1954, laying the foundation for today's specialized inflatable boat business. His pioneering vision created a family legacy that continues through his son Craig's leadership. Though retired, his influence remains in our commitment to quality and service.
Questions
What types of inflatable boats do you sell?
We carry AB Inflatables, Zar Formenti, Achilles, Crewsaver, and more. Our inventory includes rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), jet tenders, and compact foldable models for recreational and commercial use.
Do you offer boat repair services?
Yes, our certified technicians provide complete repair and maintenance services, including emergency repairs by appointment with local pickup/delivery options.
Can you customize my boat setup?
We specialize in custom rigging, console installations, and accessory packages tailored to your specific boating needs and preferences.
Are financing options available?
Financing availability varies by purchase - please contact our sales team for current financing programs and payment options.
Do you serve commercial clients?
Yes, we supply heavy-duty inflatable boats and equipment for government agencies, Coast Guard, and commercial operations with specialized support.
What are your business hours?
Our showroom is open Monday through Saturday 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Emergency repair services are available by appointment outside regular hours.
Reviews (5)
Erik G.
Jan 17, 2019
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I Upgraded my AB inflatable so impressed with Craig's custom options he added.I'm very OCD about my stuff this is why I always come back.
Mr. T.
Sep 25, 2018
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This is a family business owned by the same people as long as I have lived in Vancouver. They live and breathe boating and are extremely helpful. They've got a good line up of competitively priced and quality inflatable boats ... and they are conveniently located.
Tristan P.
Nov 07, 2016
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Avoid this place. It is bewildering to think of how this place can continue to do business with such a poor quality of customer service and responsibility. A simple repair to an inflatable boat took 5 weeks more than quoted to repair. Furthermore, when I was called to pick up the boat, it was nowhere to be found... 8 weeks later and I still don't have it. These guys are professional blame-gamers, and not one single person working here was willing to accept responsibility for a horrible experience, let alone offer any type of solution to make up for such a nightmare. These guys have the
M. W.
Dec 09, 2015
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Misogynistic, unhelpful, and misleading. These guys clearly don't care about your business or your boat. Worse, if you are female, don't bother. I had a male friend call with the same question who was treated like a proper human. If you want them to ship something to one of the many remote places you might have your boat in B.C. --- well, don't bother. Go to Steveston. Or ANYWHERE else. They don't even follow their posted hours, often leaving "will be back whenever the h-- we want" signs on the door, which they do not honor either!
David N.
Jul 09, 2015
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Bad experience. It is late April 2015 and I am handed a 2015 price list for a 11 foot VST Oceanus inflatable. I am told this boat is new. I buy this boat only to discover afterwards that it is not a 2015 boat but a 2014 boat. More research reveals that the 40 hp Yamaha motor is also a 2014 model. Digging deeper I find that my boat was manufactured in Columbia and that the Colombian authorities authorized the release of this MY boat to KITS INFLATABLE on January 8th, 2014 - some 15 plus months before I bought it. Clearly in my mind my boat had been sitting on Kits Inflatable's floor for
