Inflatable Rafts

[nathans]

I'm looking for advise on purchasing an inflatable raft. I am sure one gets the value you pay for, but I am wondering if there are any exceptional value rafts that have a high quality for a lower price.<br /><br />My goal is for taking my 5 and 6 year-old grandchildren rowing on a quiet lake, no motor wanted or needed (at least for now).<br /><br />Durability for the occasional botton scraping a rock is, of course, a must.<br /><br />I see items for 3-4 man boats listed from $29.00 to $1500.00, including some offered on e-bay.<br /><br />Since my knowlege base is "zero" any advice is appreciated.<br /><br />Nathan

 

[boatster]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

Hypalon boats are by far the best type of inflatables. All Avon brand boats are hypalon. Achilles brands are also all hypalon. It costs more but is worth the long term investment. Hypalon boats will last indefinitely. DO NOT buy pvc boats no matter what the sales person tells you. Zodiac brand inflatables are pvc. Then agian if you want to use a boat for 1-2 years only then pvc might be the way to go. If you want a boat your kids kids can use go hypalon. Any boat made of hypalon will be better than any boat made by pvc.<br /><br />So in summary: <br /><br />Hypalon - more expensive, lasts forever, GOOD<br /><br />PVC - less expensive, lasts less than a few years, BAD<br /><br />

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

True...But most PVC fabric boats will go 5 to 7 years now. Hypalon is far superior and will last up to 25 years.

 

[nathans]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

Can you recommend a Brand or two that you feel are quality PVC fabric inflatables?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

There is not so much a quality difference as there is a "honoring their warranty difference." The mercury inflatable is probably the best overall value. Decent boat and they stand behind it. Zodiac is about the same quality, a little more expensive, but they aren't as user friendly. All the other PVC brands are very spotty as to warranty coverage. If it is a no name boat then the warranty is useless.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

Boatster is over exagerating the pvc.They are not BAD at all if properly maintained.Yes the hypalon is better but the price difference is not a few bucks.The difference can be huge!! I own a Zodiac that we purchased used and in very good condition.We have had it for about 8 years now and it is still in great shape.All you have to do is take proper care of it and it will last as long as you want it to.Boaters world sell a Zodiac made boat called Tropic ,I think.Cost is about $1200 and is a good buy.Care is simple.Just wash it and dry it when done using it and wipe entire boat with formula 303(looks like armor all).The 303 protectant is recommended by Zodiac and preserves the pvc.There are also much less expensive choices made by Sevylor made of soft plastic.Cost is substantially less and for just rowing around it may be a good choice for you.They are much less rigid so sitting is the only option in this type of boat.I had 2 of them and they are very good boats for the money.I sold one on ebay last year and there were people bidding on it like crazy so I guess they are even more popular than I thought.They are durable and very easy to repair but they are not nearly as durable as a Zodiac.My recommendation is to start as inexpensively as you can and you will judge your needs and wants from there.The Zodiac was my third step up.One thing you always have to remember is "You get what you pay for" Charlie

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

Charlie, I disagree.<br /><br />When I bought my 10' Achilles (hypalon) last year, the same store was asking MORE for the Same size Zodiac (pvc). I asked the salesman if it was because of the Zodiac's air floor that's combined with a keel (I forget what they call it). He said it had more to do with the Euro/US dollar thing. And the fact that Zodiac has had price increases each year and Achilles has been more or less stable. Go to one of the big internet inflatable sites (defender is one) and you won't see a big price difference. On the other hand, if you go to West Marine....... <br /><br />Always pays to do your homework.....

 

[DO NOT use company names]

Re: Inflatable Rafts

Buy A boat boot made by sevylor for the cheap PVC, install a floorboard, and it will last just as long as a Hypalon. .