A boat for me?

[mj05]

I'd love to get into boating and inflatables kinda intrigue me! I need something affordable, fun and able to carry 4 adults+kids and pull a tube. Is there an inflatable that can do that or am I asking for too much?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: A boat for me?

Definitely, including sending you and mates to the moon Will need at least a 420-430 mtr sib or rib and minimum 30 to enjoy this type of boating. Some 420-430 sibs are rated for max 30 HP, if going for 40 for extreme uses will end breaking side rails of alum floors. Personally would go for a rib & trailer if space available to keep is not an issue.

Happy Boating

 

[mj05]

Re: A boat for me?

Thanks SR! Just going to be used on smaller inland lake and resevoirs.... no salt/ocean..... Thanks for the input... keep the thoughts coming..... price ranges? models/brands? whatever else.... don't know much about these (never even seen one in person! just those cool tiller steer fast ones in the movies! LOL) Any recommendations are appreciated!!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: A boat for me?

Forgot to mention that it's no good to go boating with complete crew and at the same time boardering at back engine if going for a sib, it's one or the other. A 420 or 430 sib with 30 HP engine will serve your dual boating purposes.

Good for family leisure, potting around, fishing and pulling a boarder. Can check Saturn, Quicksilver inflatables, are well priced, check warranty issues. If you can get a 2T-30 HP engine better, 4 stroker are much heavier. Zodiac, Avon are great, but do cost, for the price of one can have other brand sib/engine combo and some cash leftovers for the beers

Sibbers that can recommended mj05 other nice brands are welcome.

Happy Boating

 

[mj05]

Re: A boat for me?

I appreciate the input and you guys on iboats!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: A boat for me?

I appreciate the input and you guys on iboats!

Other nice sib/rib alternatives with good local warranty: Lodestar Inflatables by Brunswick Corp : Models Trimax Alu 430 or Open Rib 410 both with 30 HP horse.

Happy Boating

 

[mj05]

Re: A boat for me?

I'll have to check into those.... thanks!

 

[Chris in Indiana]

Re: A boat for me?

A lot depends on your lifestyle and your level of tolerance for aggrevation. 4 adults + kids + tube = a huge inflatable that will weigh a ton, not something to be pulled out of your trunk anyway. Forget about setting it up at the shore. I agree, an RIB is the best choice provided you have the space, but I'd want at least 14ft and 50hp minimum. 17ft and 70+ would be better for that many people. RIB's are still an excellent choice since they weigh so much less than conventional boats.
As far as what to buy my personal preferance is anything hypalon. The material is tough as nails and lasts forever if you store it out of the sun. I bought a 1991 model a few years ago and have had very little trouble. Most of the PVC boats I've owned are in the trash can now.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: A boat for me?

I'd love to get into boating and inflatables kinda intrigue me! I need something affordable,

Will need to ask yourself if you want to go boating and towing at same time to invest on a large sib with a bigger engine, both setups are more expensive combos compared to less larger sib/engine combos. You can go boating with a 420/430 rib with 40 HP, but not good to do same + towing to get the max fun from towing. It's one or the other.

Standard haypalon 0.8/0.9 mm gauge to make boats cheapper compared to thicker Hypalon is no Rambo rib as seen on movies. Do last longer compared to pvc if exposed all year long to sun and environment, but will puncture and cut easily. If your boating application is recreational use and then keep boat shaded, pvc will be perfect at much lower cost than Hypalon, for the saved price difference, add some more cash and complete the engine priice difference.

Have had pvc boats for more than 12 years (were sold inmaculate) were well shaded and presented no fabric problems at all, new pvc fabrics have evolved in much better lasting than old fabrics. The final decision is all yours. Let us know what it was.

Happy Boating

 

[mj05]

Re: A boat for me?

Man... Alot to think about!!