Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,<br /><br />I've been tempted lately to purchase an inflatable boat that I can put in a pick-up truck.<br /><br />I would want to use my 15HP Johnson on it.<br /><br />Any tips for selecting one?<br /><br />What would something like I need cost? And; what sort of life-span do they have? <br /><br />Thanks folks, Chuck

 

[danie]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

SeaKaye<br />Insist on hypalon pontoons and buy a tried and tested brand from a reputable dealer.<br />Why? Because cheapies leak non stop, pvc material cannot resist the weather, oil and fuel as well as hypalon and when a seam needs fixing or repairs are needed, a dealer who supports his product is a blessing.<br />Dont pump too hard (the seams are manmade) and keep covered from the sun and weather the moment it is not in use. <br />My previous rubber duck is 10 years old and still looks like new.<br />Enjoy.<br />D

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

There are 2 main types of inflatables.Hypalon and pvc.Hypalon is the best for the long run and is by far the most expensive.A quality pvc would be a Zodiac.Reasonably priced and good quality if maintained properly.A solid 4-5 piece floor will ride best and allow for you to stand up if necessary(hopefully not when under way)but is very difficult to put together each time.Some floors are very rigid AND inflatable and are quite easy to set up and take down and store.It really depends how often you are going to use it,how you plan on storing it and how well you take care of what you own now.Charlie

 

[navigator336]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

If you can afford it, I recommend a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). The floor is molded hard plastic so it planes easier and rides better.

 

[ZodFutMk2]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

Inflatables are fun!<br /><br />Hypalon is the best hull material. Zodiac, my experience only, has excellent customer service.<br /><br />Ours is 6 years old and has had no issues. It travels deflated and folded in half on a trailer in the back of our travel trailer.<br /><br />Pay attention to the inflation of the tubes, especially after you put it on the water.<br /><br />Buy 303 protectant by the quart and use it.<br /><br />Sevylor SEAMSEAL is a must for the tool box.<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

Hehe...<br /><br />ZodFutMk2 ...is that a Merc "Big Foot" with that "Big Boy" on top?...they make quite a pair <br /><br />Thanks to all for the help. I've been looking at an Avon at the BoatersWorld...they are offering $1000.00 off list for the one that's been sitting in the parking lot for a couple of years.<br /><br />I think I'll wait and get a new one though.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[randyl]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

I bought my Zodiac this spring at 20 years old. It had been at a lake the whole time and used in summer only. It still looks great but my first weekend out ,it started to leak on the rubber seal on the bottom of the transon. I took it to a Zodiac dealer and for between $3-500.00 he will remove the transom,dry it out and install it again. (No bill yet).He said it should be good for another 10 - 15 yrs.Shop rate is $85./hour in Calgary and it's 3-5 hours work. He did tell me that from about 1990 on the seams are plastic welded and no glue was used so the seams generally don't let go on later models of Zodiac. I've no experiance with other inflatables by the way . Mine is a Mark1 with a 20 hp. It's a great boat for those of us with holiday trailers and no other way to move a boat around the country. Good luck

 

[bomar76]

Re: Advice on purchasing an inflatable?

A TWO year old thread......