inflatable boats?????

[mikeandronda]

Well I was working on getting a new(To Me) boat and the deal fell through. We are kinda strapped for cash and Ronda, My wife was not real happy about me buying the boat anyways due to it being more then she felt we could take on right now. She was probably right. I am now looking at either a canoe or inflatable boat so I can take my boy fishing before the season ends this yr. This is one of our best bonding times we have and it has suffered quite a bit since I had to sell my boat. I found the below (bottom of post)ad on Craigslist and the guy wanted $250 for it all......I offered $150 for it since I can drive over to Bass pro and put it all together brand new for about $300. I was wondering if any of you here have and ideas or if any of you have experiences with a little boat like this. I know its not the best but its what I have come up with as a temporary fix and hopefully a little fishing fun for me and my boy. We would be useing it on some of the smaller lakes.


9' 2-4 man heavy-duty rubber raft with trolling motor. It's only been in the water once, rides good. Green camouflage color, 2 paddles, carrying case, battery pouch, gear pouch, two inflatable seat cushions, trolling fish rod holders, motor mount, manual pump. Fish Hunter Model HF280, 4 person/600 lb. capacity, 280 Sevylor. Trolling motor is 17 lb thrust Minnkota

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: inflatable boats?????

Sounds good for small ponds. Although, you might find a used Jon around the area, and would be better off. I've seen them locally for around $80 to $150 used depending on the length and width. The inflatables would be good for their compactness. Also, you can easily get in and out of small ponds that might not be otherwise accessible by other means. I would just be sure to carry a repair kit with you in case you run into any stumps or underwater debris.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: inflatable boats?????

Spend a little extra cash and get a sport canoe or small jon boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: inflatable boats?????

get a real boat. i have one similar, with a 3 hp johnny. it's a toy. very uncomfortable, always afraid a hook is going to get it.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: inflatable boats?????

get a real boat. i have one similar, with a 3 hp johnny. it's a toy. very uncomfortable, always afraid a hook is going to get it.

DITTO .

Stay away from the pool toys and get a 12 - 14' vee bottom or jon boat .
You should be able to find 1 for around $500 , with a trailer and trolling motor .
If you have a pickup , you probably will not even need a trailer , as these size boats are light in weight ,easy to handle with 1 - 2 people .

Bait shop opening in 5 minutes , gotta go .
Good luck!

 

[sharps45]

Re: inflatable boats?????

I've got a zodiac-style inflatable by Sevytex. It's 10 ft long and can easily carry 4 persons. You can load it in the trunk of a car and inflate it anywhere. Mine has an inflatable floor and keel. I had one with the wooden floor but they can be a pain to fit together, plus it adds weight. I reallly enjoy mine for those times I go fishing and don't want to take the big boat. Look on ebay under inflatabel rafts, as there is a very good looking zodiac now for $300. It syas pickup only, but they almost always will ship for a sale. They're sturdy and steady. Plus, I don't have to take the truck either, just the car.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: inflatable boats?????

Now if you can find a Zodiac for cheap .... definitely buy that. In the Corps I was aboard the Zodiac Hurricane on several 'trips', and they are indestructible. You can buy the older models as military surplus, but they are stripped down.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: inflatable boats?????

Well Im still in the market. Didnt buy the raft and probably wont. If I cant find a cheaper boat I will just stay boatless for awhile longer.

 

[new_boater]

Re: inflatable boats?????

are you watching craigslist.org by me there are always deals to be had
it's worth a try

 

[new_boater]

Re: inflatable boats?????

forget it i had to reread your original post

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: inflatable boats?????

Put a small ad in a local paper and get the word out that you are looking for a small boat.

Get away from the water areas and they get cheaper. Right now there are some good bargains on ebay such as this one nearer me http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-S...ryZ63727QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Resist the urge! Prices come down in the winter.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: inflatable boats?????

Wait until winter, and look for one like the one listed below. They can take a beating! If you want a good inflatable you can find them cheaper than the one listed. The owner of this one clearly has the price of the engine in the cost. You can find a good military surplus Zodiac for around $700. They will last you as long as any fiberglass boat if you take care of them.

Zodiac on Ebay