I am interested in your thoughts about the best inflatable/outboard for long trips in SE Alaska. I'm coming from the small/efficient is better point of view. Have been using my Dad's old 1970 Avon Redcrest lashed with a custom aluminum frame (like a rowing frame) to run an 8hp Tohatsu, but its time for something with larger carrying capacity and more seaworthy.
Major issue is range -- would like to travel as far as possible between refueling points with about 800 lbs (excluding outboard and fuel). With the Avon lightly loaded I could plane at about 1/2 gph and 15 mph, so with 5 gallons made about ~150 miles for week long camping trips in relatively protected water.
I'm deciding whether to keep the 8hp and finding a new boat designed to plane efficiently, or go up a step, such as a ~13 inflatable catamaran (eg Advanced Cat) and a 25 hp Evinrude E-tec. I wonder what the max range would be traveling at most efficient speed. At some point carrying more gas would result in a lower range because I would no longer be able to plane efficiently.
It would be nice to do the Inside Passage this way.
Would also be nice to explore the outside of the outer islands in good stable weather, which I will do in my kayak but am afraid to take the Avon, so a more rugged, seaworthy setup is better.
I wear a drysuit.
Thanks for any ideas.
Major issue is range -- would like to travel as far as possible between refueling points with about 800 lbs (excluding outboard and fuel). With the Avon lightly loaded I could plane at about 1/2 gph and 15 mph, so with 5 gallons made about ~150 miles for week long camping trips in relatively protected water.
I'm deciding whether to keep the 8hp and finding a new boat designed to plane efficiently, or go up a step, such as a ~13 inflatable catamaran (eg Advanced Cat) and a 25 hp Evinrude E-tec. I wonder what the max range would be traveling at most efficient speed. At some point carrying more gas would result in a lower range because I would no longer be able to plane efficiently.
It would be nice to do the Inside Passage this way.
Would also be nice to explore the outside of the outer islands in good stable weather, which I will do in my kayak but am afraid to take the Avon, so a more rugged, seaworthy setup is better.
I wear a drysuit.
Thanks for any ideas.
