New inflataBLE boater

[cablebandit]

This is my first boat ever. I just got a 2005 achilles lsi-122 with a 1998 nissan 5hp. The boat has the high pressure floor and is a 12' 2" model. I've had it out twice so far and it actually planed a few times with me (195lbs), the 5hp and a 65lb battery sitting up front. When not planed it goes 8.4mph and planed does 11-12mph which was more than i expected. I have a project 1977 mercury 20 hp that i am working on to try out next. It also came with a Minn-Kota 40 trolling motor for a top speed of 3.4 mph

So far I have been up the Chattahoochee river and Lake Allatoona as well as Sweetwater Creek State park....all in the Atlanta, Ga area.

The launch wheels have turned out to be AWESOME! I inflate it in the parking lot and roll it down the ramp. When leaving i have a tow rope hooked to the front and pull it up the ramp to the parking lot with my truck.



http://youtu.be/Bomp3sosRYg a small vid of the little 5hp doing its thing

 

[Rakumi]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Welcome Cablebandit. Looks like you were having fun on the water.

 

[cablebandit]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

thanks! It was a little cold out but of course I had to go play with my new "toy". I can't wait to get this old 20hp going to see what the Achilles will do. I'm expecting 20mph

 

[Rakumi]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

I as well wanted to get out on my boat this week because i made some modifications and bought my first motor (electric) but i went on Vets day and the part of the park where boats launch was closed. I have to wait for another day that i can get 55+ degree weather.

I own an intex excursion and just bought a minn kota endura 30lb and a custom hard wood floor installed.

 

[cablebandit]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

cool! what part of the world are you in and what mods did you make?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Cablebandit,

If going for a 20 HP must inflate all sib's chambers and air deck to max factory working specs with gauge, top again on water after some minutes rest and reinflate if needed in order to have full fun and work as expected.

Happy Boating

 

[Rakumi]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Well the only real mod I have made is I made a plywood floor 3/4 inch with carpet. It is a 2 piece with connecting hinge. All other things were things I recently purchased. I use to just run my boat bare bone as I bought it.
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But at the same time as working on my floor I purchased a Minn Kota 30lb motor, Minn Kota power center, Intex motor mount, a cooler as my bench with a seat cushion.
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I am in the NY state area

 

[cablebandit]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Sea Rider thanks! I have been doing exactly that which is why i believe i was able to plane with a 5hp. Right now the air is cooler than the water so i inflate to the bottom of the spec'd pressure and it raises as I am on the water a few minutes.

Rakumi i can't see your attachments "Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator"
Cool to add some mods aint it 24deg here in the morning in Georgia...I imagine you are getting it even colder

 

[lncoop]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Welcome aboard cable. Achilles makes a good boat. Always be sure to follow proper inflation procedures so you don't blow a baffle. Have fun!:joyous:

 

[cablebandit]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Thanks Incoop. How do you know if you've blown a baffle...what would be a sign?

 

[lncoop]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Thanks Incoop. How do you know if you've blown a baffle...what would be a sign?

Well, the baffles are there to maintain air pressure in each section of tube independent of the others. That way a leak will be isolated to one chamber rather than deflating the entire boat. So, if you can inflate the whole boat (or half depending on how many baffles it has) from one valve you have blown baffle(s). She looks like she's been well cared for, so I'm betting the baffles aren't blown. Nice looking rig and nice looking bow-wow man (or girl).

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Nice looking setup bro, get that motor running for springtime!

 

[cablebandit]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Thanks Incoop. I wondered about the baffles so that i would know what was going on if I ever saw it.

mrdrh99, thanks! now as far as your "springtime" comment.......a newbies enthusiasm is a formidable force against cold temps If the winds aloft were right I would have been flying my paramotor at 24deg this morning.

 

[mrdrh99]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Lol, I completely understand, under 50? I park the boat because then its time for my other love....fly fishing in the cold moustreams for trout!

 

[cablebandit]

Re: New inflataBLE boater

Lol, I completely understand, under 50? I park the boat because then its time for my other love....fly fishing in the cold moustreams for trout!

I've flown my paramotor at 23 deg before and with a speed of 27mph, that's about a 8 deg temp with windchill. Same scenario this morning and I decided to sleep in