Power for a 10ft vs 12ft inflatable

[Chris in Indiana]

I'm thinking of selling my Achilles LS-5 with a hard panel floor and picking up a newer model with an air floor, if I can find one (No luck yet.) I'm considering a longer boat, like the Achilles LSI 122 that's 12ft, the LS-5 is only a 10ft. Looking at the specs the boats weigh about the same so the question is: Will I need a bigger outboard to go with it? Right now I'm running a Merc 9.9 which gets me around okay, and I wouldn't mind steping up to a 15hp two stroke but that's about my limit for manhandling an outboard. Thoughts?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Power for a 10ft vs 12ft inflatable

A larger air mat sib than 3.60 mt won't perform as expected compared to wooden or alum floor sib, bottom will rock no matter how well you have inflated to, the next better option is the Vib or deep V inflatable floor, if not mistaken, just available on 3.80 mtr and up sizes, just two compartments to inflate to form a deep V keel. If you have already a merc 9.9, probably a disguissed Tohatsu, pass it to 15 HP with minimun investment.

Happy Boating

 

[Chris in Indiana]

Re: Power for a 10ft vs 12ft inflatable

Interesting. Who makes inflatables with that style of floor? I've never seen one.

So the air mat floors flex quite a bit during acceleration? That would affect performance as I have found out the hard way that there is a lot of force that gets transmitted through the floor (Left the side stringers off once by accident.)

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Power for a 10ft vs 12ft inflatable

Zodiac brand have them and some other manufacturer which can't remenber...The air mat flexes compared to wooden or alum pannel sibs. It's portability, ease of set-up vs lack of rigidity. Can't have the trio at same time.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Power for a 10ft vs 12ft inflatable

Sea rider, who makes VIBS? Do you have a pic, that sounds nice, the one I am getting has a somewhat keel but not quite that deep as you are speaking. Doese the deep V help with rocking? Or does it cause more rock and roll?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Power for a 10ft vs 12ft inflatable

The deep V keel is better than an air mat, rocks less and cuts water nicer. Is a two independent high pressure air mats that forms a deep V keel against middle sib floor, let me provide a name...seems the German doctor is playing mental tricks on me..

Here is a great one, Bombard Aerotec, check Link. If not mistaken the shortest ones starts from 3.80 mt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNReE8zrei0

A nice alternative to air mat sibs, French made, but pricey compared to...

Happy Boating