Seaworthness of Inflatable

[jnewtonsem]

Hi- New to this board- great site.<br />I've just purchased a 15' Avon inflatable with aluminum floorboards, inflatable keel and a 30hp motor. I plan to use it on the NC coast in the inland waterway and up to a couple of miles offshore. What kind of seas can these boats take, can you easily run in and out of the surf, crossing large wakes and is there anything/conditions I need to be aware of- blowover etc. How aggressive can you push these things. You see pictures of some of these boats (mostly RIBS or performace boats) airborne in the surf. Is this possible in a standard inflatable? I'm not planning to be a daredevel and I do have a bit of experience with standard boats, but want to know limits before going in. Thanks.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Seaworthness of Inflatable

I dont know about the several miles offshore,personally I would not attempt that in anything smaller than a 25ft hull .The infl. boats that you see airborn are rigid bottom boats.(solid hull type bottoms).Depending on the water conditions ,and condition of the boat ,you can hit a wave and split a seam where the floor connects to the side tubes.Keep in mind that the entire rig is less than 200lbs!! A wake can toss a boat like yours over let alone a wave.I have seen cases of the transom coming off infl boats as well.I would not recommend what you are planning.There will be days that you can pick and choose with the winds coming off the shore and not going over 12 kts that will be fine for any boat.HOWEVER mother nature has her own plans and winds can change direction in an instant and turn a calm day into a beast of a day and being a few miles off shore does not make for a quick get away.

 

[jnewtonsem]

Re: Seaworthness of Inflatable

Thanks for the reply, I'm trying to understand what these boats are capable of doing, not necessarily what I will do with it. Knowing what they are capable of will help determine what type of conditions you are willing to try.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Seaworthness of Inflatable

They are very safe offshore. The Coast Guard uses them in many conditions including rough seas. However like any boat can turn over.

 

[peterbo3]

Re: Seaworthness of Inflatable

Afternoon jn,<br />Inflatables are, like all boats, designed to be driven to the prevailing sea conditions. That said they do have some quirks.<br />Due to the lack of weight fwd they can flip if driven into a wave too quickly with the wind on the bow. With the skipper, motor, fuel, etc aft the potential for a flip is there. Suggest that spare fuel containers be stowed midships or fwd. Surf lifesavers here in Australia use them as rescue boats & take them straight out through the surf. The second crewman kneels in the bow to keep the bow down. <br />Because they have virtually no keel they will tend to sideslip on fast turns. A tighter turn will occur if you throttle back a bit.<br />The ride can be a little bumpy at speed. It may pay to tie everything possible in.<br />I had many episodes of paid fun driving Zodiacs when I was in the Army. Once you get used to an inflatable they are very handy boats.<br />Regards,<br />Peter

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Seaworthness of Inflatable

I bet you'll soon find out it's not the limitations of the boat, but the limitations of your back, kidneys, and stomach that determine the trips. I've gone for some long, bumpy, wet rides in inflatables. Problem I always had in small boats is enjoying the ride too much one way, then when I turn around to come back, the winds in my face, I'm getting soaked and.....You'll learn quick enough. Good luck, you'll have a lot of fun with it.

 

[jnewtonsem]

Re: Seaworthness of Inflatable

Thanks to all who replied. Sounds like in general the SIB's are pretty tough little boats, but have to get use to some quirks. Especially watch the wind! It's good to know I'll probably chicken out before the boat does.