To the barrier islands

[misssound]

I would love some advice I am a complete newb.
My wife and I would like a boat that can be packed up into our car and also make an approximately 15 mile trip to a Gulf of Mexico barrier island through the Mississippi Sound. Any advice?

 

[misssound]

Re: To the barrier islands

O..., forgot to mention that we are poor graduate students.

 

[45Auto]

Re: To the barrier islands

Are you thinking about going out to Ship Island or Cat Island? The ferry boat is running to Ship Island again I think. You're looking at 10 or 15 miles one way of open water, it can get fairly rough at times. I'm not aware of any cheap boat that you could pack into your car that I would want to do that in.

 

[misssound]

Re: To the barrier islands

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking about making trips to both Ship and Horn Islands. We have taken the ferry out there but we would love to have more freedom.
My wife and I are probably going to make a trip down to Biloxi this weekend and see what they have in stock at West Marine. I don't want to be cheap but I also don't want the price to get to expensive. We have budget of around 4k, give or take, but we want to get the biggest bang for our buck. Any advice?

 

[cpubud]

Re: To the barrier islands

the problem is going to be something that fits in the car. the money you want to spend will get you a boat .but a boat that will fit in the car and be able to run in open waters that is a tough one ,good luck.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: To the barrier islands

I guess it depends what size your car is.

I think your budget might be a bit low. I would suggest at least a 16' inflatable with a 25 or 30hp motor. You would want to outfit it with the proper seating and safety equipment. I'm guessing around $6,000 in the economy class or around $8,000 for high end.

I would feel very comfortable in a properly outfitted 16' SIB or RIB.

 

[engarom]

Re: To the barrier islands

The only thing i would feel comfortable in over that distance is a Zodiac FC-470 or the Avon equivilent. You can sometimes find them surplus for 1k-3k. You still need a reliable outboard as well. May be a 30-40hp. And a good radio!