What kind of inflatable should I get?

[merc20076]

As I already mentionned a few times in the past months, for the next boating/fishing season, I wan't to get an inflatable boat.

Here are some importants points.

-I would have to set up the inflatable every time except if I go camping for fishing trip since I don't have room for a 2nd trailer at home. I can't bring my main boat everywhere...

- I would use this inflatable on rivers or lakes (I expect using it on Lake Champlain on calm days)

-My max budget is 1200-1300$ so is PVC good and how long it will last? For now I have a Johnson 8 HP (ok 7.5) but maybe getting a 15 HP 4 stroke later.

-Is it safe for fishing (hooks) and what kind of floor should I get? I would get the lighter possible (air deck) but I don't know if it's the best for fishing?

Here are the models that I'm looking to buy:
-Zodiac Zoom 310S: 10'2, 15 HP Max, wood floor, 104 lbs
-Zodiac Typhoon 310S: 10'2, 8HP max, air floor, 86lbs
-Saturn 11' or 12'. They are cheaper. Are those good inflatables?
-Mercury 310 or 340 sport or air deck. They are more expensive and not my 1st choice so far.

I don't want to buy something that will last only 1 or 2 years. I will use the boat often, once or twice a week.

I am new in inflatable and it looks interesting. I still have 2-3 months to buy it!

Thanks for helping me in my choice!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Some issues :

Air deck sibs rocks a lot no matter how well inflated you have them, better go for aluminum floor, weights more, is an issue of rigidity versus portability, as in any standard inflatable, watch with hooks while fishing they are not kevlar made or the ones seen on Rambo movies. The size will depnd on how many boaters will be inside in every outting. Saturn and Mercury are well priced, go for the one that offers best warranty and repair stations countrywide. Any pvc sib will last many years as you will be using it fewer times during the year, just inflate well to their recommended working pressure, rinse properly after use, roll and store it untill next fishing time.

Happy Boating

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Don't count out Bombard (which is a PVC boat made by Zodiac). I have a 9' Bombard Max 3+ with inflatable keel and a wood floor. It's rated for up to 8 HP. http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|215570&id=217766

I would get the wood floor over a slat floor any day. It's feels really sturdy, and with that, gives good support to the the inflatable keel. I am a believer that they survive impacts a tad better too. Last year I ran over a submerged railroad tie, and bounced up and over it before the motor hit it. Ended up with a light scuff on the keel, and maybe a small paint chip on the motor.

If you have a pickup truck, you don't even have to deflate and pack it up everytime. I you absolutely have to pack it up everytime, get an electric pump. I use an air mattress inflator to do most of the work, and finish it off with the foot pump to get the pressure up.

Don't count out that 7.5 HP outboard that you have. I used a 2 stroke 3.5 HP on mine last year and it would put me on plane by myself at 7-8 kts.

Mine has held up well. I plan on using Aerospace 303 protectant on it this coming season, and whenever I am not using it, I keep it covered with a cover I bought from West Marine ($100). I have bounced a few lures and hooks off of my tubes, and I don't think any of them stuck. One even came in at high speed (lure was stuck on a low tree branch) and just bounced off. I think the tubes being smooth and large don't allow for hooks to penetrate effectively. Plus the tubes are fairly thick already, about 1-2 mm.

Good luck on inflatable shopping!

 

[merc20076]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

What is wrong about using a 7.5 HP motor on those inflatable?

So I'd better get a wooden or aluminum floor rather then a air deck?

I live in Canada and not to far from home there is a Zodiac factory so maybe the zoom or typhoon woukd be better.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

What is wrong about using a 7.5 HP motor on those inflatable?

So I'd better get a wooden or aluminum floor rather then a air deck?

I live in Canada and not to far from home there is a Zodiac factory so maybe the zoom or typhoon woukd be better.

What's wrong with a 7.5 HP? Nothing. Which is what we're trying to point out. Inflatables aren't very heavy, and float very well, so they don't require a lot of power. That 7.5 is twice the power that I had last year which should put you on plane quite easily. I am putting a 6 HP on mine this year.

And yes, a hard floor is much more preferred over a soft or air floor. It'll feel a lot more stable, and far more resistant to punctures or wear and tear. Plus most air floor require high pressure (around 11 PSI, which is a lot higher than the typical 3 PSI for the tubes) to be semi rigid, which means you need a high pressure pump, and another air chamber to keep air in.

 

[merc20076]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

My primary choice is the Zodiac Zoom 310S it has a wooden floor. Is it easy to set up if it's not an air deck? And yes I will have a 12V pump to inflate it at my car. Can I get a pair of launching wheels for this kind of sib so I can get it all ready at the car?

Again thanks for the help!

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

HI,

Things to think about:

1. Zodiac Zoom is their cheapest line and they are made in China. Nothing wrong but in IMHO you can get better value.

2. Saturn seem to be reasonable and have been around for a while. There seem to be a number of satisfied boaters on this forum who use and have them.

3. Lake Champlain means you are in Quebec or Vermont or area. PVC is fine for this area and will last a long time if looked after and covered when not in use.

4. Fishing hooks for the most part just bounce right off the material. The only issue if is the barb gets into the material and pierces it. This is a very rare situation and according to the book by Jim Trefethernen
http://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-Boats-Selection-Repair-Seamanship/dp/007065252X

5. Mercury is also made in China although reasonable quality.

Best of luck,

Darryl

As I already mentionned a few times in the past months, for the next boating/fishing season, I wan't to get an inflatable boat.

Here are some importants points.

-I would have to set up the inflatable every time except if I go camping for fishing trip since I don't have room for a 2nd trailer at home. I can't bring my main boat everywhere...

- I would use this inflatable on rivers or lakes (I expect using it on Lake Champlain on calm days)

-My max budget is 1200-1300$ so is PVC good and how long it will last? For now I have a Johnson 8 HP (ok 7.5) but maybe getting a 15 HP 4 stroke later.

-Is it safe for fishing (hooks) and what kind of floor should I get? I would get the lighter possible (air deck) but I don't know if it's the best for fishing?

Here are the models that I'm looking to buy:
-Zodiac Zoom 310S: 10'2, 15 HP Max, wood floor, 104 lbs
-Zodiac Typhoon 310S: 10'2, 8HP max, air floor, 86lbs
-Saturn 11' or 12'. They are cheaper. Are those good inflatables?
-Mercury 310 or 340 sport or air deck. They are more expensive and not my 1st choice so far.

I don't want to buy something that will last only 1 or 2 years. I will use the boat often, once or twice a week.

I am new in inflatable and it looks interesting. I still have 2-3 months to buy it!

Thanks for helping me in my choice!

 

[merc20076]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

The red 12' Saturn looks great too but I think my 8HP will have a hard time to make it plane? I don't have much more money to buy another motor and good used ones are hard to find or overprice and I'm a Evinrude/Johnson fan.

Yes I'm from Montreal but I have friends that lives right on the side of Lake Champlain near Plattsburg. I plan to ship it there so I can use it couples of time before bringing it into Canada, so I can avoid paying the expensive taxes. Even in Canada the price is a good 500$ more easily...

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

My primary choice is the Zodiac Zoom 310S it has a wooden floor. Is it easy to set up if it's not an air deck? And yes I will have a 12V pump to inflate it at my car. Can I get a pair of launching wheels for this kind of sib so I can get it all ready at the car?

Again thanks for the help!

When I set mine up the first time, having never inflated a SIB ever, it took me a little under an hour. Now I think it can take me about 15-30 minutes. Fairly easy to do. My hard floor is in three sections. The bow section goes in first with the tubes filled about half full (not half pressure) so it's still flexible. Then the others go in together propped up against each other to form a triangle, which is then gently pushed down to lock in together. Then two aluminum stringers get put in along the sides of the floor to completly lock them together. Then it's inflated the rest of the way. Some hard floor SIBs have more floor sections. Refer to the manual for hichever one you get and it'll be easy.

Launching wheels will fit most all SIBs (and RIBs too). Yet another item I would like to get for mine eventually. Sure would beat carrying the thing.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

The red 12' Saturn looks great too but I think my 8HP will have a hard time to make it plane?

You'd be suprised how little it can take to plane a SIB. I sure didn't expect a 3.5 HP to put me on plane, and i was suprised when it did.

Here's a video I took on mine with that 3.5 HP motor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN06HJftEao

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

If you will intend to use a sib on any lake for just going to the fishing spot or move around between fishing spots, the 7.5 will take you there, could plane depending on the total inside weight and it's correct ballance & distribution. If you like to cruise or potter around at speed, definetely go for at least a 15 HP motor.

Happy Boating

 

[James Baker]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

I just bought a Saturn Inflatable boat from www.boatstogo.com. My Buddy bought an SD330 n3 year ago and loves it. I did a lot of research before purchasing my SD 365 12 footer and these guys are the best deal aroud by far (for a new boat with a warranty).

 

[merc20076]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

The boat show is next week here so I'll go take a look if there's something else. Now, I am pretty sure I'll order the Saturn 12' SD330.

I'm from Canada but friends of my family lives right on the side of Champlain Lake near Plattsburgh. Can I ship it there, then use it there a few times and then bring it into Canada without being caught at the borders??? This is the first thing I have to know for now.

The closest dealer is in Ontario and it's a good 400 $ more + shipping.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Go for the 365, 330 will bore you fast, roomier is better and price difference is small.. Your actual 8 HP engine will move it better.

Happy Boating

 

[kwhines12]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Doesn't the 365 have the air floor vs the wood floor. I was thinking of buying the SD385 because it has the wood floor and the SD330 was a little to small. Which floor is better? 6 of one and a half dozen of the other? Also, would a 15 HP four stroke push a Saturn SD385 pretty well? Thanks

 

[merc20076]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Update:

I have made my descision. I was at the boat show yesterday and after looking at Mercury's, Bombard, Zodiac Zoom, Brig and Liberty, my choice was the Brig D330 with aluminum floor, 10'10'', weight 94lbs, 15HP max outboard. Regular price (CDN$) was 2030$ + taxes and the boat show special was at 1495$.

The Zodiac Cadet S310 was really interesting too since it's still made in France but almost no bargains and regular price is near 2100$.

Now I just hope Brig are good inflatables, I have a good warranty on it. I'll have my 7.5HP Johnson on it, maybe a 15HP if I find a good deal?

 

[Syzygy]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Merc,

For what it is worth, last night I saw that Defender has the Zodiac Typhoon 360S (length 11' 10") for $939.00, which seemed like a good price for a lot of boat. They also had the Zodiac Zoom 350S for $939.00, which is what I'll likely get. Shorter, but it has a seat and I like that.

I was considering a Brig or a Saturn, but the lack of service stations soured me. With the Zodiac, I know where I can get it serviced if I ever have an issue......and I have had Zodiac boats in the past. I figure it is the safest bet and I'm saving a couple hundred bucks.

Cheers-
S

 

[riverandocean]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Syzygy...... make sure you check where the boats are made..... since both the Zoom and the Typhoon are the same price..... if the Typhoon is made in France and welded construction (mine was) that would be way better than the Zoom which most are now glued construction made in China.

 

[Chris in Indiana]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

Brig makes a good quality boat, I have met a couple of different owners at the sandbar and they like them. The 7.5 should work fine if you only have one or two in the boat, but more than that max it out at 15. Might as well go all the way if you get a new one. The prop makes a huge difference on SIB's and you can change the performance dramatically. Not to sound like an advertisement but I really love the Piranah prop I picked up for my 9.9 merc. If I'm at the beach and plan to take the family out (3 kids + wife) plus a full cooler, beach chairs, plastic toys and other assorted junk I'll use the low pitch blades. If it's just me and my two sons out for a day of fishing I'll use the higher pitch to get around faster. It only takes a couple of minutes to switch them.

Come to think of it isn't there a Canadian importer of inflatables? Maxxon or Maxon. Something like that.

 

[Garrett Lipus]

Re: What kind of inflatable should I get?

I bought a 10'6" Newport Vessels PVC 3 years ago and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It's a PVC boat with aluminum framed wood flooring. I use it in the bay about twice a week. I've fully deflated it about 20 times, but I usually leave it inflated in the water. I use a 9.9 honda on it and it absolutely flies. This boat has 18" tubes which is much larger than any others I saw. It gives the boat a really solid feel going at high speeds, in choppy water, especially while turning. I fish with it, but mainly use it as a tender at my Sea Ray Sun Dancer. It folds up and stores below deck easy, but I also have davit clips on the back.

Below are some YouTube's of this boat and other inflatable boats by Newport Vessels. I don't know too much about them, but I've had mine for 2 years and have used it a couple times a week and it's been absolutely great. Check out their website www.NewportVessels.com. Also FYI, they were priced way lower than the others you listed in your very first boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1CzJR3cfJY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD1jzj4rXc8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpeA2AFP1RM