Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

chrisk500

Recruit
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3
I have a large toy hauler for our ATV's but don't really have the room to throw in an inflated inflatable and can't tow an extra trailer. So I have been contemplating buying an inflatable for the family with the intention of inflating and deflating on every outing. How realistic is this? I'm looking at a rather large 14 foor inflatable to fit the 5 of us. Probably with an air bottom to make it easier. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

A 14' inflatable is a big package. Most that size over here are trailered.
 

skell723

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2009
Messages
7
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

I just purchased a 15 foot inflatable with a alum floor, boat alone is very heavy and would need 2 strong adults to move it to the water without the motor attached. The air floor is a smart idea if u want to deflate every time. The ridgid floor looks like a pain in the a-- to install more then once a season.
I wanted to avoid the trailer too but dont want to exhaust myself before a relaxing day on the water
 

lester

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 23, 2008
Messages
92
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

A 14' with air floor is going to be a pain to inflate/deflate every time. Now if you are talking you go out for a few days at a time and can inflate once for a few day period and then just deflate to go home I would say it would be worth it, but if you are intending on inflating and deflating every day you use it, I can guarantee you it will become a chore you will not be looking forward to. I have a 12' air floor Saturn that takes me about 20 minutes to inflate, get the motor on, hook up gas, put on the oars, load up gear...etc. And this 20 minutes is after the learning curve. I can tell you sitting beside the boat launch when it is 90 degrees pushing a hand pump up and down until you are red in the face isn't a pleasant experience(I would know..done many times). For me though, the ability to get on the water and cruise all day on three gallons of gas made the entire prep time worth it, but I am in my 20's also. If you are willing to spend that prep time sweating and making sure you have done everything correctly, the boating will be worth it, but bottom line is it is going to be work. If you go for it I would try to get the kids involved in the prep. What model are you looking at by the way?
 

chrisk500

Recruit
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

I've been looking at a seaeagle 14 footer or a Saturn. Not much of a budget since we have the 4 wheeling hobby as well. But thought it would be nice to just get out on the water a bit from time to time mainly on rivers up here in the pacific northwest and to drive/float along side when the kids go tubing. Not looking for a speeder, either, just enough power to get me back up river at a leisurely pace. Probably find a cheap 20 hp 2 stroke off craigs list. Keep the engine around 100 pounds or so.

Is there a reason you don't use an electric pump? I have an air compressor mounted on my truck - would that work or not?
 

deejaycee_2000

Captain
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
3,447
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

Yes your air compressor is perfect, so you should have no problem, I inflate deflate my boat before / after everytime I ride ..... it is ideally the right method ....
 

mudslinging79

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
374
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

i used to inflate de-flate my wood floor boat everytime, got down to a half hour from unloaded to on the water, but got tired of it real fast. now i keep it inflated and just throw it on top of a bronco 2 and tie it down, rope in the middle goes through the cab... until i pick up a trailer that is...
 

kandil

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
567
Re: Who actually inflates and deflates every time?

I found out that if you Handel the boat deflated is kind of dangers the boat is heavy and flimsy and trying to push it in the back of the truck is risky you could rib it or tare it I did it in the beginning but now I keep it inflated and just throw it on the top of the trucks rack and go.
Hi deejaycee_2000 I like your new avatar
 
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