Advise please for 1st boat small inflatable

[nickjaxe]

Hi all, advise please my mate wants to get into boating and is thinking of getting himself a new small inflatable around 8-10ft with maybe a 4-5hp outboard just to potter about in, I wonder if any of you folks that use this type of boat could give some advise about the use of this type of boat, he plans to use it in sheltered water only around the isle of bute, but he tells me in the area he was thinking of the tide can run at up to 5knts, he would like to carry maybe 2 adults and 2 kids, what can he expect from it ect, I am only used to bigger power boats/RIBs ect so I cannot help him to much.

Regards Nick.

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by nickjaxe on 25/07/2004 23:21 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[m1taylor]

Hi,

I've got a Tinker Tramp (9ft) which I bought second hand. It carries 2+2 and is very strong and durable - it has the added advantage of having a sailing kit too.

It goes ok with 3.5hp and will push against a current. However, to get a plane it needs really a 4hp with only one person in it



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[capt_courageous]

Nick,
We have had an Avon Redcrest for years as a tender. They are not the cheapest but they are good and feel like a proper boat. We previously tried to save money but it was the old story - buy cheap buy twice - and get a wet bum as well. Look at the Avon website - it shows all sorts of craft. It just depends how deep your friends pockets are.
Cheers

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[Jim_H]

We have a 2.6 metre Zodiac with inflatable keel and a 4 hp Yamaha. Two adults and two kids are a full load but it will hold hold its own against 5 - 6 knts of current.
It will plane one up but not with two adults (depends how much you weigh ... anyone know of a seafaring slimmer ?). Zodiac is very well made although a trifle pricey.

<hr width=100% size=1>It was a quick 6 month project ...... in 1998

 

[Jim_H]

We have a 2.6 metre Zodiac with inflatable keel and a 4 hp Yamaha. Two adults and two kids are a full load but it will hold hold its own against 5 - 6 knts of current.
It will plane one up but not with two adults (depends how much you weigh ... anyone know of a seafaring slimmer ?). Zodiac is very well made although a trifle pricey.

<hr width=100% size=1>It was a quick 6 month project ...... in 1998

 

[eight]

I have a 12' Avon Rover and it works great. I just take it fishing on lakes but have had it in 3' swells and it is very stable and I could not get a wave to break over the bow. It has a 10 hp motor and can plane with 2 large adults. It is rated for 7 people but that would be cramped, I don't like to have more than 3 in it for a day of fishing. Its also rated for a 25 hp motor which would make it very fast for a small boat. For 2 adults and 2 kids I'd reccomend a 10-12' boat.

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[nickjaxe]

Thank you all I will get my mate to read your replys.

Nick.

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[JimMcMillan]

Small Inflables are generally tenders for larger craft and that is all they are. Although there are no tides of 5knots around Bute it is surrounded by high hills,Narrow necks of water, Large expanses of water,lochs and valleys all recipes for rapid changes of conditions and is no place to begin? your family boating in a small inflatable.

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