First inflatable..

[richjonesy]

Hi guys

I’m looking into buying a second-hand inflatable dinghy and small outboard but have no experience and was hoping someone could help..

It would be used for day trips transporting me and possibly 1 other person with very little luggage (backpack, maybe a small fishing rod and chair) on lower rivers in the UK (similar to the Thames around oxford/Severn around Worcester etc.) but maybe travelling 2 or 3 miles stopping to get off and fish. It may also be used around harbours and calm coastal waters in future but not primarily.

My budget is around £450 - £500 for both dinghy and outboard.

I have had a quick look around this forum and there are a few things I would like to ask advice on, as well as asking if my budget is realistic..

- Boat size : I wouldn’t have thought I’d be fishing much from the boat and so is 2.7 metre a suitable size for 1 or 2 adults?

- Keel : I’ve read on here somewhere that anything but an inflatable keel is useless unless only travelling a few hundred metres from a larger boat.. is this strictly true? I know these are more expensive.

- Outboard size : I only need to be travelling at walking speed (3-5mph) so is a 2.2hp outboard sufficient or should I be looking at 4hp?

- Transportation : Would this all fit into an average sized hatchback with fold down rear seats?

I only really like the idea of a solid transom as the round backed ones look unstable to me.

Sorry for all of the questions, any help would be appreciated!

Thanks
Rich

 

[Jurgen]

Ebay is a food place to start, I got my Wetline 270 with a 4hp 2 stroke for £590 so some bargins out there

 

[Jurgen]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Avon-2-81-RIB...tem3cb97bca7a&clk_rvr_id=244611458943&afsrc=1

 

[cem]

and another http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AVON-RIB-TRAI...Power_Boats&hash=item2311fb0b4e#ht_770wt_1139

 

[rafiki_]

Yes, I think a 2.7m with a small outboard will get you going. Room enough for 2 and a backpack, and will putter a few miles OK. No problems fitting in your hatchback. The dinghy will fit in a bag 4 ft long, 3 ft dia, plus the outboard.

 

[richjonesy]

Ok thanks guys, i'll keep an eye out on ebay.

So an inflatable keel isn't too important for this kind of usage then? is there a great difference?

 

[landlockedpirate]

All keel types are a compromise. Air floors are good because they are ridged, light , easy and small to pack away. They also have a keel to keep the boat going in a straight line at speed. Wood floors are heavier, more difficult to pack, but also have a keel. Slatted floors are only for slow speeds, they won't get on the plane and don't have a keel.
From what you have described any type would suit your needs with a smaller engine (2 to 3.5 HP) but with bigger engines stick with a air floor or wood, they perform much better.

 

[CX54WEK]

Try to get a dinghy with fat tubes. They are that bit more stable. We also like the air keel and solid wooden floor but for deflating and transporting in the car it may be a little awkward.

Ask around your local marina if anyone has a dinghy for sale. We picked our 3 year old Quicksilver 240 Sport and Mariner 6hp up for £600 through word of mouth.