Inflatable Versus Slatted Dinghy Floors?

[Baddox]

I’ve only used dinghies with slatted floors but note that tenders with inflatable floors are available too. Is there much of a difference between the two types?
I need a tender that will spend most of its life in a locker, and the remaining time carrying a couple of adults or very rarely one or two more. It will have a 4hp 4-stroke or a pair or two-stroke arms to propel it.

 

[alteredoutlook]

Inflateable floor,
Extra cylinder (s) to inflate =Pain in the a***e
Drier feet as water runs into bilges
If stored with floor in then not so compact
Heavier
Tracks better under outboard

I tend to leave the floor out and only put it in for special occasions!

 

[jeanpaulcopie]

I would say inflatable floor if possible! Nothing to compare! And of course, inflatable keel that goes with it!

 

[pvb]

The inflatable floor is amazingly solid, and the accompanying keel aids directional stability. No problem with inflating, no problem with stowing, hardly any difference in weight.

 

[Concerto]

Over the years I have been in inflatable dinghies with flimsy rubber floors, slatted floors, plywood panel floors and inflatable. There is only one I considered when buying a new inflatable a couple of years ago - inflatable floor. The dinghy is better all round, especially keeping your feet dry and firm floor to stand on.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Another vote for an inflatable floor and keel, makes it more directionally stable when rowing, give it better ride with an outboard and helps keep your feet dry. Having owned the alternative, I wouldn't buy anything else.

 

[jac]

Another vote for inflatable floor for all the reasons above- made the change nearly 3 years ago and love it. If doing it - do seriously consider a small battery powered pump. You can get the £100+ Bravo ones that will take the dinghy to fully inflated. We bought a cheaper model that will get it to maybe 1 bar but then needs finishing with the double action pump that came with the dinghy. SAves loads of time though and only about £30.

 

[Baddox]

That's me sold on the airdecks then. Thanks everyone.

 

[doug748]

Inflateable floor,
Extra cylinder (s) to inflate =Pain in the a***e
Drier feet as water runs into bilges
If stored with floor in then not so compact
Heavier
Tracks better under outboard

I tend to leave the floor out and only put it in for special occasions!

Yes, I experimented with one for a couple of years. I think I prefer a solid floor, or indeed, slats.
A larger boat and more crew probably repays the extra effort.

 

[mick butterworth]

i prefer inflatable floor and keel as the boat feels more solid (even slept in mine) nice and warm

 

[SiteSurfer]

My wife is very (very) windy in the tender and I have to say that the airdeck in our recent purchase has helped enormously when getting in and out.
Neither of us are racing whippets and both feel very much safer than in the equivalent sized tender with slatted floor.