Inflatable-which floor?

[Adrian]

I'm looking to buy a 3/4 man inflatable dinghy, having poured over the adverts in PBO there seems to be two types, inflatable floor and wooden slatted floor, can anybody tell me what the pro’s and con’s are for each type.
I sail on Windermere so it will only really be used for the kids messing about in and the odd trip ashore


<hr width=100% size=1>Adrian
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.kydproducts.co.uk>http://www.kydproducts.co.uk</A>

 

[claymore]

There is a decent revue of inflatables in this months YM
I've had one with an inflatable floor for 2 years now and think its great. Without any disrespect to your offspring - I'm not sure I would have gone for this with mine as it would probably have got damaged!
My experience of wooden floors and slats is that I've always found it really difficult to get them to fit properly. Windermere has that lovely fine grit which sticks to shoes a treat so I would have thought that you need to consider this and make sure that you are not going to end up with a boat full of gravel which might be chafing on the inflatable bit.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Adrian]

Thanks for that Claymore, I've just thought, the slatted floor would probably be more difficult to stow, or at least not pack so small, having limited stowage space this is a big issue!


<hr width=100% size=1>Adrian
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.kydproducts.co.uk>http://www.kydproducts.co.uk</A>

 

[seaesta]

I have a wood slatted floor that has only been used once in 10 years. Leaving the boards in the garage makes the inflatable more easy to stow and as long as passengers dont mind a wobbly bottom there seems to problem at all.
Martin

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Metabarca]

Not sure this is an issue: the slats - once placed - stay there. You could, I suppose, remove them once a year to give the dinghy a really good clean, but otherwise you deflate and roll the boat up. I have a Zodiac cadet with slats, and it really does go back in the bag once deflated and with the slats in place! The inflatable deck gives better rigidity when under way and if you should choose to stand up (!), and is probably easier to clean (but more fragile). Also more expensive

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.comoy.com/saillinks.html>http://www.comoy.com/saillinks.html</A>

 

[Moby]

I've had a dinghy with an inflatable floor for 7 years.

The floor is ridged like old fashioned airbeds so that any water getting in stays in between the ridges keeping your feet dry - the floor has to blown up hard to achieve this which I achieve by topping up with a foot pump.

We have had no punctures. The only problem has been that the floor is black and the colour comes off easily.

I recommend using an electric pump for blowing up the dinghy and just top it off with a foot pump. This way it is relatively effortless and only takes a few minutes.

If anyone can advise on a cure for the black coming off the floor I'd be obliged.

Richard

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ThomasHome]

I have an inflatable floor on a Quicksilver, the floor on its own is quite heavy and bulky, I reckon that a slatted floor would take up less space, you can remove it a put where you want, where as I'm not sure thats a goog idea with an inflatable floor.

Best to have a good look at both first.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[nordic_ranger]

Moby,
Talk to Polymarine they make a good flexible paint for inflatables (I've used it). I am sure they will be able to help with your floor problem.

Jim


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Evadne]

Re: black coming off

I have a black inflatable (ancient Avon Redcrest) which stains everything black on its first outing of the season, especially going-ashore clothes. I tried washing the tubes and seat (with Mr Muscle, actually) before 1st use last year and it reduced the "rub-off" substantially. I've always felt that the black comes off the plastic less as the season progresses. I'd be interested to hear of any more permanent solutions (no pun intended).

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Moby]

Thanks for that. I've just spoken to them and they were very helpful.

Unfortuately there are 2 types of fabric - hypalon and pvc - and from the description I gave them they were unable to say which material I've got. I've got to go and look at the inside of the fabric (through a valve) to see if it is a different colour on the inside. If it is, it's hypalon and if not then pvc. They can then supply the appropriate paint.

My dinghy is a Compass Kudos purchased in about 1996 - if anyone knows if it's hypalon or pvc please let me know.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[duncan]

I have an inflatable floor and it comes up spades getting in and out - I can step into it from the bathing platform or poontoon in a way impossible on a slatted floor (and I weigh a little above average!) Also with the inflatable keel below it, considerable water can find it's way in without slopping about on the floor surface. It is also reasonably non slip compared to the slatted one I used last weekend. Inflatable keel also makes things generally more managable.
Floor can always be removed and stowed seperately and there is little difference on the total to be stowed - more a matter between models than construction types.

<hr width=100% size=1>