Inflatables

[Aunt_Erika]

Hi
I intend to buy an iflatable to use on the river with my Viking 26 ,I have seen a couple I like,one with an air deck the other with a slatted floor any comments would be wellcome on which one to go for.
The size of boat i`m looking at is 220 fitted with a 2.5hp out board.
Thanks
Dave

P.S. Going to ExCel for the second time tomorrow......cause I can !!!!!!

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[Greg2]

Airdeck is uaually lighter and a bit more expensive. Slatted cheaper and stronger i.e. less susceptible to damage but that only matters if you are likely to have items that could pierce the airdeck in the boat - not a likely scenario unless you have some fairly serious sea fishing hooks. Airdeck also easier to stow when deflated.

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[STOCK_INGTOPS]

Airdecks usually have an inflatable keel which will give the dinghy more positive handling, unlike the flat bottom of most dinghys with timber flooring.

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[Talbot]

sorry to disagree, but the slatted floor tenders are normally the lightest by up to 12 kg (eg Zodiac 18 kg slotted 30+ for Inflatable) and are also the smallest folded. You are confusing them with those that have a solid wooden floor, which are a real pain to fold, and are heavier than the airdeck.
Notwithstanding this there are a lot of advantages for the inflatable floor and inflatable keel. However not all inflatable floor boats also have an inflatable keel.

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[Jenko]

Having had both, I would say this......
The inflatable floor, is great if it gets a little choppy (assuming it has an inflatable keel), it basically gives the shape of a v hull, whereas the slatted floor is flat. The slatted floor is cheaper, and may be a little lighter, but, it really does depend on your budget and size of boat. I also feel more confident jumping into a boat with an inflatable floor.

For a 220 size on a river, a slatted floor would be fine. And for a good value boat look at the wetline range, which are built very well for the money....I had a wetline 290 with inflatable floor, and now have a wetline 180 with slatted floor (it's only used in an energency).......Good luck.

Bottom line is...Inflatable is better, but, like everything, you pay for what you get...Budget allows, go inflatable, if not, be happy with Slatted

Paul.


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[barryjl]

I've had both Airdeck and slats and Airdeck gives a much nice ride, plus more stability when jumping on and off.

<hr width=100% size=1>There's no problems..just opportunities

 

[PhilF]

i agree, inflatable every time, and nicer to lie in and sunbathe
PhilF

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[Aunt_Erika]

Hi,
thanks for all your comments. Have just returned from ExCel a few pounds lighter after purchasing an inflatable with airdeck and inflatable keel.
thanks again,

Dave
Roll on the boating season !!!!!!!!!

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[lanason]

what did u buy then ??


<hr width=100% size=1>Adrian <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/kelisha>Kelisha</A> I never snub anyone accidentally

 

[Aunt_Erika]

I ended up with a "LodeStar" 220 with the Honda 2.3.
Personaly I had not heard of them but they were frendly,they gave a great dem of the product,they were the only exibitor to invite me, the wife and the kids to sit in the boat and try it for size (all at once) and after studying the "garb" it was comparable with other brands and in my buget range.
In sum ways it was like with the Sunseekers and Princesses comments on this forum,LobeStar had no problem with my 4yr old jumping up and down and rocking it side to side-yet some of the big names watched him like a hawk,ready to pounce and frighten the living day light out of him if he touched there boats.
Actually,as we aproched one of the big names,the three salesman who had been chatting,split up and put the ropes up over the entrances to all there boats.Enough said

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[BarryH]

Typical LIBS. They should rename it London Boat You Can Look But Don't Touch. Why do half of them bother!

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