small inflatable

[andy01842]

I am going to buy myself a small inflatable. I have got a 4HP short shaft 2stroke outboard. It will only be required to carry 2 adults and a small amount of light gear, going for an inflatable so it will go in the boot. Looked at some cheap ones but would pay more for some think a bit more robust, 3 chamber, around about £300. Are their any to avoid? Any help would be good. Are the plastimo range any good?
Andy
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[ybwuser]

Go Hypalon as opposed to PVC is what I'd say.

 

[Searush]

Watch out for small diam side tubes, they may pack smaller & be lighter, but you will always have wet bums. I had to get 2 inflatable seats to stop people sitting on the side tubes & whingeing when they wet their pants.

 

[VicS]

If you are expecting to be able to stow it aboard a small vessel take particular note of the size when packed. For a 4hp you may need a dinghy with a solid transom rather than a round tail (or a larger sized roundtail). Remember floor boards or even inflatable floors all add weight and bulk.

Suggestion to go for Hypalon rather than PVC is a good one especially if you want a long lifespan but they are much more expensive and relatively rare. A second hand Avon might be a good choice for a Hypalon dinghy. Redstart won't take a 4 hp, at least not recommended, although Redcrest will so will the smallest of the Rover, solid transom, range.

 

[Allan]

I have a 2.3m Zodiac with a slatted floor which I use with 4hp 2 stroke Johnson. It is a bit of of a pain in the bum! The motor is quite heavy to get from the locker to the dingy transom and is too fast for the dingy. I would say you need a keel to make it handle or, like me, wear waterproofs whatever the weather. Zodiac say the 2.3 will take a 4hp, I would say you need a 2.6m at least. What is fun with mine is, one up, leaning forward and steering by pushihg the motor with your foot. When you turn the motor the dingy turns and the motor just drives it in the same direction, just sideways. If I was still 14 I think I would love it!
Allan

 

[ebbtide]

I have a new Avon Redcrest with warranty. Interested?

 

[Kelpie]

I got a 2nd hand Redcrest very cheaply, and am very pleased with it. The same money spent on a new one would only have got a beach toy.

 

[whisper]

If you are going to use it much I'd definitely make sure it had a V keel as that makes it much easier to steer under power or oars. Also agree with Searush re. getting one with large diameter tubes.
Have a look at the Lodestar Ultra Light range - not cheap but not one of the expensive brands either.

I see you've already got the 4hp engine. It may well be that a 2.5 - 3.5hp one will be easier to cart about and probably be better suited to the smallest of the dinghies. The 4hp could well exceed the dinghy's rating.