Small inflatable

[Billows]

I want to buy one to get me out on the water in a sheltered harbour in light conditions.Considering Yam380, similar sized Honwave or smaller 9ft Avon rib.Would these be car toppable as I live very near the water? Which is best ? What things to look out for buying second hand?I would have 5hp engine as this is the heaviest four stroke I could lift.

 

[jhr]

Rather than stick it on top of the car, where it will create windage, flap irritatingly up and down in your field of vision and give you a slipped disc getting it off the roof, I'd invest in an LVM Inflator, and blow it up when you get to the water.

About £70 new but they make regular appearances on eBay.

If you're going for a second hand dinghy, opt for a quality brand like Avon. The main things to look out for are signs of seams splitting, puncture repairs (not a no-no in itself but satisfy yourself that they have been done properly) and the condition of the fabric - the material can go sticky in some circumstances.

Go for Hypalon (which tends to be used for the more expensive brands) rather than PVC.

Finally. make sure that (a) the dinghy still has its oars and (b) you can row it (particularly against a breeze or current). Outboards are generally very reliable but you need to have a Plan B that will work .

PS Even in a sheltered harbour and light conditions, I'd still wear some kind of life jacket or buoyancy aid.

 

[Tranona]

There is a vast choice of inflatables available on the market. The ones you have looked at are big and heavy. If it is really just for getting out to your boat on a mooring then the most popular sizes are 2.6 and 2.8. You have a choice of bottoms, but if you want to transport to the site then an inflatable floor and keel is perhaps the best compromise and use an electric pump. Such boats new are in the £6-800 range. Although Hypalon is arguably the best, virtually no boats use it now in this sector because it is literally twice the price and the latest PVC materials are long lasting.

 

[Billows]

I am looking for the biggest one I can launch single handed, not just to get out to a mooring.Plan {a}engine, plan {b} small little backup engine, plan {c} oars, plan {d} anchor and lots of arm waving at passing boats, plan {e} call the coastguard

 

[Mariner69]

Finally. make sure that (a) the dinghy still has its oars and (b) you can row it (particularly against a breeze or current). Outboards are generally very reliable but you need to have a Plan B that will work .

PS Even in a sheltered harbour and light conditions, I'd still wear some kind of life jacket or buoyancy aid.

I also carry a small grapnel anchor on about 3 metres of chain and the same again of rope. If the motor fails and you can't row against the wind it gives you time to think.

 

[Tranona]

I am looking for the biggest one I can launch single handed, not just to get out to a mooring.Plan {a}engine, plan {b} small little backup engine, plan {c} oars, plan {d} anchor and lots of arm waving at passing boats, plan {e} call the coastguard

Sorry - misunderstood! Think you will find a 3.8 a bit of a handful on your own - certainly not cartop. Small RIBS are probably better as a general purpose boat, but the latest generation of inflatable keel/floor designs are pretty good and much more versatile.

 

[Davy_S]

also carry a small grapnel anchor on about 3 metres of chain and the same again of rope. If the motor fails and you can't row against the wind it gives you time to think.

not if it is any deeper than 6 metres it dont!

 

[dingdongs]

i bought one of the chinese models off ebay a couple of years ago.3.3 meter with an aluminium floor .will take upto a 15hp which i also bought but a 5hp 4stroke will also put it on the plane with about 10mph top speed.5 up the smaller engine struggles but its been all the way to sweden too this year, by car.look here,http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-4-5-Man-3...ng_Goods_Sailing_Boats_ET&hash=item483c4e1494
mines pretty much a spitting image its stable and can be assembled in about 30 mins.also bought a foldable launching trolley from bramber trailers.weighs about 70kg all in but takes a couple of strong men to get it on the roof of landrover so would reccommend inflating near water and you'll be off within the hour(single handed)a ten quid 12v pump from argos will inflate in 10 mins from flat easy.extra cigar lighter extension lead also required.absolutly love mine and have good fun .would not be good in waves over 18" though.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Honwave 2.4 inflatable v-floor, Mercury 3.5 o/b will get you about very nicely for about £1200 new, a lot less second hand. Will plane 1 up and carry 4 adults quite safely, with the inflator mentioned above it'll be ready for use in about 11 mins, including fitting the engine. Did this on our recent trip to Newquay, felt quite safe in the swells, didn't risk the surf though!

 

[Warpa]

Honwave 2.4 inflatable v-floor, Mercury 3.5 o/b will get you about very nicely for about £1200 new, a lot less second hand. Will plane 1 up and carry 4 adults quite safely, with the inflator mentioned above it'll be ready for use in about 11 mins, including fitting the engine. Did this on our recent trip to Newquay, felt quite safe in the swells, didn't risk the surf though!

May i bed to differ here A 3.5 will struggle like hell to get onto a plane from my experience, i had a 9' inflatable with inflatable keel and it struggled with a cheap Tohatsu (think that was the make and spelling) 4.5, put a 4.5 merc on which is 4.5HP at the prop not fly, that would plane me as long as i put my weight forward to tip the boat, personally i would opt for the biggest you can afford as its no real fun if carrying a mate and you have no speed or ability to plane.