What is minimum inflatable "inshore" boat ?

[eastwoom]

What is minimum inflatable \"inshore\" boat ?

Hi,

I'm thinking of purchasing a brand new inflatable and outboard for inshore sea cruising that must be able to fit in the boat of estate car and carry 2 adults and 2 children. I have been looking at the Quiksilver 340 Airdeck and Tohatsu 15HP 2-stroke outboard. Could someone please give me an idea of what the minimum reccomended inflatable boat size and outboard size is for an inshore "funboat" ?

Thanks,

Mark

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[DavidJ]

Re: What is minimum inflatable \"inshore\" boat ?

I went through this loop some 10 years or so ago. Inflatables in the UK are wet and cold they are a pain to pump up and deflate. You will get very few flat days when you can really enjoy it. If you must go for one suggest a rigid hull on a trailor and a larger engine.
I had mine for a couple of years before going for a boat, wish I had gone for a boat straightaway.
Sorry this is not the info that you wanted to hear.
David

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[markdj]

Re: What is minimum inflatable \"inshore\" boat ?

Mmm, "funboat". I usually think of that as one that can be used for skiing and such like. For an inshore boat, something like a RIB would be better seakeeping than just a dinghy. You're on the right track as for size, 3 1/2 metres is about right for a 4 man dinghy. As for a 15hp, you may struggle to get on the plane with everyone aboard. Best to ask local boat chandlery for advise so as to meet your needs.

Also, the fact that you've said "inshore sea cruising" leads me to suggest you get something like a RIB with a 30hp YAM on the back that can take a big swell and get you out of trouble. You would be better with a 4 man RIB with seats and a steering position. Throw in a GPS, VHF and some lifejackets too for that matter...

<hr width=100% size=1>Mobile UK Weather
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.stronge.org.uk>http://www.stronge.org.uk</A>

 

[johnkennett]

Re: What is minimum inflatable \"inshore\" boat ?

There is plenty that can be done in a small inflatable. For instance in August there is a planned crossing of the Pentland Firth from the mainland to Orkney in SIBs (soft inflatable boats as opposed to RIBs!).

More details on <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.blackhart.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/orkney.html>The Great Orkney SIB Expedition 2003 web site</A>

You will also find quite a few sibsters on the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ribworld.com/forum>RIBnet forums</A> who may be able to give you some ideas

John

<hr width=100% size=1>John Kennett
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rib.net/>RIBnet</A>