Inflatable boats experience?

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uberhahn

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Considering purchasing an inflatable to take with me camping with the :princess: and kiddies.

I think a 12 ft is about the right length if I try to get all 5 of us on. My intent is to deflate and store rather than tow on trailer, or roof mount while inflated.

I will also be carrying a small outboard.

Anyone have any experience with inflatables with this purpose? Likely max stay is 5 days. Small lakes, and a few rivers.

I like the packability, and opportunity to store on a roofrack, and still have room.

As always, feedback appreciated.

uberhhan
 
12 ft is about the right length if I try to get all 5 of us on

uberhahn, I don't see any area your from in your profile , SO ,, in tiny world 5 might squeeze in.

Im 200 lbs , wife is 150 lbs (Imperial pound measurement reply because i think your in the states) , so my Metzeler 14' (Knock off)is just large enough for just us 2 , 3 folks and your pushing it , come rough water your wet and bailing.


Best to try one out first DAD , and see yourself before Kids and the Boss gets involved.. Plus there heavy and its not just the boat, its jackets to other things.

Mine is one tender for the Sail boat , other tender is a 18' whaler.

Go and try one yourself , then rethink safety.

VT
 
I understand the size concerns. typical usage won't be long floats. more likely rare use of all 5. I do like the idea of renting one for a few days, will try that.

anyone have experience actually carrying a inflatable on camping trips?
 
Yes once , and that was enough for the Metzeler, the Avon was heavier , so never brought that one..
I have seen folding boats that are long , but are much lighter than Inflatable boats, Plus no air pumps plus..


VT
 
Agree with the sense of the other contributors. I've been running a 10ft avon with a 10hp honda outboard. The boat is easy enough to handle, the outboard a bit more to lug.

The avon has a great footpump and fills up or tops off quickly. The boat is rugged and takes a fair chunk of abuse as hauled up and down the beach.

Boat is rated for five - but 3 is a far more comfortable setting.

Renting a boat sounds a good option to find your right balance of comfort in handling and comfort aboard.

I use this avon crabbing and taking the kids for rides on the puget sound (salt water). boat rides on the roof of the fj62 pretty easily.

Good success
July_09_tree_ 015.webp
 
nw_fj62 said:
...

I use this avon crabbing and taking the kids for rides on the puget sound (salt water). boat rides on the roof of the fj62 pretty easily.

Good success
Click to expand...

How is that to load/unload solo? They look like they would be heavier than aluminum but about the same as fiberglass of similar size.
 
boats

inflatable boats are a great way to go. I started with a 12' on the top of my 40 with a 25hp in the back. Then an 18 'one on a trailer and now a 15' one on a trailer. They are VERY stable but don't manuver as easily as a regular boat. In my younger days I could load and unload from the top fo my cruiser by myself but it was a hassel. The boat was heavy as it had wooden floor

A couple of things to consider,

A lot of inflatables will require a long shaft motor, ask if you're not sure. They draw more water than you might think.

If you are carring it inflated on the top of your rig the bindings will get loose or tight during the drive depending on the change in temperature and Altitude. When driving from 150 miles inland to the ocean, without fail I had to stop and "air " it up to keep the bow from blocking my view. It would really sag. And on the way back home I had to stop 2x to let air out. Didn't want to bust a seam.

The only boat I'll ever own is an inflatable. Extremely stable and durable if you buy a good one $$$. And they are great for diving which is what I do.
 
On the 10ft avon, it is doable to drag/haul the empty boat with one person but easy with two (spouse or child over 12). There are options to put wheels on the transom. It is easy to slide off the roof - just awkward to carry solo. Hope that helps
 
We have a 12' intex boat, deflates really flat and can be thrown in the back of a rig, trailer or roof rack with ease. You can also purchase parts to put an electric motor on it as well. we have used ours several times down the flathead river. 8+ hours of floating depending on the river level. we usually camp half way with my 40 series and trailer. pretty cheap new and are pretty tough.
 
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