Inflatable Boat Advice

[SuPrBuGmAn]

What'd you use to get the floor glued back up? My Zodiac's floor is starting to delaminate up front and I've been able to keep in under control(sorta) by applying hefty amounts of 5200 every few trips. The boat is like 6-7 years old now, I've got my use out of it, but surely wouldn't mind getting a few more years out of it.

What'd you use to glue it back and how long ago was the repairs, I'd like something closer to permanant than I'm using now.

Takes me 10-15min to use a cheap footpump to inflate my 10'er by the way. I can inflate it 3 times with a single AL80 also, takes nearly the same amount of time, but easier.

Both pictures are with two sets of doubles(cave gear) and sometimes I'll bring deco bottles as well. I always dive with a buddy, so keep in mind there are two people in that ride as well.

When I get lazy, I just toss the whole damned thing in the car(but that gets dirty, so I try NOT to do that).

 

[GLENFWB]

Matt, he was talking about not having much room in the 14 foot boat....we need to find a picture of yours with your two tanks, my two 108's, camera gear, nomads, reels, lights, and our big butts riding in it. Talk about a load!

Now to get back on topic...when I heard of an inflatable floor as opposed to the wood inserts, I had my doubts too. But like you, once I rode in Josh's boat a few times...I realized that might be the way to go. Very stable and durable.

 

[GLENFWB]

My favorite stop...the Exxon at the foot of the Escambia Bay I-10 bridge....right? Love hitting that Dairy Queen!

 

[Peter_C]

PVC boat glue I completely stripped the bottom and transom out of my boat but it is a 1992. You could probably just take it back halfway and redo it. Cleanliness is very important.

You maybe able to blow your boat up in 10 minutes but what about the rest of the setup? Installing fuel tank, outboard, battery, sonar/chartplotter, ropes, anchor, etc.? I would imagine if I deflated my boat and went to put it back together I would probably spend well over 30 minutes hustling to get it set back up.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

You maybe able to blow your boat up in 10 minutes but what about the rest of the setup? Installing fuel tank, outboard, battery, sonar/chartplotter, ropes, anchor, etc.? I would imagine if I deflated my boat and went to put it back together I would probably spend well over 30 minutes hustling to get it set back up.

First, thanks for the link

Installing a fuel tank? I throw it in the back of the boat and hook it up with a q/d fitting. It takes as much time to walk from my car to the boat to do. Takes a couple minutes to walk a 9.9hp to the water and spin the two transom screws in. The rope never leaves the boat, and I only use an anchor in saltwater(rare these days). Battery? No sir I use a handheld GPS, it rides on me.

Our setups and needs are different.

 

[Beboandles]

Peter....Thanks for your information and photos.That is a nice set up.

Pulling capacity was not an issue for me.I have a v8 suv with towing package.
The boat would be primary used in the river 5 minutes from my house.In the area we dive there is ONE make shift place you could get a trailer in.Due to the water spillways ,other areas would be inaccessible to us from that spot.

My needs would not be that great for my local dives.On week end trips to the fl panhandle,I thought it would the nice to be able to scoot around the bays on short distances off the beach shores.

Thanks for the info.I plan on using this one awhile and eventialy getting a larger one with more capabilities.I will keep your considerations in mind.

 

[Peter_C]

Ah so you neither of you guys are going open ocean. That does make a difference. Obviously navigation in the boat is not in issue either. We have to find our dive sites using a sonar unit and GPS coordinates. Depth is critical to us, or we could be over sand in 180' of water not on top of a pinnacle.

One of the beauties of an inflatable is the ability to launch most anywhere. We have picked my boat and set it back on the trailer when the tides left the launch ramp high and dry. You can put transom wheels on one and launch with just one person.

A 12 footer with an air deck might just suit your needs as long as you are sticking to protected waters. Used is still going to be the best deal, but as you have heard twice now, the floors in the front can fail after a number of years. There are plenty of good deals on brand new and barely used stuff with the way sales are down and people are selling off their prize possessions.

 

[Nemrod]

I would look for a 14 foot give or take, Zodiac or Achilles or similar preferably with Dupont Hypalon fabric. I would want a 25 horse two stroke Yamie or Merc.

I would get a soft bottom boat with either aluminum of wooden floor (add protection) and I would look for some sort of trailer to modify to carry it.

There are a lot of boats from the Pacific Rim these days, I cannot recommend one simply for lack of familiarity. I have my Novurania Cancuro 14 footer, have had it 20 miles out. Have used numerous engines from 5 hp to 50 hp on it.

When you buy a real boat, do not get a high dollar RIB, rubber boats in the USA have abysmal resale, even more so than glass boats.

N

 

[redwing19]

Be very careful as to the horsepower you get for your boat. I have a Zodiac zoom 10'2 just like Superbugman. My mistake was that I bought a 5hp Briggs and Stratton. On the lake, I feel like the old lady in the Honda in the left lane on the interstate. Everyone is blowing past me. Then you add another diver and gear and we are the boat being passed by the sail boats. If the boat's max calls for 10 hp, spend the extra money and get the 10hp!