What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

Excuse the novice question, but I need an inflatable boat of some sort
for the purpose of crossing a 1/2-mile wide river estuary
occasionally. The water flow from the river is very slow, (it's not
much of a river, despite the width of the estuary. The water is fairly
well sheltered from the ocean waves. The tide rises and falls quite
quickly. The boat ideally needs to carry myself, plus a rucksack full
of camping gear. Occasionally, I'd like to add one other adult and
rucksack. The boat needs to be light enough to be carried by one
person for short distances (when inflated but not laden), by one man.

I would also like to do longer trips occasionally (a few miles) along
the shoreline of the wider parts of the estuary - sort of leisurely
exploration trips. I'd also like to take the boat out along the
shoreline of the local beaches (outside the estuary) when the weather
is calm.

The boat needs to be an inflatable, since the only place I have to
store it is the trunk of my car. Folding boats were also of interest,
until I discovered the cost.

Budget is limited, so I have been looking at the Sevylor Tahiti (10 ft
2-seater inflatable canoe) and its 12-foot 3-seater version (both
under $200). My main concerns about these are that I they get blown
around by the wind and track terribly. If a wind blew up when I was
half-way across the estuary, there's no telling where I might end up!

So I'm wondering if I'd be wiser to go for some other kind of
inflatable with an outboard motor. What do you think? Any help would
be appreciated... While I have a small amount of sailing and
navigation experience, I have almost zero experience of canoes and
small craft.

Many thanks,

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

Al D wrote:
Excuse the novice question, but I need an inflatable boat of some sort
for the purpose of crossing a 1/2-mile wide river estuary
occasionally.
........

Budget is limited, so I have been looking at the Sevylor Tahiti (10 ft
2-seater inflatable canoe) and its 12-foot 3-seater version (both
under $200). My main concerns about these are that I they get blown
around by the wind and track terribly. If a wind blew up when I was
half-way across the estuary, there's no telling where I might end up!



Wow, this is a challenge. Are you limited to a $200 expediture? At 200
bucks you won't get a boat of any sort, you'll get a glorified air
mattress- a toy. A real inflatable will cost at least 4-5 times that
amount, and many cost much more. What's the most you would consider
spending for a boat that would actually meet your requirements? If you
want to have enough options so that advice is meaningful or applicable,
you will need to expand the universe of boats available for you to
choose from. At $200, there won't be many at all.

I use a 9' Zodiac with a folding floor, wooden transom, and something
of an inflatable "keel" as my primary dinghy. It's easy to launch, one
person can handle it when deflated, inflates with a foot pump in about
7-8 minutes. (Used to 5 minutes, but I used to be younger). When too
lazy to row, I use a very small Nissan (Tohatsu) outboard and it will
run at about 10 knots or so. It would work pretty well for the light
duty applications you are describing.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

Al D wrote:
Excuse the novice question, but I need an inflatable boat of some sort
for the purpose of crossing a 1/2-mile wide river estuary
occasionally. The water flow from the river is very slow, (it's not
much of a river, despite the width of the estuary. The water is fairly
well sheltered from the ocean waves. The tide rises and falls quite
quickly. The boat ideally needs to carry myself, plus a rucksack full
of camping gear. Occasionally, I'd like to add one other adult and
rucksack. The boat needs to be light enough to be carried by one
person for short distances (when inflated but not laden), by one man.

I would also like to do longer trips occasionally (a few miles) along
the shoreline of the wider parts of the estuary - sort of leisurely
exploration trips. I'd also like to take the boat out along the
shoreline of the local beaches (outside the estuary) when the weather
is calm.

The boat needs to be an inflatable, since the only place I have to
store it is the trunk of my car. Folding boats were also of interest,
until I discovered the cost.

Budget is limited, so I have been looking at the Sevylor Tahiti (10 ft
2-seater inflatable canoe) and its 12-foot 3-seater version (both
under $200). My main concerns about these are that I they get blown
around by the wind and track terribly. If a wind blew up when I was
half-way across the estuary, there's no telling where I might end up!

So I'm wondering if I'd be wiser to go for some other kind of
inflatable with an outboard motor. What do you think? Any help would
be appreciated... While I have a small amount of sailing and
navigation experience, I have almost zero experience of canoes and
small craft.

Many thanks,

Al D
I would steer clear of the inexpensive inflatables, and look for a used
canoe or Jon Boat.

--
Reggie

That's my story and I am sticking to it.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On 2 Jun 2006 08:13:03 -0700, "
wrote:

I use a 9' Zodiac with a folding floor, wooden transom, and something
of an inflatable "keel" as my primary dinghy. It's easy to launch, one
person can handle it when deflated, inflates with a foot pump in about
7-8 minutes. (Used to 5 minutes, but I used to be younger). When too
lazy to row, I use a very small Nissan (Tohatsu) outboard and it will
run at about 10 knots or so. It would work pretty well for the light
duty applications you are describing.

Thank you for the input. Yes, as a matter of fact, I have been looking
at the Zodiac and similar sports boats (I think that's the right term,
isn't it?). Being able to do 10 knots would certainly give some some
defense against unexpected winds, wouldn't it?

It's difficult to decide on a price limit. It's hard to justify paying
out much, becuase it is really for occasional use - say 8 or 10 times
per year, in the Summer only, so I think I will have to say my price
limit is: as little as possible to do the job with some degree of
safety and comfort. $500 absolute max is the sort of figure I had in
mind. The main requirement is that the boat must be stowable in the
back of a reasonable-sized hatchback car, and light enough for one
person to carry it 100 yards (from a car park to the shore, etc).

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 15:32:08 GMT, Mys Terry
wrote:


For what you need, I think a used "real" canoe is your best, and least
expensive option.
for you in exchange for using it once in awhile.

There are no inflatables that are anywhere near your budget that are
going to work for what you intend. Especially since a motor would be
needed. You aren't going to paddle or row an inflatable any great
distance!

Finding a beat up canoe for $200 is going to be tough, but I've seen
them advertised in shopper papers for low prices. If you drive past a
canoe in someone's yard (especially near a lake) that doesn't look
like it's been used for a long time, knock on the door, and see if
they want to part with it.

If all else fails, you can keep it on the roof of your car and padlock
it to the racks.

Thanks for the suggestions. I once bought a real kayak, but it scared
me to death because of the instability - and that was on water that
was dead calm!

I've never been in an open canoe... An open canoe that was stable in
the water might be an option, but I fear the wind issue might still be
a problem on that 1/2-mile crossing, don't you think? Is it possible
to rig up some sort of outboard motor on a canoe without too much
expense? I did a search for 'canoe outboard motors' but couldn't find
anything.

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:37:34 -0400, "Reginald P. Smithers"
wrote:

I would steer clear of the inexpensive inflatables, and look for a used
canoe or Jon Boat.

Thanks... Out of the two, it would have to be a canoe. I *definitely*
cannot store a jon boat anywhere. A canoe is possible, though... by
stringing it up from the ceiling in my hallway... (That's what I used
to do with my kayak...)

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

"Al D" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:37:34 -0400, "Reginald P. Smithers"
wrote:

I would steer clear of the inexpensive inflatables, and look for a used
canoe or Jon Boat.

Thanks... Out of the two, it would have to be a canoe. I *definitely*
cannot store a jon boat anywhere. A canoe is possible, though... by
stringing it up from the ceiling in my hallway... (That's what I used
to do with my kayak...)

Al D


You can also see if you can find as used Porta-Bote that fits your budget:

http://www.porta-bote.com/

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 19:29:15 GMT, Mys Terry
wrote:


There are a wide variety of canoes, and some are quite stable. People
traverse white water in them. Even the tippiest of canoes is a lot
more stable than a kayak. A half mile paddle in a canoe is nothing.

Both points are reassuring! That's enough to meake me turn my
attention away from kayaks, towards canoes....

When I was 14, a buddy and I paddled a canoe down the Connecticut
River from Massachucetts to the Long Island Sound.

In my opinion, motors on canoes are very dangerous. If you try to
steer with the motor, rather than keeping it locked straight and
steering with a paddle, the motor will roll the canoe over. They do
make special mounts to hang a small motor off the side, but you don't
really have the budget for anything with a motor anyway.

Thanks for the tip.

I would suggest you hunt around for a place that rents canoes and give
one a try for a few hours. They move pretty easily.

That seems like a good idea..

If you do get a canoe, get the longest one you can find. Those little
14 footers are a lot more work to paddle. The longer the waterline,
the easier to paddle.

Unfortunately, I only have storage for a canoe of 11ft, maximum. (That
is by hauling it up to the ceiling in my hallway.)

Aside from the increased diffuculty in paddling which you mentioned,
would an 11ft canoe have any serious drawbacks for my purposes?

What about materials? Are some materials to be avoided?

Thanks again,

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 15:25:55 -0400, " JimH" jimh UNDERSCORE
osudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:


You can also see if you can find as used Porta-Bote that fits your budget:

http://www.porta-bote.com/

Thanks... I like the concept... Will look out for affordable ones.

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

"Al D" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 15:25:55 -0400, " JimH" jimh UNDERSCORE
osudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:


You can also see if you can find as used Porta-Bote that fits your budget:

http://www.porta-bote.com/

Thanks... I like the concept... Will look out for affordable ones.

Al D


Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

JimH wrote:
"Al D" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 15:25:55 -0400, " JimH" jimh UNDERSCORE
osudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:


You can also see if you can find as used Porta-Bote that fits your budget:

http://www.porta-bote.com/

Thanks... I like the concept... Will look out for affordable ones.

Al D



Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg


mmmm..that's almost do-able for me. I could get down there in less than
12 hours plus pop into L.L. Bean for some shopping.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 21:49:12 GMT, Mys Terry
wrote:

I don't think I've encountered any canoes much less than about 14 feet. For two
people and gear, 14 feet would not be big enough. There is an 8.5 foot portabote
that would fit all of your criteria except cost. It's about $1200 new. That's
about half the cost of a comparable inflatable. It folds up to about the size of
a 9 foot surfboard and weighs about 50 pounds. MUCH tougher than an inflatable,
too.

Yes, I can see the attraction of those. The expense is a problem
though.

I do like the idea of a canoe, because these trips, for me, are mainly
about getting back to nature. When I reach the otehr side of the
estuary, I walk as far as I comfortably can into the wilds and camp
out, just to get close to nature. So using something like a canoe
might harmonise with the spirit of these trips better than a
motor-powered boat would. But safety, is of course, a prime concern. I
want to enjoy these trips, but don't want to drown in the process..
(-;

I guess I could store a 14-foot canoe in my back yard. It's more prone
to theft, but perhaps I can devise a way of chaining it to the
ground... The other snag is that 14 ft seems a little long for
carrying on the roof rack of a car. Perhaps I'm wrong. I'd like to
hear opinions on this.

There is a guy selling a 14-ft canoe locally, actually. The trouble
is, I don't feel I know enough to be able to judge whether it is of
suitable design and construction. I could pay my money and take a
chance, I suppose.

Thanks again,

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...
JimH wrote:
"Al D" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 15:25:55 -0400, " JimH" jimh UNDERSCORE
osudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:


You can also see if you can find as used Porta-Bote that fits your
budget:

http://www.porta-bote.com/

Thanks... I like the concept... Will look out for affordable ones.

Al D



Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg


mmmm..that's almost do-able for me. I could get down there in less than
12 hours plus pop into L.L. Bean for some shopping.

LL Bean at Freeport, ME? I used to travel up to Waterville, ME 2/year to
visit the Chinet Company, starting out in Providence, RI to visit their cup
factory. I would always make it a point to stop into LL Bean on the way up
to Waterville from Providence. Great store!

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 18:09:03 -0400, " JimH"
jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:

Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg

So they do exist within my price range; that's good to know; thanks..
But then, asuming I could find one locally, I'd then need a motor for
it... I'm not sure how tiring it would be to row one of those for 1/2
a mile, especialy if the wind was against me... What do you think?

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

"Al D" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 18:09:03 -0400, " JimH"
jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:

Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg

So they do exist within my price range; that's good to know; thanks..
But then, asuming I could find one locally, I'd then need a motor for
it... I'm not sure how tiring it would be to row one of those for 1/2
a mile, especialy if the wind was against me... What do you think?

Al D


It may be a bit more of a chore than rowing a canoe but you have the added
features of better stability, extra passenger space and more room for cargo.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Tough decision. ;-)

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

" JimH" jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote in message
. ..

"Al D" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 18:09:03 -0400, " JimH"
jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:

Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg

So they do exist within my price range; that's good to know; thanks..
But then, asuming I could find one locally, I'd then need a motor for
it... I'm not sure how tiring it would be to row one of those for 1/2
a mile, especialy if the wind was against me... What do you think?

Al D


It may be a bit more of a chore than rowing a canoe but you have the added
features of better stability, extra passenger space and more room for
cargo.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Tough decision. ;-)


Also add ease of handling and storage to the plus side of the porta-bote.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

JimH wrote:
"Don White" wrote in message
...

JimH wrote:

"Al D" wrote in message
...


On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 15:25:55 -0400, " JimH" jimh UNDERSCORE
osudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:



You can also see if you can find as used Porta-Bote that fits your
budget:

http://www.porta-bote.com/

Thanks... I like the concept... Will look out for affordable ones.

Al D



Here is a used 12 footer with accessories presently at $455 on ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/jtthg


mmmm..that's almost do-able for me. I could get down there in less than
12 hours plus pop into L.L. Bean for some shopping.


LL Bean at Freeport, ME? I used to travel up to Waterville, ME 2/year to
visit the Chinet Company, starting out in Providence, RI to visit their cup
factory. I would always make it a point to stop into LL Bean on the way up
to Waterville from Providence. Great store!



Yep...that's the one. They have a couple of 'outlet' stores around too.
My MapPoint program says it's 535 miles driving the long way up to
Amherst NS, down through New Brunswick & Maine.
Lot shorter to take the ferry, but it's expensive and you have to sail
on their schedule.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 18:35:42 -0400, " JimH"
jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:

It may be a bit more of a chore than rowing a canoe but you have the added
features of better stability, extra passenger space and more room for
cargo.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Tough decision. ;-)


Also add ease of handling and storage to the plus side of the porta-bote.

A canoe will be much easier to find locally, so I guess the canoe is
likely to win the day. I need something pretty soon. Here is a
14-footer I am going to look at tomorrow, hopefully:

http://www.petra-hughes.com/blue.JPG

Any comments as to her likely suitability would be appreciated (as far
as one can tell from a photo, that is)... She's 38" wide with a 'V'
hull, and has a bracket for an ouboard. I can't comment on the
condition until I get a close look.

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

Al D wrote:
On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 18:35:42 -0400, " JimH"
jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:


It may be a bit more of a chore than rowing a canoe but you have the added
features of better stability, extra passenger space and more room for
cargo.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Tough decision. ;-)


Also add ease of handling and storage to the plus side of the porta-bote.


A canoe will be much easier to find locally, so I guess the canoe is
likely to win the day. I need something pretty soon. Here is a
14-footer I am going to look at tomorrow, hopefully:

http://www.petra-hughes.com/blue.JPG

Any comments as to her likely suitability would be appreciated (as far
as one can tell from a photo, that is)... She's 38" wide with a 'V'
hull, and has a bracket for an ouboard. I can't comment on the
condition until I get a close look.

Al D


I'd go to COSTCO and see what models they have. The plastic Coleman type
used to be reasonable, although closer to $600.00 up here rather than
the $400.00 price they were for years. Another make is Pelican.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Sat, 03 Jun 2006 02:27:26 GMT, Don White
wrote:

14-footer I am going to look at tomorrow, hopefully:

http://www.petra-hughes.com/blue.JPG

Any comments as to her likely suitability would be appreciated (as far
as one can tell from a photo, that is)... She's 38" wide with a 'V'
hull, and has a bracket for an ouboard. I can't comment on the
condition until I get a close look.

Al D


I'd go to COSTCO and see what models they have. The plastic Coleman type
used to be reasonable, although closer to $600.00 up here rather than
the $400.00 price they were for years. Another make is Pelican.

I've seen the Pelican Colorado, a.k.a. the Coleman Journey (15' 6"):
http://www.petra-hughes.com/pelican-colorado.jpg
Is that the one?

Does anyone have any experience of these and/or can comment on its
suitability for my purposes?

Thank you,

Al D

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

Al D wrote:
On Sat, 03 Jun 2006 02:27:26 GMT, Don White
wrote:


14-footer I am going to look at tomorrow, hopefully:

http://www.petra-hughes.com/blue.JPG

Any comments as to her likely suitability would be appreciated (as far
as one can tell from a photo, that is)... She's 38" wide with a 'V'
hull, and has a bracket for an ouboard. I can't comment on the
condition until I get a close look.

Al D


I'd go to COSTCO and see what models they have. The plastic Coleman type
used to be reasonable, although closer to $600.00 up here rather than
the $400.00 price they were for years. Another make is Pelican.


I've seen the Pelican Colorado, a.k.a. the Coleman Journey (15' 6"):
http://www.petra-hughes.com/pelican-colorado.jpg
Is that the one?

Does anyone have any experience of these and/or can comment on its
suitability for my purposes?

Thank you,

Al D


Yes, that looks like the bargain basement type I was thinking of.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

Harry Krause wrote:
Mys Terry wrote:

On Sat, 03 Jun 2006 02:27:26 GMT, Don White
wrote:

Al D wrote:

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 18:35:42 -0400, " JimH"
jimhUNDERSCOREosudad@yahooDOTcom wrote:


It may be a bit more of a chore than rowing a canoe but you have
the added features of better stability, extra passenger space and
more room for cargo.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Tough decision. ;-)

Also add ease of handling and storage to the plus side of the
porta-bote.


A canoe will be much easier to find locally, so I guess the canoe is
likely to win the day. I need something pretty soon. Here is a
14-footer I am going to look at tomorrow, hopefully:

http://www.petra-hughes.com/blue.JPG

Any comments as to her likely suitability would be appreciated (as far
as one can tell from a photo, that is)... She's 38" wide with a 'V'
hull, and has a bracket for an ouboard. I can't comment on the
condition until I get a close look.

Al D

I'd go to COSTCO and see what models they have. The plastic Coleman
type used to be reasonable, although closer to $600.00 up here rather
than the $400.00 price they were for years. Another make is Pelican.


Those Coleman canoes do not track well. Their only real virtue is the
low price.


Terry & Skipper, Clearlake Texas



We buy used canoes from the Shenandoah River outfitters. They used them
(rent them out) for a couple of seasons and then when they are not as
pretty as they used to be, they sell them off. You can get an $1100
canoe for about $200. The canoes are perfectly serviceable. Betcha
river outfitters in other parts of the country do the same thing.


They do that with ocean type kayaks here...but not at that discount.

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Sat, 03 Jun 2006 16:18:47 GMT, Gene Kearns
wrote:

Hey, Harry, let me know when they have another sale.... it would be
worth another trip past Charlotte Hall (the missus enjoyed seeing the
sights) to pick up a canoe for $200.... it'd be great here in some of
the marsh areas.....

Maybe you could get the skeeters to do the paddling?

What type of inflatable boat should I consider for this purpose?
 

On Sat, 03 Jun 2006 14:26:14 GMT, Don White
wrote:

Yes, that looks like the bargain basement type I was thinking of.

We have a local dealer who sells them. I ended up buying one, but not
the cheapest one; I settled for a 14-ft one that cost 20% more but was
made with a better, lighter, stiffer hull material. Of course, buying
new costs more, but at least I extracted a lot of very useful info
from the dealer.

Immediately after buying, I took her out on the water, and was very
happy with the way she handled. So much more relaxing and stable than
my kayak, and now I can take an extra person and loads of camping
gear. After about 30 minutes of getting used to the boat, I made the
half-mile crossing to the other side of the estuary. Dead easy!

Anyway, I had more fun yesterday out on the water than I have for
years. So, despite having to shell out more cash than I had banked on,
I feel it was money well spent. This canoe does seem well-suited to my
needs, and besides that, it just feels right for me somehow. So may I
thank you all for the advice you all gave which led me to this
decision!

Yesterday, I couldn't get enough of it, actually, and remained
paddling for about 5 hours, exploring the shoeline on the other side
of the water - places that are near impossible to access by road and
on foot. There was a slight wind: force 3, I guess. Getting the canoe
to point in the right direction proved a challenge at times when the
tide and the wind was not in my favour, but once the boat was going in
the right direction, it was possible to keep it that way. It tracks
well - so much better my kayak - even with a skeg fitted..

Unfortunately most of the beaches in this estuary are shingle,
composed largely of sea shells. I noticed the bottom of the canoe was
fairly well scratched up after beaching her a few times on that
shingle. But I guess there's not a lot one can do about that... I hope
she lasts a good few years anyway...

I tried hard to get the hang of the J-stroke, but ended up finding it
a lot easier to paddle kayak-style with my double-ended kayak paddle,
sitting on the most central seat with legs crossed underneath, rather
than kneeling and using a single-ended paddle. I could build up quite
a good rate of knots using kayak-style paddling. What I want is a
slight longer double-ended paddle. Perhaps I can modify the existing
one.

So thanks again, everyone!

Al D