Inflatable boats? - Page 2

yukionna · 04-07-2008, 06:54 AM

How much time does it take for filling/unfilling the boats with air? Is it easy to deflate? I'm just remembering the days of using an air mattress when tent camping and what a chore it was to inflate/deflate.

HiHoAgRV · 04-07-2008, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

How much time does it take for filling/unfilling the boats with air? Is it easy to deflate? I'm just remembering the days of using an air mattress when tent camping and what a chore it was to inflate/deflate.

For my West Marine Dingy, I pull the plugs and walk off. The material is heavy and it just goes flat (I'm Melting!).
I then roll from the rear forward and stuff it in the tote bag. 5 Minutes?

Zugbug · 04-07-2008, 08:07 AM

I have a Sevelor Colorado and it is fun, however last year we purchased a Foldcat from Fisheagle. This is a great easy to set up pontoon boat, we got an electric trolling motor so we don't have to row all the time. I would highly recommend this unit.
Sea Eagle FoldCat Review 375fc Fishing Inflatable Trout Bass

yukionna · 04-07-2008, 08:10 AM

Sorry to go off topic ...

Zugbug...I love your user name!

My husband ties zugbugs all the time!

.... back on topic.

**overlander63** · 04-07-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

How much time does it take for filling/unfilling the boats with air? Is it easy to deflate? I'm just remembering the days of using an air mattress when tent camping and what a chore it was to inflate/deflate.

I have a small Craftsman 2 gallon air compressor/air tank that would be more than sufficient to inflate the boat. It weighs about 30 pounds, has a carry handle, and would probably fill the canoe in about 5 minutes. Of course, 120 volts would be needed.

Ahab · 04-07-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimandrod

Great information - lot's of choices. Dave mad a particularly good point about 2 singles vs 1 double.

I'm thinking about the Sevylor Colorado canoe. Seats 2 and is $284.99 including shipping.

SEVYLOR® KCC335 COLORADO CANOE - KCC335 Blue - Free Shipping

Anyone have any experience with this one?

We're looking for something to take out on a lake and paddle around a bit. No whitewater (yet - if ever).

We had two Sevylors, not very sturdily built. Got smart and went with an Avon which served us well for many years then a Zodiac.

Zugbug · 04-08-2008, 06:32 AM

We have the Seyvlor canou and a SeaEagle Foldcat. SeaEagle has a great website that covers all types of water craft.

Jimandrod · 04-08-2008, 12:22 PM

I really appreciate all of the good information from everyone. I really didn't realize I had so many choices.

Ahab · 04-09-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

How much time does it take for filling/unfilling the boats with air? Is it easy to deflate? I'm just remembering the days of using an air mattress when tent camping and what a chore it was to inflate/deflate.

We use a 12V air pump designed for inflatables. Reverse it and it acts like a vacuum and quickly sucks out the air.

reday · 04-09-2008, 10:09 AM

Why not a hardside kayak/canoe or evan a couple carried on top of your TV (in my case, on top of my towed jeep)? We have a couple of Hobie Mirage Outbacks that are great. Pedal or paddle and can't be beat for hands free fishing. The only drawback is getting them on top of a tall vehicle. My Liberty is only slightly easier than the 4x drive Dodge truck we had before... still, it beats inflating/deflating...

Hobie Kayaks

If I was going to consider anything else, I would take a hard look at the Instaboat or Folboats.

bigern · 04-09-2008, 11:05 AM

Having already owned hard shell kayaks and now an inflatable, I have to second the earlier mention of the AdvancedFrame convertible. Inflation, and more importantly deflation and storage, are easy, each taking about ten minutes. Because of the aluminum frame in the bow and stern, the boat tracks really well, and you can even buy a full length "spine" that make the boat handle really well in choppy, rough conditions. Packed, they're easy for one person to handle.

Jimandrod · 04-09-2008, 02:48 PM

Hi bigern - welcome to the forums!

Thanks for the information!

Jimandrod · 04-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reday

Why not a hardside kayak/canoe or evan a couple carried on top of your TV (in my case, on top of my towed jeep)? We have a couple of Hobie Mirage Outbacks that are great. Pedal or paddle and can't be beat for hands free fishing. The only drawback is getting them on top of a tall vehicle. My Liberty is only slightly easier than the 4x drive Dodge truck we had before... still, it beats inflating/deflating...

Hobie Kayaks

If I was going to consider anything else, I would take a hard look at the Instaboat or Folboats.

Totally cool! Have you had any mechanical problems with them?

reday · 04-09-2008, 04:35 PM

None. You do have to be aware of your depth. In a certain foot position, the fins (sails) are up flush with the bottom and you can glide over obstructions or paddle over. I have had some of my daughter's friends run over rocks at full speed and that required some bending afterward. If you buy the fishing version, there is not much you need to add, but I have seen them accessorized with all kinds of stuff. I have the sail, but will not use it again until I have added out riggers.

I have an Outback and my wife has a Sport - she loves it and goes out in the evening with neighbors that have also bought into them. I am thinking about another Sport (fishing version) for me so that it will be easier to get on and off the racks. I have used mine bay fishing in FL and can get places you wouldn't believe.

If you are considering fishing, nose around the following website for ideas. There is a guy on there out of Tallahassee that really has tricked out his...

Forgotten Coast Kayak Anglers (FCKA)