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04-06-2008, 10:11 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master 
2008 28' Safari SE
Placitas
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,068
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Inflatable boats?
We're looking at the possibility of getting a small inflatable craft like a canoe or kayak. We're looking for something to take out on lakes while we're out with the 'stream. We want one that is durable and will last - not a $29.99 WalMart special. We're willing to spend what it takes to get a decent one.
We don't know if we want a 2 singles or 1 two-person - we'll figure out that one when the time comes. We prefer inflatable because of the weight/storage issues.
Any advice - comments or suggestions???
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04-06-2008, 11:25 AM
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#4
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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I was at Camping World a couple of weeks ago, and saw a collapsible boat offered there. Not exactly inflatable, but if something happens to pierce the side, you can still reach shore with a lot of bailing, versus the thing deflating as you frantically paddle...
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-06-2008, 11:47 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
West of Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,699
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I have paddled both single and double kayaks and much prefer singles.
You have to coordinate your paddle strokes in a double, in a single you have much more freedom and autonomy. If you are both paddleing on a lake, you can each take short detours to check out various things without both of you having to come to an agreement about it. If one boat does develop a leak or other problem, there is always another person/boat to assist or rescue.
Dave
__________________
AIR #15800
"Wimpy" 1/2 ton 2002 GMC Sierra 4X4 Z-71 Gasser
2000 Safari SS 25'
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04-06-2008, 12:02 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1972 25' Tradewind
North Vancouver
, British Columbia
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,421
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I saw one of these aluminum folding canoes last year on a local lake and thought it was pretty cool. It also goes well with the Airstream!
Instaboat is a smart foldable light boat. Instaboat est un ingénieux bateau pliable.
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors, Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death! - Mame Dennis
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04-06-2008, 12:28 PM
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#7
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by cameront120
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That's the one Camping World was selling when I was there.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-06-2008, 12:53 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master 
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,921
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If your plans are to putt around on lakes you might consider a true dingy. I have an 8 ft rollup with a hard transom, sold by West Marine. 2 people can fish and if does fine with a small trolling motor. I did make a folding plywood floor instead of the soft bottom, 100% better. I hook my trolling battery to the Airstreams 12 volt system to recharge overnight 
Go ahead and chuck the oars, I don't think it's possible to row the beast 
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04-06-2008, 01:09 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2008 28' Safari SE
Placitas
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,068
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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).
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04-06-2008, 02:02 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1999 23' Safari
Perrysburg
, Ann Arbor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 918
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I've had two friends with Sevylors that got serious and hard to patach leaks. I've been doing the same search, and have been looking hard at the dinghys from West Marine, as mentioned by HiHoAgRv. They've got a bunch of different sizes, etc. Go here: West Marine: West Advisor
I see a lot of them at yacht harbors tied up at the pier while the owner is shopping. The'll also take a small outboard (which I've already got) ... but they're not cheap. Probably because they're durable.
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04-06-2008, 02:14 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member 
2001 25' Safari
London
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 299
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__________________
Gary & Debbie
2001 Safari 25 SS
2011 Chevy Traverse 3.6L AWD • Hensley • DirecLink • McKesh
Set-up by Can-Am RV
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04-06-2008, 02:48 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
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I have tried a number of infaltable kayaks. They do not track well and have wind resistance that blows them off course. I have a Zodiac Inflatable with an 9.5 hp outboard and a plywood floor, much better but for a different purpose. I have a rotocast Perception kayak. Much better for that purpose. I have seen the skinned folding kayak like the eskimos use. Very expensive and takes time to erect. I knew one guy with a "Foldaboat" strapped to the side of his old motorhome and was happy with that.
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04-06-2008, 08:48 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Tonka Bay
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 770
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The Advanced Frame folding/inflatable kayaks are the ones I am considering.
Inflatable Kayaks | AdvancedFrame Kayak
REI Coop sells the 10.5 ft. model.
__________________
Davydd
2015 Sprinter Class B Camper Van
(Former 1971 vintage Airstream Owner)
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04-07-2008, 06:28 AM
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#14
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1 Rivet Short
1989 25' Excella
By The Bay
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,632
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Boats are always part of our camping trip. We have 2 tandem and 2 single yaks. I prefer the tandem even when paddling alone. The open cockpit provides space for fishing pole, etc. The tandems also accommodate three; Mom-Son-Dad (they have a small jump seat that slides in/out). Nowadays we take 2 tandems; Mom/Son -Dad/Dog. Of course there are many yaks available so test paddle a few.
Last year we picked up a Porta-Bote and a small outboard for exploring further than we can get in the yaks. This is the coolest toy we have got since the AS. If you are looking for a boat (not kayak/canoe) then this is the way to go. We often take 2 kayaks and the PB as some lakes/ponds do not allow gas motors or are juts better suited to kayaking. The PB can be rowed also. I run boats all over the ocean (Tuna boats) and am very impressed with the design/quality/ sea worthiness of the PB. If you can find someone in your area that has one, try to get a test drive!
A Folding Foldable Portable Fishing Boat And Dinghy By Porta-Bote Portabote Porta-Boat Portaboat Foldboat * Portabot
PortaBote : Yahoo Portabote Group
Bill
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*Life is Good-Camping all around the Continent*
*Good people drink good beer-Hunter S Thompson*
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04-07-2008, 06:54 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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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. 
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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04-07-2008, 07:45 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,921
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Quote:
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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?
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04-07-2008, 08:07 AM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2006 23' Safari SE
Volcano
, California
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 265
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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
__________________
Zugbug
2006 23' Safari
2006 F-150
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04-07-2008, 08:10 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Great forum name!
Sorry to go off topic ...
Zugbug...I love your user name!
My husband ties zugbugs all the time! 
.... back on topic.
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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04-07-2008, 08:20 AM
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#19
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
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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.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-07-2008, 09:10 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Oracle
, Arizona
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,174
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Quote:
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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.
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