advice for inflatables?

[punkrockerpj]

i just got an inflatable boat... it's a small one with a 400lb limit... fits to adults, max...
any advice you can give me about taking it on the water to fish?
anyone else use these?

I live in the kw area, should i avoid the grand since i'd be blown away by the wind in such a little boat?

 

[staffman]

It sounds to me that you answered your own question about taking it out on the grand river, so you should likely look for conservation areas containing ponds until you are more comfortable using it.

 

[grubman]

Hey Punkrockerpj

Alittle more info on your boat if you please. What brand, what material, motorized/row. There are so many types of inflatables. My dad bought a Zodiac back in the 70s. I just bought a Mercury Quicksilver PVC 3 years ago but did'nt have a chance to use it yet because my outboard is not running. Personally, I like the inflatables, they are portable, low draft so they can go just about anywhere. The thick material means its safer than many other small boats made of other materials. Where you store your boat can also effect the lifespan of these boats. My PVC does not stand up to weather as does the Hypalon that most/all Zodiacs are made of. If I had the $ I would have gone for the Zodiac, such as it is, I could not pass up the deal for my 3 year old unused Quicksilver, paid $600 for it.

Let me know, I'll give you the info I found.

 

[Smellyfingers]

Bought a inflatable an wished I bought a zodiac or a higher end model... One of the chambers is leaking and it's where I put the trolling motor on......

 

[grubman]

Bought a inflatable an wished I bought a zodiac or a higher end model... One of the chambers is leaking and it's where I put the trolling motor on......

Zodiacs are top models with the price to match. I wish I had the $ for one. :mellow:

What did you get: brand, model, type, material? Is it under any kind of warranty? Have you tried to fix it?

 

[Smellyfingers]

its seveylor 250 model(i tink)

i havent bothered with it because it gets too uncomfortable.

im now lookin into those folding boat because i find that more practical than a inflatable.... its 12.5 feet and when its folded up its 4" wide

 

[grubman]

its seveylor 250 model(i tink)

i havent bothered with it because it gets too uncomfortable.

im now lookin into those folding boat because i find that more practical than a inflatable.... its 12.5 feet and when its folded up its 4" wide

Ok found it on google. These are glorified swimming pool boats. I have a similar one from Coleman. There is a way to make yours more comfortable, I did it with my coleman. If you're handy, if not get a buddy to help, get 1/4 or 3/8 inch plywood, cut to the shape of just the floor section of the boat. You'll have to router or sand down all sharp edges to make them round. Coat with Thompson's Water Seal, this will save the wood for a while at least. You may have to cut holes if the valves for the floor are actually on the floor, they usually are. Voila you have a stable floor that will spread your weight when you get in, instead of letting your weight sink into the inflated floor.

But the main thing is you'll have to fix the air leak first if possible. I think sitting on the plywood would be more comfortable then those inflatable pillows they call seats.

Hope this helps you get a litle more use out of it. Good fishing.