review of 9 foot West Marine Zodiac type inflatable (HP275

[blue angel]

Like the fellow who got one after a porta boat, I have a 9 foot West Marine Zodiac type inflatable (HP275), with high pressure floor and inflated tube keel

I really like it, a stable platform for gettin on/off the macgregor m or docks or whatever.

the only thing is that I found out that hard way that the oars can be tough to reconnect if one accidently bends the bar that pops them in. someone bent mine trying to force the oar back into the oar holder at the rear of the boat without first loosening the oar, but later I bent it back on land and it works fine again.

takes a strong wind and longer distance to make me wish I had an outboard, but may enventually get a 2 hp honda or 2.5 hp suzuki for it.

[Gypsy]

If you are paddling it , I recommend an electric motor !

[pokerrick1]

Slow, but sure, and much less tiring

Rick

[DaveB]

I have a 9.5 inflatable and thought I try a 50 thrust elect with a high rated deep cycle lawn mower size battery. Tho it will last for 1/2-3/4 hr with setting at 4 to do 3 knots in calm conditions. I sold it and got the Suzuki 2.5. World of difference, the Suzuki only required less than 1/2 throttle to obtain max. elect.Power.
If one wants to gunk hole at 2 or less knots in calm condition you can get 3 hrs out of the battery (50% discharge).
I only use the Suzuki at 1/2 throttle to do 4-5 knots and tank lasts 2 hrs., I have never had to refuel the gas motor while doing my site seeing Cruises that usually covers over 8-NM, Weighs 27 lbs, weight on battery plus elect. motor close to same.
Dave

Like the fellow who got one after a porta boat, I have a 9 foot West Marine Zodiac type inflatable (HP275), with high pressure floor and inflated tube keel

I really like it, a stable platform for getting on/off the macgregor m or docks or whatever.

the only thing is that I found out that hard way that the oars can be tough to reconnect if one accidently bends the bar that pops them in. someone bent mine trying to force the oar back into the oar holder at the rear of the boat without first loosening the oar, but later I bent it back on land and it works fine again.

takes a strong wind and longer distance to make me wish I had an outboard, but may enventually get a 2 hp honda or 2.5 hp suzuki for it.