rowing inflatables

ernie · Post by **ernie** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 7:06 am

I would like to know which inflatable dinghy would be better to row?
What should I look for in a rowing dinghy?
Thanks!
Ernie

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:16 am

I would say you should not plan to row any inflatable except in dead calm, no tide, no current conditions.

In anything more than a few knots of wind, tide or current, for an inflatable dinghy you need a motor.

Bottom line, you need to buy an inflatable for characteristics other than how it rows.

ernie · Post by **ernie** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:33 am

Well, I guess it was just wishfull thinking. We had tried to row inflatables on charter boats and sure enough, it can't be done. I was hoping that it was just the particular inflatables we were on---that maybe there was one out there that had different charistics. I don't particularly want to carry an outboard on a boat as small as a 26M. And I don't care for the instability of a rowing dinghy like the Walker Bay. Guess I'll bite the bullet and start looking for the smallest outboard I can find. Thanks for bringing me back to reality.

ssichler · Post by **ssichler** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:42 am

ernie wrote:Well, I guess it was just wishfull thinking. We had tried to row inflatables on charter boats and sure enough, it can't be done. I was hoping that it was just the particular inflatables we were on---that maybe there was one out there that had different charistics. I don't particularly want to carry an outboard on a boat as small as a 26M. And I don't care for the instability of a rowing dinghy like the Walker Bay. Guess I'll bite the bullet and start looking for the smallest outboard I can find. Thanks for bringing me back to reality.

Several of us here have the new Suzuki 2.5 ($735). Great little engine only weighs 27 pounds. Here's link to mount I have on swim ladder -http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=5652 I'm very happy with the setup and dinghy purchased on Ebay with airfloor as discussed in my write-up of July 4th trip to Catalina - http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=5777

Regards,
Scott

Bobby T.-26X #4767 · Post by **Bobby T.-26X #4767** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:26 pm

ernie wrote: Guess I'll bite the bullet and start looking for the smallest outboard I can find. Thanks for bringing me back to reality.

this is a great value right now (abt. $700) and it's only 29#.

Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki

Mark Karagianis · Post by **Mark Karagianis** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 1:09 pm

Or you can save $570 by buying a Sevylor or other quality 4-man inflatable raft (a 4-man will actually hold 2 people + a cooler), and a DC-powered inflator. I have used several of these, my oldest is 25-years old and sees service every year on river rafting trips in California. It is a must however, to get something with oar locks, as rowing without them is not possible, then you would be paddling, and there is a huge difference. The inflateable rafts roll up smaller than a duffle bag, weigh about 30 lbs, and inflate / deflate in one minute. Raft + oars + DC inflator = $130.

Also, you need the aluminum-handled paddles with the hard plastic screw-on blades. These handles will slide easily into the rubbber oar locks, and can be rapidly swiveled to change direction. I slide wooden dowels into them to increase strength (I have broken them while pulling "trains" of other rafts loaded with people) and then as a bonus, they won't sink.

When our group went to Catalina in March, I was the only one with a servicable raft, and I ferried some 25 people to shore. Although I wasn't happy about it, it was no big deal. Macs can anchor in close, and, unless I was planning to frequently paddle more than 1/8 mile or deal with winds / currents, this is my solution. Plus you don't have to worry about someone stealing your new toy motor.

Mark

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:07 pm

The inflatables with an inflatable keel, and floor row quite adequately I have found, I rowed mine for the first year. They also track well when towed. But they are even better with a small outboard on the transom.

Post by **NiceAft** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:44 pm

I've got a 9.5' Achilles with an inflatable keel. That keel makes the difference. Of course the 6hp four stroke is what does the work most of the time, but going out for a row on a lake at sunset with my wife is nicer than motoring around.

David Mellon · Post by **David Mellon** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:16 am

I am on the edge of purchasing a fresh dink. I am favoring the Achilles LT-2 for it's weight, 38 pounds, but performance will be lacking as it has a flat bottom and no transom cones. I will keep shopping for a while. When it comes to power though, try the Minn Kota Riptide series, you can get a 40 pound thrust for around $250. The Riptides are more money but are meant for saltwater use. I find they run forever on the smallest 12v deep-cycle battery. They are silent! They require no maintenance and are light as a feather. I own two gas outboards, 15hp and 3hp, but since l started using electrics they have been mothballed.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:34 am

Nice feedback, Dave! The good thing about your electric solution - for someone just beginning the powered dink study - is that it confirms this nice bit of synergy.

Your solution $250, PLUS a Honda 1.0 kw generator, total ~$1,000.
Versus - the smallest (quiet) kicker, a Suzuki 2.5 hp @ about $750.

So I could have kicker, plus genset for only $250 extra ... and the electric has no stowage issues, even horizontal below decks. I saw a lawn/garden battery today, weighs about 12 lbs., 250 CCA for only $20. And, of course a standard gp 24 auto battery is only $40, though also about 45 lbs.

ETA: I had to edit this post and make sure the words kayak and tender are in here for future searches. The SeaEagle link below looks like a very good solution to me, but then at a full BoatBuck, I suppose it ought to be!

James V · Post by **James V** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:43 am

Has anybody tried a Seaeagle PaddleSki ?

With a 3 foot 3 inch beam it will fit between the mast and the lifeline.

A motor bracket can be bought for a 35 pound motor.

Their web site - http://www.seaeagle.com/paddleski/435ps.asp#

With a 3 hp motor it will go over 10 mph.

ernie · Post by **ernie** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:40 am

Wow! I'm getting dizzy.
Lets see what I have learned.
1. I can't row an inflatable
1A. I can buy a Suzuki 2.5 for $650
2. I can row an inflatable
2A. I can buy an inflatable keel inflatable for $700
3. I should try electric
3A. I would have to store 4 items---motor, battery, genset, and gas
for a total of about 124 lbs and a cost of over $1000 vs gas engine
and gas at 36 lbs and $656.
4. Try a paddle boat
4A. I've tried a canoe in the wind. No Thanks.

So, it seems we have come down to: Buy an inflatable keel inflatable----
If that dosn't work, buy a suzuki

Thanks Guys

ssichler · Post by **ssichler** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:23 am

ernie wrote:
So, it seems we have come down to: Buy an inflatable keel inflatable----
If that dosn't work, buy a suzuki

Thanks Guys

I'm thinking the Suzuki by itself won't be an effective means of transportation;)

The ebay boats have an inflatable keel. If you decide to go that route you can get a better deal though auction than the buy it now -
http://stores.ebay.com/Affordable-Infla ... W0QQfsubZ2

Jeff S · Post by **Jeff S** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:08 am

David Mellon wrote: When it comes to power though, try the Minn Kota Riptide series, you can get a 40 pound thrust for around $250. The Riptides are more money but are meant for saltwater use. I find they run forever on the smallest 12v deep-cycle battery. They are silent! They require no maintenance and are light as a feather. I own two gas outboards, 15hp and 3hp, but since l started using electrics they have been mothballed.

Would the Minn Kota be able to push the boat in case the iron sail failed and the winds weren't conducive to getting to safe harbor? I am not sure how 40# of thrust compares to horsepower, but intuitively it seems 2.5hp is more powerful than 40# of thrust.

ssichler · Post by **ssichler** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:27 pm

Personally I don't like these electrified pool toys

but if anyone is looking for a simple setup Westmarine has a sale on 2 person mini-dingy which includes an electric motor for $199http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 01/262247/ For just one or two people doing a weekend trip this is probably sufficient.

On a side note Mike (Aya16) bought the ultimate power inflator http://bravopumpsusa.com/prodDetail.aspx?ID=6130033 This sucker really works and can blow up an inflatable in a couple of minutes. The only downside is price $169. Looks like if 5 of us placed an order together we could get a wholesale price for $99.

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

rowing inflatables

rowing inflatables

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