Inflatable boat help

sharon29

New member
Hi,

I know there is quite a bit of information on the website, but I am looking for further clarification from someone with some experience.

I am looking to buy an inflatable/dinghy. Just want to use it for things like dropping lines and feed, fighting fish and watercraft. I want the inflatable to be stable enough to stand on.

The problem is that I am driving a hatchback with no tow bar or roof rack, I could possibly install a roof rack. But if not I would have to transport it in my boot.

I want to then find out if its worth buying an inflatable like the ark minnow with its air floor and continuously inflating and deflating it and storing it in the boot or buy something like a jarvis/dinghy with a roof rack?

Im looking to buy properly and only once. Im planning to equip the boat with a feature finder.
 

Beeslek

New member
From personal experience I can say the following.Stay away from anything with an inflatable floor.I currently have the Jarvis Walker dinghy with a semi-solid (slats) floor,and very satisfied with it.Stable and sturdy enough to do what you described.I know there are better boats available,something with extended pontoons would be even more stable,but I am satisfied with mine for now.

I also drive a little hatchback,I would advise having a roofrack installed.I use one and it makes my life a lot easier.From what I've read,inflating/deflating the boat is not the best option,but at the moment it's my only option.The boat would probably last longer if I didn't have to do it,but if not I would have to fish without it.NOT an option,boat is essential,IMO.
 

sharon29

New member
Thank you for the response. I just would like to ask; why do you inflate/deflate if you have a roof rack ? As well as which is an example of a boat with a semi solid floor ?
 

Limpopoking

Sealiner
I have a minnow with an inflatable floor and it's a fantastic little boat... luv it to bits. It even gets on the plane with my little DF5. It's very stable and I am able to stand in it and I can fit both boat and motor in my Polo Hatchback. It suits it's purpose perfectly... a small "adventure boat".
 
its quite clear that your transportation is the problem.

fishing equipment have the habit of growing continuously!

that's why I have a solid dingy. so plenty of fishing equipment is stored in it or when transporting!

get a tow bar.
get n venter trailer!
build a rack on the trailer and get a solid dinghy
 

sharon29

New member
Yeah you have a point. The trailer option does seem worthwhile and I will reconsider it - it is just it was so expensive to buy a tow bar trailer and dinghy. However it is probably worthwhile in the long run.

@Limpopoking how long does it take you to inflate your minnow? Do you do it on the bank? It does look like a very nice inflatable.
 

Limpopoking

Sealiner
I have a 12v blower that gets it inflated within about 3 minutes and a few minutes with the pump to get it firm. Reverse procedure about 3 minutes in total. I use the blower in reverse to get all air out. It's a boat of convenience for me... also lot's of fun for my daughters.

Once I forgot the hand pump and was still able to use the boat but I never forgot it again... felt a bit like being on a waterbed :)

I think that my decision to go with Ark was good. Slightly more expensive but the quality is very evident when comparing with my friend's boat.

Edit: Yes, I blow it up at the dam. I'm not too fond of anything inflatable but this little boat is so convenient in terms of travelling light.
 

sharon29

New member
That is properly convenient. Especially if you say the stability on the air floor is good - I think the ARK minnow could be the best option for me.
 

Beeslek

New member
I have to inflate/deflate because the cops give you hell if it's inflated on top of your car.They call it unsafe loading.It fits inside,but not when all my other gear is in the car.
 

sharon29

New member
@beeslek which inflatable do you have? What I'm understanding is that its a quick process inflating/deflating..
 

Beeslek

New member
I have a Jarvis Walker dinghy.It's a misleading term because mostly a dinghy means a solid fibreglass boat.I prefer the inflatable because it's easy to handle alone.I can inflate,pick it up and go anywhere.I often fish alone and I love the wild spots.Sometimes that means rocks,high banks etc.A fibreglass dinghy has definite advantages,but I think you need two people to handle it.
 

Melos

New member
Hello there guys
My 2c
Maybe you could try a Zodiac Serie 1.
I have one and it's very stable and folds up quite small and needs less effort to inflate and deflate it can also take up to a 25HP outboard but a small sneaker works well it has marine ply sections which can fit in a hatch back boot or even if you drop the back seats you can get all your tackle in as well.
The plus side of this inflatable is that it has a canvas bottom that has only one inflatable tube that runs from bow to transom and that is covered by the ply so you have a rigid deck that can hold two big adult camp chairs and all your tackle including foot space.
There are a few on Gumtree and OLX.

HAPPY FISHING ;)
 
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