Inflatable boat advice

[George Lee]

Hi I am considering buying a large quality inflatable and a decent outboard
for the purposes of doing some very inshore fishing and only then in very
calm weather fishing. I would prefere a solid hull but have no place to
store one and I don't fancy trailing a big heavy boat, not least because I
would need to get a bigger car.

I would welcome any thoughs and comments, does any one out there use an
inflatable for fishing?

Cheers
George

[SEAANGLING]

>does any one out there use an
>inflatable for fishing?
>
I used to have a Zodiac inflatable with a wooden transome and floor and
inflatable keel, great for fishing and diving and it fitted into the boot of my
car. It would carry 2 divers and all their gear and stayed afloat even when
full of water. I wish I still had it, cheers, Norman.

[Ian D]

On 28 Oct 2003 23:09:50 GMT, (SEAANGLING) wrote:

>>does any one out there use an
>>inflatable for fishing?
>>
>I used to have a Zodiac inflatable with a wooden transome and floor and
>inflatable keel, great for fishing and diving and it fitted into the boot of my
>car. It would carry 2 divers and all their gear and stayed afloat even when
>full of water. I wish I still had it

That's what I've got, although health problems mean I can't use it now
as much as I'd like - not much at all in fact.
Rated for a 30HP o/b, but goes like stink with a 'mere' 10HP, and the
boat, motor and all other gear goes into the back of a largish estate
car.
Very, very stable, but has one very significant drawback.
It's an absolute pig to row, especially single handed, and the transom
isn't really big enough to carry a spare o/b.
I've used an electric o/b as back up for loch fishing, but that's
mainly for trolling, and I don't think it would be man enough to act
as auxiliary at sea.
I'd be very cautious for using one even on inshore waters, in any
situation where wind or tide could be a hazard in the event of failure
of the o/b - which I'd guess is pretty well everywhere.
Doesn't mean you can't use one, but does mean you have to be very
selective as to where and when you do so.

If you can find one with a transom that would carry two o/bs, and have
enough stowage space for spare fuel cans etc, I'd say it would be
fine, but somehow I don't think you'd end up with one that would fit
into the back of a car.

If towing weight's a major problem an aluminium boat is one option. As
well as being much lighter, they're also stronger and more durable
than fibre-glass, but you'd still have the storage problem, and a
decent welded boat can be expensive.

Cheers
Ian D

[Jim Murray]

Take a look at http://www.portabote.com/

I have a couple of friends who rate them very highly. They are available in
the UK but a bit more pricey than the US.

Jim.

"George Lee" > wrote in message
...
> Hi I am considering buying a large quality inflatable and a decent
outboard
> for the purposes of doing some very inshore fishing and only then in very
> calm weather fishing. I would prefere a solid hull but have no place to
> store one and I don't fancy trailing a big heavy boat, not least because I
> would need to get a bigger car.
>
> I would welcome any thoughs and comments, does any one out there use an
> inflatable for fishing?
>
> Cheers
> George
>