Inflatable question

B

BJL

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We have an Achilles 10' inflatable that has the 4 or 5 piece wood floor. Is it possible to use the boat without putting the floor boards in? It's heavy with the boards and we want to put it on top of the SUV and try it out on a lake nearby. Then if we like it we'll put the boards in, get a trailer and use it. Just can't transport it with the boards in without a trailer.
 
I would think the wood floor panels being installed is important for the design structure of the inflatable. I sure wouldn't want to use the inflatable with an engine and no floor boards.

I wouldn't do it.

Mike
 
I used one without the boards for a long time. It will be more difficult to row and use a motor but using a paddle to slowly get about in light wind was no problem. Dont go down wind in heavy wind, you might not get back. :D
 
I would be careful putting it on a SUV inflated.
Wind may take it, not very aerodynamic, wind will grab it.

As for without the floor, I bet the floor is part of the structure, so I would not use it without the floor.

Why not just deflate it, throw it inside SUV and inflate when you get there?
 
Dave, it's just too much work to keep inflating/deflating. The floor boards need to be put in, then the metal side supports and then I'd have to break it down and put it back in the SUV wet. Think I'm getting too old for all that! Just trying to simplify things but it looks like the easiest thing to do is get the trailer and leave it on that.
 
That is why I got a portabote!
No inflation, folds flat.
Would be perfect for you as it would strap to top of SUV very nicely.
 
Carry the boards inside the SUV and add them when you reach the lake......
 
BJL,

I agree putting the floor boards in is a bit of a pain. We have had three Mercury Sport Inflatables each with the wood/fibreglass floor boards.

We assemble the inflatable at the start of our boating season then have the inflatable lifted out of the water and stored under cover fully assembled behind our boat on the seawall for the remainder of the season.

Too much trouble assemble/disassemble each time for us.

Mike.
 
quote:
Originally posted by BJL

Dave, it's just too much work to keep inflating/deflating. The floor boards need to be put in, then the metal side supports and then I'd have to break it down and put it back in the SUV wet. Think I'm getting too old for all that! Just trying to simplify things but it looks like the easiest thing to do is get the trailer and leave it on that.

Click to expand...


As Bruce pointed out, you most certainly can use one with out the floor boards in it. If you want at least some kind of floor in it to perhaps help keep your butt dry and stiffen the floor up a bit, look at finding an air mat that will fit inside the bottom of the boat.
 
I have one just like your Achilles, but have never thought to operate it without the floor. I imagine there is a risk of floor puncture without the wood panels installed. I wouldn't do it.

When I assemble mine, I partially inflate the tubes before inserting the floor panels. What if you did a partial inflation for the transporting and then install the panels and and finish inflating at the lake? Another option is to get wheels to roll the boat to the water's edge with the motor installed.
 
Al, I just don't want to have to carry it, inflate it, carry the floor boards, etc. The hardest part of the damn boat is getting the boards in. Guess I'm gonna just have to get a trailer, keep the boat inflated and be done with it.
 
Too much worrying on this topic go do what you want and enjoy or at least try it. Just leave the high heels at home.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

Too much worrying on this topic go do what you want and enjoy or at least try it. Just leave the high heels at home.

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+1 :-)
 
I'm with Bruce and Bill on this question. My 8' inflatable doesn't even have a solid floor. Go try the thing out on the lake and enjoy yourself. It'll float. Trust me.
 
quote:
Originally posted by CurrentSea

That is why I got a portabote!
No inflation, folds flat.
Would be perfect for you as it would strap to top of SUV very nicely.
Click to expand...


I have one also. It was my first boat and I still have it although it doesn't get much use.

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395954584.jpg


I just purchased a small inflatable dinghy with a high pressure air floor. It's lighter and easier to set up than one with a solid floor.

I think the point is, you need to have the boat that fits your needs. That may mean purchasing a new boat.
 
How much do the portaboats cost? They won't send a price list unless you fill out a form with an awful lot of personal info.

Thanks for the help.
 
Thank you for the link, but I am more interested in new boat prices.

I did try google, but as I mentioned, there are no links to the current price list. I thought someone who had recently made a purchase might chime I .
 
I just figured it would give you a ballpark. :-)

I have also seen mint 12' ones offered for sale at $1800 - $2200 asking prices.
 
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