Need help buying an inflatable boat

[oldjeda]

Hey all, I work for a company that will spot me 1G for "health and wellness" next year and I was hoping to get a decent inflatable boat to trip down Southern Alberta rivers. Prefer a 3-4 person and it has to be new as I need to bring in the reciept. I don't plan on using a motor and it has to be fairly compact when deflated as I live in a small condo with limited storage space. Any hints as to where to look?

[SalmoTrutta]

There's a place in Calgary called Zebec, I went there looking for a zodiac type boat but didn't have what I was looking for, they did have some nice boats though. They are in the North East south of Mcknight by Port O call Inn.

[seahawkfisher]

these are the guys i'm going to try in the spring
cheers

http://www.salterboat.com/index.php?...d=25&Itemid=10

[camshaft]

Well a grand wont get u a "decent" inflatable these days. Zebec is a nice boat, just way overpriced for what u get. Same or better boats can be had for about half their asking price.

I've had 2 Saturn models. Loved both and very well priced.
I wanted a slightly bigger more heavy duty inflatable so I just bought a seamax brand. Their specs look awesome.

A 12.5 size if perfect for 2 people fishing, that's about it. Go 14 ft if u plan to fish more than 2 people. Avoid an air floor, go aluminum.
Big changes if noticed in recent years are more companies are
offering thicker material (1.2mm vs .9) than a few years ago.

There is a seamax dealer in Edmonton. They have some very nice models and u will save a few hundred bux in shipping/duties ect buying local.

God luck

[Bundo1980]

I bought a 14' HD Seamax last year, wasnt overly impressed with it at first. I Managed to wear 3 holes in the back tube by draging it about 6' across my gargage. However the Seamax guy from Victoria was very helpful and sent me some industrial glue and patch kit. Since i have fixed the boat its a pretty good unit. I have it folded up onto an old door, makes it alot easier to load with 1 guy and get it around the garage and campsites when its deflated. I ran into another guy with a 12' last summer not an HD but he also had good things to say about his Seamax.

Cheers!

[camshaft]

Wow, Im curious how u managed to get wear holes by dragging across a smooth garage floor.....U have me worried.

Iv dragged my saturn over the outside concrete and across the smooth concrete of my garage countless times and dont even have scuff marks....and this is with a much thinner boat (.9mm)

What size motor were u running with the 14 btw?

[Bundo1980]

I wish i knew how it happened but, i think when i dragged it, it was on a crease and just happened to be all in one tube!!! The tubes on the Semax are even dbl layered but, like i mentioned now that its patched it works ok the tube still leak's a little but i have been out 3-4 hours with the boat and a couple pumps with the foot pump and its fine.

I have a 15hp 2stroke and with 2 guys the boat moves along pretty well. I have had 4 adults our 2yr old and our dog in the boat also and the thing is rock SOLID way better than my old aluminum boat and the 15hp was still OK even with that load. Only problem is if its only me in the boat the motor cavatate's until u get it up on step.

Cheers!

[camshaft]

I went with the 380hd model as the tube ends have been redesigned (round end vs cone shaped) which is supposed to help the problems u described. Guess I will find out in the spring.

Matching it with a 20hp tohatsu (great motor btw)

[oldjeda]

Good info here! I'm glad to know I can order from AB instead of the US. I'll be shopping come the new year. Much appreciated info.

[jungleboy]

I bought a Seamax last summer as well and am very happy with it ,

[nevercatchmuch]

AQUA marine on ebay - it's a company out of bc so there are no customs fees. Great boats 8-14 feet and very sturdy. I've had mine 4 years, use all the time and no holes.

[oldjeda]

So I've been looking into these boats and like what I see and the prices fit my budget plus or minus a few bucks so thanks again. Can anyone help me chose a model/options? I'll be using this mostly for floating the Oldman, 2-3 people max with maybe some camping/fishing gear. I doubt I'll even mount a motor (possibly electric) or sail but it might make the odd trip to a local lake. Also I don't have a place to store it inflated. Size and style and floor type and seats and paddles and stuff like that are what I kind of need to know and as this is my first boat purchase, I'm lost

[FishingFrenzy]

Originally Posted by oldjeda

So I've been looking into these boats and like what I see and the prices fit my budget plus or minus a few bucks so thanks again. Can anyone help me chose a model/options? I'll be using this mostly for floating the Oldman, 2-3 people max with maybe some camping/fishing gear. I doubt I'll even mount a motor (possibly electric) or sail but it might make the odd trip to a local lake. Also I don't have a place to store it inflated. Size and style and floor type and seats and paddles and stuff like that are what I kind of need to know and as this is my first boat purchase, I'm lost

IMO 14ft boat would be good for you. Nice and comfortable for river floats with 2-3, room for some camping gear, etc
Floor type, I would go with a solid option instead of the inflatable, so wood/aluminum/fiberglass/plastic are all options I have seen. The reason for this is you dont have to worry about dropping things and it also gives the boat more stability for standing and moving around.
Seats - most boats come with plank seats that go across and attach to either tube, these are fine but I always find it more comfortable to sit on the tubes, you will want a seat that you can row from however.
I think most boats come with oars opposed to paddles, however for river running I go for one with oars, or if it doesnt come with oars, at least oarlocks so that you can buy aftermarket oars.
Baltic, Zebec, Zodiak, Saturn, Salter, Seamax, Aquamarine seem like all decent companies, just use google to find some that you like either online or find dealers near you so you can see the boats in person.

[BIG JIMMY]

I bought a 15 foot From Grand Boats
www.grandboats.ca
they come out of Ontario. I bought one of the ranger models. Ranger 460s Very tough boats, and well worth the money. Mine now has a centre console and a 40hp evinirude e-tec mounted . The smaller versions would be ideal for what you are looking for.
I looked at all types and settled on the Grand Boat. They have awesome craftsmanship. I carried 4 adults. And 5 kids and our dog, and managed to get on plane. These boats rock. I bought the S model, meanig service. It has thicker material and more features, geared towards search and rescue type of a rough use boat.

Just my $0.02

[nevercatchmuch]

the aquamarine ebay canada boats are great like I said. Fiberglass floors you put in and often I just sit right on the floor but there is the option to use plank style seating that sit on either side of the boat.
I never store mine inflated because it only takes 30 min to put together and besides, unless you have a trailer it's too big to transport. Probably 10 min to put away. very slick

[nevercatchmuch]

p.s. oars, pump, etc. come with the boat. 12 foot fits two people very comfortably.
prices are up quite a bit right now but watch and bid - you can get these for under $900 shipped right to your door

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/12-4-INFLATAB...item3a56edc19a

http://www.aquamarineboat.com/