hey everyone, i found this message board and want to hear from people who have inflatables. in the past five years, I've gotten boat fever in the Spring and this is the first time I've had a well paying job, so i can afford a 3-4k boat. i grew up around Zodiac Pro inflatable boats and wanted one since i was a child. But, I live in a wasteland where the only options are manmade reservoirs. i am on the fence about a couple of things that will soon become apparent
I've looked at air and wood floor boats in the past, but am focusing on RIB's now. i had a big sedan that would have accommodated a wood floor, but now i have a mustang, so i'll have to tow.. I'm looking at 310 and 350 RIBs..
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--rib-350-double-floor-pvc-inflatable-boat-gray--13061007
i like this boat (above) and different 310 RIB's.
My dream boat is a 340 Zodiac (or bigger) with a stand-up console, but those are closer to 10-20K, and i couldn't afford it till next year, that is if I keep my job, Therefore, I am looking for a cheaper boat, but one that can be improved. For example, the linked 350 can accommodate a standup console. As far as the engine goes, I would buy a cheap one, and if I still like boating, upgrade the engine next year. this summer is to explore have fun!
are you still with me? good. here are my questions in the areas of choice of boat, motor, storage, and inflatable owners' feedback:
am i on the right track? what do you think of my choices of boats? are there better models?
motors.... any ideas for motors? I was gonna skimp on the motor and get a used 9.9 or 15, sell it, then get a nice one next year
i could still get a wood floor or inflatable and store it in my APT to save money every year on storage, but is it worth it? ....it'd be a pain to assemble and disassemble
the last question.... feedback. I am open to feedback. what do you guys think of these boats? what is the experience like? a part of me is concerned i'd grow tired of the boat. my dad is getting rid of his sea ray, i bought an expensive RC car earlier in the year i regret. how much do you all use yours? i like boats but haven't played on one in years.
I've looked at air and wood floor boats in the past, but am focusing on RIB's now. i had a big sedan that would have accommodated a wood floor, but now i have a mustang, so i'll have to tow.. I'm looking at 310 and 350 RIBs..
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--rib-350-double-floor-pvc-inflatable-boat-gray--13061007
i like this boat (above) and different 310 RIB's.
My dream boat is a 340 Zodiac (or bigger) with a stand-up console, but those are closer to 10-20K, and i couldn't afford it till next year, that is if I keep my job, Therefore, I am looking for a cheaper boat, but one that can be improved. For example, the linked 350 can accommodate a standup console. As far as the engine goes, I would buy a cheap one, and if I still like boating, upgrade the engine next year. this summer is to explore have fun!
are you still with me? good. here are my questions in the areas of choice of boat, motor, storage, and inflatable owners' feedback:
am i on the right track? what do you think of my choices of boats? are there better models?
motors.... any ideas for motors? I was gonna skimp on the motor and get a used 9.9 or 15, sell it, then get a nice one next year
i could still get a wood floor or inflatable and store it in my APT to save money every year on storage, but is it worth it? ....it'd be a pain to assemble and disassemble
the last question.... feedback. I am open to feedback. what do you guys think of these boats? what is the experience like? a part of me is concerned i'd grow tired of the boat. my dad is getting rid of his sea ray, i bought an expensive RC car earlier in the year i regret. how much do you all use yours? i like boats but haven't played on one in years.