Portable inflatable boat

Dublinpup3

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Feb 20, 2017
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New guy question. Is it possible to get an inflatable boat that doesn't need to be trailered. I live minutes from the Boston Harbor and I wouldn't have the space for a trailer or the money for mooring. Would like to just throw a deflated boat and small engine in an SUV. Is this possible?
 
Joined
May 23, 2017
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I've seen some interesting configurations but this may be a great option for you. The Foldable RIB. Its got a fiberglass hull and folds into itself. The lightest one weighs about 85lbs so it wouldn?t be too bad to take up and back from the water.
 

Pack Rat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jan 18, 2011
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Back in 1980's I could fit a 12' 6" Zodiac SIB and 28 hp 2 stroke Mariner OB in the trunk of of a big Ford Torino. Here's a pic of my current 12' 6" SIB in back of six foot bed truck wrapped up like a sausage...so yes you could do it. They make much smaller SIB's check out above under "inflatable boats."

7838130010_7a55b10356_m.jpg
 

Dublinpup3

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Feb 20, 2017
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Thanks guys I honestly thought I was going to have to get a trailer hitch and trailer. Those Foldable RIBs barely take up any space.
 

Sea Rider

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Can go for any size air or alum deck sib. Air decks weights much less, are much faster to assembly and launch. The foldable Rib is not a small boat. It's much taller than it's width, excellent boating alternative, but pricey. From Rusia with Love..

Happy Boating
 

Dublinpup3

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Feb 20, 2017
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Thanks sea rider. Let me get real greedy here. Which ones have the quickest setup, but will be stable in the harbor? I have a wife and two young kids and I image taking them to the different islands of the Boston Harbor for picnics. I'm willing to pay a little extra for good quality.
 

Sea Rider

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If budget is not an issue. The foldable Rib is an excellent option. My Boating Club has a 365. It's very light, fast. With one up and just a Merc 6 HP planes very fast. It's used as a dinghy transport Rib. Good built, hypalon made. Check folded dimensions if fits inside on whatever you plan on trasporting it before buying...

Happy Boating
 

Dublinpup3

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So I googled 365 inflatable RIB and it came out with Walker Bay. Would this be the one you are referring to or is 365 mean a dimension? I was looking at west marine this morning and they had a few 310 and others, but I don't remember seeing a 365. Thanks again
 

Sea Rider

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365 is usually the lenght of the boat. Just forgot the name of the Russian foldable Rib who devloped this type of boat, latter when I go to the marina will check, if it's there will post some pics to have a look.

Happy Boating
 

alanfox55

Chief Petty Officer
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Nov 17, 2011
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476
There are foldable trailers that are inexpensive that you can store in an upright position would that work for you? If it would you could then get a decent size hard floor SIb and you and your wife could put it together at home then trailer to the lake. That combination would be light enough that you could pull it with even a small car.
 

fhhuber

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Jun 19, 2014
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1,365
The main issue with inflating and deflating your boat each trip is time.

It takes time to inflate and time to deflate. A higher power pump can make it quicker, but its still slower than just keeping the boat inflated.
 

Sea Rider

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There you have it, was a 375 not a 365, so it's a 3.75 Mtr light Rib. Tubes are low-rim ones.

Winboat 1.JPG

Folds in 3 pieces, just unpack, unfold, bolt internal deck hinges, inflate all tubes, install OB and out you go. Reverse procedure when back.

Winboat 2.JPG

Excellent alternative, will outrun any other alum, air deck inflatable in equal size with same HP-OB.

Happy Boating
 

Dublinpup3

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Feb 20, 2017
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Hey everyone thanks for the help. I went with an FRIB 375. Sea Rider I don't think win boats is still in business, but this looks quite similar. Anyways just got back in the country and I will have this waiting for me. Can't wait!
 

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Sea Rider

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Both brands have developed same folding type of inflatables, probably manufactured at differente ex socialist countries. Now boating is international. Have a good time, post water results..

Happy Boating
 

Dublinpup3

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Feb 20, 2017
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Ya rider i figured as much. At least the have Florida dealers and I didn't get hit with the $1000 VAT tax. I was within seconds of ordering the 460, however went with the 375 at the last second. Either way gonna be a great summer.

Alan I have not bought a motor, so any ideas would be much appreciated. Just needs to be short shaft and between 15-25HP. I was thinking gas, but I could be persuaded to go a different route. Boat should be delivered Wednesday.
 

Sea Rider

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Actually was thinking about the Frib brand, but didn't recall its name, so assumed it was a Winboat brand. A 3.75 Mtr is a nice size for + 4 up. Get at least a short shaft 20 HP of your brand preference to have fun.

Happy Boating
 

Dublinpup3

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The website recommended 15HP, but said max hp was 25. I thought it was strange because the recommended HP for the 460 was 10. Figured it had something to do with getting to plane. Anyways boating is new to me so I was just going to get the motor with the best warranty, which is currently Tohatsu 5 yr manufacturer.
 

Sea Rider

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Both HP weights exact same 52 KG. 15 HP is good for light loads, 20 is the way to go if plan using that Rib more loaded. A 20 will suit better if in near future plan upgrading to a larger Rib..

Happy Boating
 

Dublinpup3

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Feb 20, 2017
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Oh crap just went with a Tohatsu 15HP electrical start motor. I'm too impatient want to get out in the water soon. Oh well should work fine for what I'm using it for. My biggest mistake was bringing my wife with me to get the motor. She talked me out of the few hundred bucks extra to get the bigger motor.
 
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