good barter opportunity?

[floatingwoody2006]

Have a chance to barter my 77 british seagul in mint condition for an Achilles 9.7' inflatable hypalon boat. The boat needs a small patch, but in otherwise good condition. i have never owned an inflatable boat before, and somehow, the words inflatable and boat, ( and fishing) don't seem to go together. From what i gather reading though, they are fine for this stuff. I love the seagul, but in the 2 years i have had it, i haven't used it..I could always toss on my electric if i had to. Don't think the achilles would accept my 15. As usual.. Any advice would be helpfull. thanks!

 

[Purecarnagge]

Re: good barter opportunity?

Sounds like your using neither. Tough choice.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: good barter opportunity?

What model is the Seagull? is it the 2hp?

Which model inflatable? LEX 96? What year?

Assuming the Seagull is a 2hp, even mint it's worth maybe $300-$500. If the inflatable is a LEX 96 (or better) in good shape and is not more than say, 5-6 years old, it's easily worth $800-$1000 once patched.

Couple that with the fact that it sounds like you'd use the inflatable more, sounds like a sweet trade to me.

A lot of guys use inflatables for fishing in San Diego Bay.

P.S., how big's your electric? I'm thinking that unless you're sticking to calm ponds, you'll want more power than an electric can give on that inflatable.

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: good barter opportunity?

the seagull is a 40 plus 3-4hp . ( ironically the perfect size for a small inflatable) The Achilles is a model LX 290 i believe. My MinnKota is only a 27 lb thrust, but this would be a pond / small lake use thing. I have my 14' 1956 arkansas traveller aluminum i restored last fall with a 93 evinrude that i use to get out on deeper water. I cant seem to find much info on this model on the web, but i have been reading that the achilles is made from a better fabric, and that they are a good brand. How old is too old for these things? It may be over 10 years old judging from the non infor on the web.. Thanks again@!

 

[ajgraz]

Re: good barter opportunity?

Even 10 years old if the Achilles is in good shape it might fetch $500-$600. So this is getting to be a difficult one as far as pure monetary value goes.

I will pitch in this: IMO that Seagull is not going to make you happy on the back of an inflatable. Will it push it? Of course, but it won't have the high revs needed to get into plane or semi-plane like even a small "conventional" 3 hp OB would. Nor will it cut through weeds in shallow water as easily. And we all know how loud that sucker is and how it will foul up the lake.

What does the guy with the Achilles intend to do with the Seagull? Is he going to use it as power on a displacement hull (e.g. sailboat) or as an emergency "get home" kicker on a 15-20' planing hull? If so, he's going to get far better use out of it than you are (or would on an inflatable).

I say, if you really like the inflatable and will use it, and if the guy making the trade has good use for the Seagull, make the swap, use the electric for now, and keep your eyes open for a craigslist or yardsale small old Evinrude.

EDIT: that is, of course after the boat has been patched and you've taken it for a test run.

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: good barter opportunity?

Thanks man..Good Advice. I did end up bartering for the achilles. One of the tubes was partially deflated, and i saw the patch. Soaked it with h2o and soap, and it's the only thing that leaks. Stays inflated on the one side for an hour or so.. Other side, forever. Fabric is dingy', but i hit it with just a little detergent and water, and it will clean up nice. transom is very solid, and the hypalon is plyable and in good condition. Wooden floors and transom are very solid, but need to be re-varnished..If thats what they used..no rot whatsoever. Think i made a good barter here. He has a day sailor he will put that seagul on, and it i( the seagul) s in Mint condition. value for value id say i made out a little, but im sad to see a mint seagul go..Nice guy though. hope he gets the enjoyment out of it that i will this infltable..tag on it says it holds 780 man, 1000 gear, so even though it's rated at an 8hp, my 15 will work it nicely i believe. Coast guard overpowers these things regularly from what i understand. Video to come...