Inflatable...on board assembly

Craigalan

Craigalan

New Member
Sep 15, 2014
428
Great Lakes
Boat Info
2000 Sundancer 270 with all the fixins...
Engines
Merc 7.4, 310 horses
Hey CSR!! Hope all are having a good new year thus far.

We have a 2000 270DA. Does anyone have experience with an inflatable we could inflate and assemble while out on the water? For example, motor to a cove, assemble the inflatable, attach a minn kota, then buzz around some protected areas and fish. This will be probably for 2 adults, or 1 adult and 2 kids perhaps. Is there one on the mkt that would allow us to do this, rather than assembly and tow from the marina, or adding davits?
 
I should also add, that I am not against davits. But, would like to hear some opinions on those who use davits on a 270. Too big, too small, major PITA...any and all advice is appreciated.
 
I got tired of heavy wide bulky inflatables with heavy motors that were a PITA. Bought a 12 ft Saturn Kaboat that only weighs 50 lbs and put a 2 1/2 hp Yamaha 4 stroke on it. The thing planes out with just me at about 13 mph. I can row it as well paddle it like a kayak. On your boat you have to deploy it each time you use it so it may not be for you. I leave mine inflated a tie it up tight against my stern for July and August. Before July 4th and after Labor it would not get used anyway so this way it doesn't fill up with water and I don't have to scrape growth off the bottom 2-3 times a year. My wife likes to lay in it using the bow as a pillow while we are at anchor or on a mooring, very comfortable.
 
There are all types of inflatables, with a huge range of price and quality. I have a decent one (not nearly a top of the line one, though) and I inflate it when needed. I would call it a light/medium duty version of a "real" inflatable (I do have a "real" one, as well, but it's just too darn heavy to use it the way we do). I don't always carry the "light duty" one since it takes up some space when not inflated (it goes into a bag about 3'x2'x2'). Although sometimes I strap it to the platform or even pull it up onto the deck. The bigger issue is the motor - the big downfall to a trolling motor is having to lug that big battery around/in & out of the boat. To me, moving that big battery in and out seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. Plus, you hav eto connect and disconnect the trolling motor every time - and that motor adds more weight, too.

Instead, I went with a Torqeedo. It's fantastic - the whole darn thing only weighs 29lbs and the one I have is equivalent to a 1HP gas motor (about 2 or 3 times as much as a typical 12V trolling motor). It's super easy to put on and off. The easily removable battery pack is 10lbs of that weight. The newer versions are 1.5HP and 3HP. I bought my boat and motor used from a member here - you might be able to find something used, as well.
 
Craigalan said:
Hey CSR!! Hope all are having a good new year thus far.

We have a 2000 270DA. Does anyone have experience with an inflatable we could inflate and assemble while out on the water? For example, motor to a cove, assemble the inflatable, attach a minn kota, then buzz around some protected areas and fish. This will be probably for 2 adults, or 1 adult and 2 kids perhaps. Is there one on the mkt that would allow us to do this, rather than assembly and tow from the marina, or adding davits?
Click to expand...

On my previous boat which was a 25ft campion I had an OMC 260 rollup inflatable (similar to the Zodiac 240) and I used an old Johnson 4hp outboard. My swim platform was pretty small, but it had Weaver Davits so if I was taking the dink, it was on the davits.

In "theory", you could deflate it and roll it up and put it in its bag to store it somewhere. But even rolled up it was a big awkward package so I think I only did it once. Space is limited.

The advantages in my view of Weaver davits for smaller boats are:

1. It does not block your entire swim platform while underway like the Nautley style ones do. I would store my big Igloo cooler on the platform and the dink did not get in the way. (see picture attached)

2. A rollup dinghy is not heavy, so pulling the dinghy up was not hard at all. The larger the dinghy, the harder it is to pull up. My current boat has weavers as well and I have a rigid bottom 310 with an 8hp Yamaha and its tough to pull up solo.

3. When you are not on the boat and at your slip, you can tip it up against the transom and rainwater and debris won't get inside. So you don't need a cover like you do with a Nautley setup.

4. And lastly, I really like that the dinghy can be tipped into the water, but left clipped in the davits until you want to drive the dinghy away. It makes it really secure for stepping into while you are getting less mobile passengers in and out (like elderly parents). You can see in the picture how you would be able to step into the dinghy and it would not tip or move away. Even on my current 330DA the platform and davit heights are set up so that the dink is secure and level when sitting in the water.

Darrell's Photos 040.jpg
 
The Torqeedo sounds perfect. I will look into them a little more. Creekwood, in the pic, is the dinghy sitting on the water at dock, or is it raised off the water and in its transport position?
 
Yep, the 2k is steep for something I will use maybe 8-10 times a year. I agree there.
 
No question... They're not cheap. I will say, though, that the weight of the unit, the power, the runtime, throw it on a berth when not using it... Have yet to find an equal. But, yeah, that's why I went used. If I used it more I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one, like the 3HP as that would triple the power I have now.
 
And...where I plan to use it, there are no gas powered motors allowed. So, electric is my only option, and I sure dont want to haul heavy batteries. So, a used Torq is certainly one solid option for us.
 
Craigalan said:
And...where I plan to use it, there are no gas powered motors allowed. So, electric is my only option, and I sure dont want to haul heavy batteries. So, a used Torq is certainly one solid option for us.
Click to expand...

You can drive the Sundancer there but can't use a gas outboard???
 
Yep. Drive the DA right into a place called Misery Bay on Presque Isle on Lake Erie. Then, motor the electric into the protected nature preserve where the big bass and pike lay.
 
We have an old dog that has to go to shore to take care of "business." No issue in the summer, but when the water coolls off, we had a problem. We bought an inflatable that folds down to about the size Dennis listed. It fits perfectly under the cushions in the most forward part of the V birth. It came with oars and a pump and serves our needs perfectly.

Bennett
 
bbwhite...sounds good. Did you inflate and deflate all while on board?
 
Perfect! What brand of inflatable is it and what size?
 
Craigalan said:
Perfect! What brand of inflatable is it and what size?
Click to expand...

It is an Intex Seahawk 2. It is about 8 ft long and came with breakdown oars, that fit in the transom locker, pump, and rod holders. It is surprisingly well made for the price. It was a whopping $43 with free shipping off of eBay. It weighs about 20 pounds and folds easily for storage. Good luck.

Bennett
 
Good lord!! 43 bucks. Im suspicious, yet mighty curious. I will look into it right now. If so, that Torqeed becomes a little more realistic. And if you run dogs in this thing, I assume its fairly resistant to punctures.
 
Hmm, and a well-reviewed and affordable motor mount to boot. This might fit our needs. Heck, if it springs a leak, cost of replacement is next to nothing. But, for my knowledge, can you comment on the construction of this thing? Are we talking a pool toy quality or what?
 
Ok, I think we are going with the Intex Excursion 5. Looks ideal for us. Thanks so much for the Intex tip!! Now, to debate the motor question. Anyone have a minn kota they run with a single battery? And how long does it last? For the amount we will use this, I can justify the 2K Torqeedo. But...I need an electric.
 
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