Inflatable usable life

[FYN409]

We are looking to purchase a used inflatable. I have seen several advertised that are 10,15,20 years old. I know a lot depends on use, exposure to sun, ect. But would be considered a good usable life expectancy of a well taken care of one? We are located in Michigan, so it's not like they have been out in the Florida sun, or exposed to salt water, ect.

What are some things to be looking for when inspecting them? And specifics to stay a way from?

-Ryan

 

[Skuza]

I would check the seams and the transom condition. Make sure the floor isn't tearing away from the tubes. I would make sure the price is right. At the price of some of the cheaper models does it really make sense?

 

[Sundancer]

Check out Baltik inflatables on ebay and use those as a comp. Would you rather have a new pvc inflatable for $600 or a 10 year old inflatable for $300? Dependson condition and use, but at least you can look at reasonably priced inflatables on the internet as a comparison.

 

[tdschafer]

Sundancer, do you know anything about the quality of the baltik products? I checked them out on e-bay and you were not kidding. Very affordable. I am just curious if anyone here has used one and what their thoughts are. Todd :huh:

 

[Sundancer]

I've seen a number of them up close and the folks that bought them love them. I have an old inflatable and I'm upgrading in the near future! The tubes are a lot larger on the Baltik and they seem very well made. I think they are PVC, but for my two weeks in the San Juans, PVC is just fine.

 

[tdschafer]

I am just looking for something to tool around the marina on with the kids or to run over the sandy shoals about a mile between the 2 beaches I frequent the most on Fire Island. Nothing special.....These just might fit the bill. I think I might make an offer on a 9.5'. How about those weak looking davits he sells? I imagine the Hurley system I've heard about on here so much is alot more costly. Todd

 

[Two Peas]

Do a search on "baltik" on this site - there is lots of info already posted.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

My experience is only two boats.

270 Mercury PVC air floor with 5hp 8 years of useful life.
At that time the inner baffles failed and the boat became one big air chamber.
It is normally three separate chambers.
At around four years the air floor burst a seam and i send it out to repair.

11ft Baltic PVC wood floor 15hp.. four years so far and for the money its great.
I bought it last min. for a boating vacation and thought it would be replaced with a hyplon RIB by now but, its running strong.
I expect to get around another 4ish years out of this one.

Both boats were never deflated and stored outside out of the water, only covered in the winter.
Your results may vary....

 

[HUMPH]

This is a good thread for me right now. The Admiral is bugging me to get an inflatable to putt around in and teach the grandaughter how to operate so she can fiddle fart as she calls it. Me, I just want to get into those tight spaces for some black bass!

I am thinking the wood floor would be best, any comments?

 

[FYN409]

Thanks for all of the info, I looked into both options and ended up going with used for now. Found what appears to be a good deal on a whole package (Zodiac 10', 5HP Johnson Outboard, and accessories). They are 8 years old, but have seen very little use.

Now for the questions......

What safety items are required on board (besides life vests)

I noticed on the outboard that when I "tip" it completely out of the water on it's mount to the highest notch that gas leaks out of the carb. Is that normal? I realize the bowl is full of gas and doing this puts the carb on a severe angle. I would think that you would want to put the motor up like then when towing it, ect. Is it just that I need to run it out of fuel before doing so?

Transporting the motor, it's a 2 cycle, is there a certain way you should lay it for transportation?

Where is a good place to look for misc supplies/accessories. I see the WestMarine is outrageous as expected....

I think that is it for now, thanks for the help! We are looking forward to splashing it and tooling around in it

-Ryan

 

[330DA]

You listed West Michigan as you location, so Wolf's Marine in Benton Harbor.

 

[tdschafer]

This is a good thread for me right now. The Admiral is bugging me to get an inflatable to putt around in and teach the grandaughter how to operate so she can fiddle fart as she calls it. Me, I just want to get into those tight spaces for some black bass!

I am thinking the wood floor would be best, any comments?

I love fiddle farting!!!:smt043