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Post by bartdog on Jan 14, 2015 6:25:15 GMT
Hi,
I have been kayaking for a few years now and have no intention of quitting, however arthritic shoulders and sometimes limited oppurtunities to use the kayak due to lurcher sitting mean I am considering something a bit more flexible. I had though of getting the dog a life jacket and sticking him in the tankwell of the Ultra but he is a bit too tall and gangly.
My research has led me to a couple of conclusions:-
1. The boat has to be light enough to man handle (I will be getting some transom wheels also)
2. The boat has to go either on or inside my Grand Jeep Cherokee.
3. Said boat has to be capable of taking me, my partner and dog ...plus fishing gear of course.
4. Has to be ok to use in the sea on calm days.
5. Motor has to be a 2 stroke due to weight, I might be able to source a 9.8 Tohatsu, will this be sufficient power wise ?
Of the SIBs I have looked at I quite like the look of the Excel range due to the 5 year warranty.
All comments, advice and suggestions welcome.
Cheers
Mick
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2015 8:01:09 GMT
Hi Mick
A lot depends on your budget.
I have had a few inflatables and prefer the air deck ones to the solid floors for weight and ease of putting together. The air decks are pretty robust but I have never had a dog so not sure how it would cope with claws? I found the solid deck type to be harder to assemble and you also end up with more weight and gear in your car. I can vouch for the Excels as being a good mid range inflatable as I owned one myself and it was of good quality.
A 2 stroke 9.8hp Tohatsu is a really good outboard, well regarded by a lot of people. I had an 8hp version for a while and it was a very reliable motor. I would think an 9.8hp would be okay for the sea in calm conditions, I never used mine on the sea though.
If your budget allows, maybe it would be worth taking a look at the FRIB(folding), which Philpot now owns and has wrote an extensive review of on this site. Phil also owned an Excel and rated it highly too.
I am sure Phil will be forthcoming with some very good advice for you as he knows a lot about SIB's and now FRIB's.
Regards
Ian
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Post by ALtop on Jan 14, 2015 17:08:20 GMT
Hi have a 290m air keel sib for sale with a choice of transom wheels .Have oars bench seat and even a elecky trolling motor .It is less than a year old.Send us a message if your interested cheers Al.
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Post by bartdog on Jan 15, 2015 0:13:53 GMT
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the reply, you answered one of my questions I had forgotten to ask re solid or air deck. At the moment my focus is on the outfit being lightweight so I guess it will be an air floor. Is there anything I should be looking for when buying a model with one ?
I saw the review of the FRIB and it looked very impressive indeed, however I am trying to keep the costs down a little and I wasn't sure how the dog would go on with the irregular floor shape.
Cheers
Mick
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Post by bartdog on Jan 15, 2015 0:18:28 GMT
Hi
Thanks for thr heads up re your boat for sale. but I am looking for something a little bigger. I am hoping to get the missus out more and that will probably mean the dog as well...and if your'e on water there is always a need to take some fishing gear.
I was thinking something @3.5m in length
Cheers
Mick
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 4:49:01 GMT
Hi Mick
If you are looking to keep the cost down then obviously a good 2nd hand boat is the way to go.
I only ever bought one boat new and it was an inflatable and when I sold it I lost quite a few quid.
With regards to which boat, I have had 2 with air decks, a Waveline and an Excel. The Excel was in my opinion a far better quality SIB but the Waveline was okay and the air deck was good.
I would stick to the better known makes like Excel, Bombard,Honda,etc.
If I was you I would also invest in a good electric 12v pump for a boat of that size. The Bravo ones are one of the best. Make sure you get one with enough power for the size of boat you get. If you are lucky you might find one with all the extras.
Shop around it should be a good time to buy.
Ian
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Post by ALtop on Jan 15, 2015 4:54:05 GMT
Ok fair enough . Mine weighs 32kg and is on ebay now at £450 including wheels. Think there about £700 ish new just to give you a guid.
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Post by esoxuk on Jan 15, 2015 12:26:53 GMT
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Post by philpot on Jan 16, 2015 11:21:52 GMT
Hi Mick
I have the Excel 330 air floor, approx 8 months old for sale but my daughter is thinking about it however if that is of interest just let me know.
The dog is not really an issue if it is calm by nature and is on a lead, just place some childrens play matting on the floor to protect the air floor.
You are quite right regarding the Tohatsu 9.8hp motor, highly rated and hard to come by second hand. I ran a 15hp 2 stroke on mine but to be honest, it is too much, an 8 or 10 is more than enough. The excel range is cat 'C' rated so will handle a moderate sea and is perfect for fishing with enough space for two fishing very easily.
To be honest, I would forget the 3.5 (3.6 in Excel) as you have a heavier boat to lug around. Off the water is where you feel the difference. The site is down at present but I think you jump up another 5 or 6 kg for a 360. The SD330 is 48 kg and that I think is enough.
A GOOD set of launch wheels is a must and as Alan said, A Bravo 12v pump makes a huge difference with an inflation time of approx 9 mins.
I could go on for pages and pages so I have sent you a PM so you can call if I can help you out or at least guide you in the right direction and I will say that you are welcome to come over to my neck of the woods to take a closer look at the boats and engines.
Phil
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Post by bartdog on Jan 22, 2015 7:46:00 GMT
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply to my call for help, either with advice or boats for sale. I think I am a bit further forward in my quest, but the more info I get means more choices.
I am trying to get a package that will meet several needs, a portable fishing/fun boat capable of going in freshwater and the sea, with occasional 2 occupants (including a girlfriend who is bulking out it seems), dog and fishing gear.......not much to ask !!!!! I know the boat will need to be a compromise in some areas, but I need to decide which, and I am conscious of getting it right first time.
Thanks for the pm Phil and offer of help, I will ring you soon to pick your brains.
P.s If my partner reads this no boat will be required ...ha
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