Inexpensive one or two person inflatable for occasional use

[Lodochnik]

Hi all,

This seems to be the right forum to ask this:

I am looking for recommendations on an inexpensive (under $120 US) one or two person inflatable for an occasional use on a lake or a small river. An option of mounting a small motor would be very good, but not required. Ability to inflate and deflate quickly is very important.

I did use forum search function, but did not find anything matching my question.

I want to be able to go paddling/fishing on a relatively small river or a lake (mostly Raritan river in NJ) a few times a year to clear my head from everyday things.

What would you recommend?

Also, where should I buy it from? Amazon.com? Local sports store?

Thank you,
Eugene

 

[BigEdV]

Re: Inexpensive one or two person inflatable for occasional use

I have the Fish Hunter and it is pretty good. the one below says 6 person but my son and I fit with fishing gear and that is about it. Add the transom and a 35 trolling motor and you should be good to go. I had a 50 thrust and it was a little too much so I would say go 35 or 40. Also they make a wooden floor to go in it. I made mine and it adds a ton of stability. With the battery, trolling motor, boat, transom, AC inflator, battery charger and the wooden floor I was in about $500.00 when all was said and done. I had it out on Kentucky lake twice and on the local lake and had a blast.

http://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Fish-...V04Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289344954&sr=8-1

 

[dobbs571]

Re: Inexpensive one or two person inflatable for occasional use

I agree on the fish Hunter 360 .I have a 46# minn Kota we float the upper Meramec river in missouri .I have had no ploblems with mine two people cooler and battery . and fishing equment fit nicely. I made a floor for mine and a rear seat. It takes about 15 min to inflate with a 12v inflator thats counting putting in the floor.I dont think iboats sell them Look on ebay some times you can get for cheap mine was 120 new shiped, motor was 70 and have 30 in the floor and the boat boot for 35 .a good battery will cost you allmost as much as the boat.I use a group 24 1000 cold cranking amp merine starting battery that was given to me and it last all day.Not much for going up stream in very swift water but I can hit 5 to 8 mph down stream.If you are planning on paddleing any raft or inflatable boat get good long paddles been there done it with short one you dont want to try it .

 

[arks]

Re: Inexpensive one or two person inflatable for occasional use

I've had a couple Sevylor Super Caravelle's over the years. Pretty durable (for PVC) and priced reasonably. I like the safety of multiple air chambers. Sevylor also makes the Fish Hunter: http://www.sevylor.com/Boats-C40.aspx

If Amazon offers free shipping then go for it- otherwise buy locally because shipping might be expensive.