What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

[Gaz56]

Greetings everyone.
During the course of my research into inflatables, I notice that some manufacturers offer shades, seats, bow bags, seat bags with foam, etc. I have also come across proud owners of crafts that they have modded or customised to suit themselves.

In the event that I purchase a boat with no extras, what mods are there to be done? Any good DIY tips for me? Are there things that seem like a good idea but should never ever be implemented?
Thanks.
Gaz

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Sorry - should have mentioned I will be rod fishing from it most of the time, but every now and again there will be family jaunts - +1 wife and young son.

 

[saabsaviorlee]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

I caught the bug from a craigslist find of a Sevylor Fish hunter. Next thing you know I'm on youtube and iboats researching floor patterns and DIY additions. built a new transom board to fit a weed whacker outboard and electric trolling motor, wood decks with bolted swivels and folding seats, and would have kept going if I hadn't upgraded to a 12.5' SIB by Newport Vessels. On this puppy I used Scotty glue on pads that you can attach anything in their line of fishing accessories. I have fly rod holders, spin rod holders, and anchor locks I can switch in and out with a simple twist. Launching wheels on the back from West Marine and swivel seats attached to the benches. I also used some bungee cord, pool noodles, and the wooden deck from the fish hunter to mount a bow mount trolling motor onto my bow. Let me tell you on most transoms, outboard + launching wheels + standard transom mount trolling motor ≠ fun times. Usually you can only pick 2 out of the 3. I found with my launching wheels, which are slightly lower profile as they don't extend very high up the transom, I could barely squeeze a troller back there above my wheels. However, I lost range of steering on the troller as it would either hit the boat or the outboard so out of necessity came my custom bow mount troller system. The latest project was converting a harbor freight utility trailer into a flat deck inflatable trailer. As you'll see, inflating and deflating at the waters edge becomes tiresome after your first couple trips. It is nice to know that I don't need a boat ramp to get on the water but having to find an area to setup relatively close to the water can be an issue. I would be interested in a bow bag as the rise of the front floor board makes storing things there difficult as they want to slide down. I looked into a bimini top but all the lines and poles would greatly hinder my fly casting abilities :whip: Your needs will probably be different than mine but there's an idea of what I've done. I'm still new at this and have learned a lot from the great folks on this forum. have fun and be safe!

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Thanks for your input, Saab.
How do you find the Newport craft? - I was seriously considering purchasing the 12.5, but the knowledgeable folks on the forum were recommending the JP Marine option. How's the build quality? I must admit it does look good in their video of that 30 mile Catalina trip.

I'll check out the rod holders and Scotty glue.
Good point about the bimini shade and using a rod...I'll probably need to consider some form of shade though as sitting in the Caribbean sun can get a little warm.....I might have to employ the handline method of fishing that is prevalent over here. But I have seen an option that if I fit a seat one can purchase an umbrella holder that fits on it. That might be the way to go for me.

I was v interested in your overfull transom description; it did strike me a while ago that if you fit wheels, lift flaps and a trolling/aux motor as well as the main engine there's not a lot of space left. It also brings up the issue of just how strong the various manufacturers transoms assemblies are, hence why I'm keen to know how your Newport is holding up with all that gear on it.

I understand your point about the inflating/deflating of the boat. I do intend to get a trailer.
After reading widely I am left with the impression that repeated folding up the boat might not be the best thing for it over time.
Fortunately, I live near a beach that has reasonable access.

Gaz

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

a basic boatstogo Bimini was the best mod I made to mine.
and that Todd bow locker (but I don't think they make them anymore)

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Thanks for your input, Saab.
How do you find the Newport craft? - I was seriously considering purchasing the 12.5, but the knowledgeable folks on the forum were recommending the JP Marine option. How's the build quality? I must admit it does look good in their video of that 30 mile Catalina trip.

I'll check out the rod holders and Scotty glue.
Good point about the bimini shade and using a rod...I'll probably need to consider some form of shade though as sitting in the Caribbean sun can get a little warm.....I might have to employ the handline method of fishing that is prevalent over here. But I have seen an option that if I fit a seat one can purchase an umbrella holder that fits on it. That might be the way to go for me.

I was v interested in your overfull transom description; it did strike me a while ago that if you fit wheels, lift flaps and a trolling/aux motor as well as the main engine there's not a lot of space left. It also brings up the issue of just how strong the various manufacturers transoms assemblies are, hence why I'm keen to know how your Newport is holding up with all that gear on it.

I understand your point about the inflating/deflating of the boat. I do intend to get a trailer.
After reading widely I am left with the impression that repeated folding up the boat might not be the best thing for it over time.
Fortunately, I live near a beach that has reasonable access.

Gaz

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

saab - I was rereading your post - I gotta see your boat - please post a pic or two if you can.

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Nice rig, Howard. I like the look of that bow locker. I notice it has a carry handle - is it like a bow-shaped suitcase? What's it made from? What keeps it in place?

Gaz

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Todd made or makes a popular 5 gallon fuel can for the nose of an inflatable - this was the same plastic mold, but with a hatch on the top.

Good for the anchor and tool kit etc.
Air pressure wedges it against a handle I have fastened to the front floor board. .. can just grab it and pull it out with a good yank.

 

[saabsaviorlee]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Hey gaz, I too looked into jp Marine and have read great reviews about them. Double thickness under the tubes and includes bow bag and some extras. I went with Newport vessels mostly for the price and convenience of California based vs Saturn in Florida should warranty issues arise. As for the trailer I ended up breaking the valve nut, the threaded receiver inside the boat the valve screws into! my hypothesis is from the deflating and folding every weekend it got crushed by a handle or transom or anything hard. huge pain to replace and involves cutting around the valve to get the old out nut and new in. Here's a few pics of my inflatable fishing vessel.

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

saab - great pics. where did you take them - the place looks awesome. nice mods. your trolling motor looks a bit of a beast.

gaz

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

howard - thanks for pics too. I'll do some searching re Todd.

Gaz

 

[saabsaviorlee]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

gaz, haha yeah the troller is a 55# which is a bit overkill. The first and last pictures with the troller mounted is at Roosevelt lake and the other 2 are at apache lake both in az.

 

[justagwp]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

While searching for a way to lift my inflatable out of the water, I found this forum. Lot's of great info here.
This is my inflatable... something my husband came up with years ago. I will be bringing it to Florida to use, and need to find a reasonably priced way to get it out of the water. With the deck system, it's just to heavy to lift. If anyone has any suggestions.....

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

unbelievable!! top marks. looks great!

 

[Gaz56]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

If anyone is still interestd in my saga. I went to see the boat builder, Arnold Hazell, on Bequia y'day at the fishing centre there at Paget Farm.
A very pleasant chap. We agreed on a 15ft with a 30hp moter - in all probability Yamaha. EVERYONE uses Yamaha on the island it seems. Not surprising as they have an outlet on SVG.

I'm still quite surprised that master boat builder would make a boat for me, but I'm not complaining.
I am assured the motor will be plenty powerful enough and I'll be able to island hop. We are planning in some fishing rod holders, a bimini shade and some storage under the foredeck. Mr Hazell will tell me what materials to purchase and he will charge me a sum for the build. 3 months to finish from receipt of materials. Just in time for my birthday. I can't wait.

 

[bwackwabbit]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Just about finished rigging mine up for Stillwater fishing...

Seating frame...

In the boat...

Have a glue on trolling motor mount for the bow to do and then the Honda 9.9 goes on for opening day Wed!

Cheers.

 

[saabsaviorlee]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Bwackwabbit, how is that frame secured to the boat? I like the looks of it as I am in the works of improving my seating situation. I don't like how I can't lean my back against the seat as the whole bench will rock and eventually slip out. Been debating between a pedestal mounted to the floor or a frame system. The nice frames from nrs go for like 700$ so I'm definitely leaning towards something diy.

 

[bwackwabbit]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

I use a bungee strap at the corners tied to the D rings inside the boat.

The seats still slide into the pockets on the tubes but the straps add security for boarding so the whole works does not get pulled out.

The whole works has cost me approx. $85 CAD.

 

[bwackwabbit]

Re: What mods have you made to your inflatable / rib?

Here she is rigged 'n ready for fishing w/my lad in the morning.

Bow mount troller goes on w/unique mod next week...

Cheers.