BajaNomad - Inflatable vs tin boat?

Inflatable vs tin boat?

neilm81301 - 5-12-2014 at 09:30 PM

Aside from being wadded up and stuffed in the trunk, do the Zodiacs, etc have any advantages over a similar size alum car-topper?

Thanks!

Neil

Deflatable

captkw - 5-12-2014 at 09:55 PM

Hola Neil,,,you more or less hit the nail on the head..sorta...It really depends on what you want to do with your boat,,,for snorkeling and diving a deflatable is great...but with fish hooks and a gaff your looking for trouble sooner or later.. a more rigid boat can ride better in most cases....what are your plans for your boating ?? that's the main factor !!......K&T :cool:

...PS they are usally more stable than a small tinner (beer can)

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by captkw]

redhilltown - 5-12-2014 at 11:51 PM

kw really nails when he asks what you are going to use it for. Having done both fairly recently...for serious fishing a tin boat. But if you are going way off road and space is a problem and you can't car top, an inflatable at least gets you on the water and gets you the chance to do what you want. We had a small Achilles inflatable recently and it really is a dance when you catch something you want to keep. But dang it, we were on the Cortez and bopping around areas that small boats rarely go!! If you have to trailer it that is a whole different game but if you have the rack, and you want to really fish I vote for the tin...

Mostly referring to off roading...no idea which is better if you have a ramp and civilization!

chuckie - 5-13-2014 at 04:58 AM

And, inflatables seem to be harder to sell, if and when that time comes...

Frank - 5-13-2014 at 05:37 AM

For years we drove the F350 CC with a 14' Klamath in the bed. The Klamath was great to fish out of, and the F350 was a mobile garage. The downside was that the F350 was a mobile garage, too big, heavy, long and didn't like to turn around in a short distance offroad.

We wanted something smaller that would go anywhere we wanted to explore. Now we take the 4Runner with the Deflatable. The Deflatable is lighter to haul up the beach and easier to climb back in of you go for a swim. I can also say that you get 10 times the excitement if you hook up to a marlin. LOL

So basically it came down to vehicle choice and what we wanted out of the trip. Buy a good 15-20hp OB and then buy Woodys Deflatable ( if he still has it ) and search on CL for a tin. Life's too short to own just one boat and there is never a perfect boat that does everything.

RnR - 5-13-2014 at 06:37 AM

Depends on where you want to go and what you want to do.

I've had both and prefer the "tinny". 14 ft Klamath vs 12 ft Achilles, (non RIB). I had the inflatable for the first 6 years and the Klamath for the last five.

The inflatable is more portable but is still heavy and takes a lot of room. With the Klamath, you can carry stuff inside of it while traveling. The inflatable takes space rather than creates space.

The Klamath is a better ride. HANDS DOWN. It has a point on the front and handles rougher water quite well. The inflatable is a wet slow ride with greater than 6" chop. The Klamath has real seats. In the inflatable, you get tired of sitting sideways on the hull after a couple hours. And, you need to sit on the windward side in a cross-wind. WET!

There's much more room inside the "tinny". The outside dimensions may be similar but the hulls of the inflatable take away a huge amount of your floor space.

And, the deciding factor for me. Fish hooks and rubber do not mix well. But, you can return three miles to shore with only three of the four air chambers intact. Ask me how I know...?

micah202 - 5-13-2014 at 06:52 AM

.
....something to be said for more solid--mo'betta!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCUc3U8WVMo

Skipjack Joe - 5-13-2014 at 07:14 AM

If you get caught in a storm you are more likely to survive in a raft. They don't flip over as easily and if they do, they remain afloat.

bajabuddha - 5-13-2014 at 09:01 AM

If you do go inflatable, buy quality, not 'sale' prices. I've had a 14' Achilles for 18 years now, and still love it. It has bench seats, and I STRONGLY suggest a boat with OARS, not paddles (if you have to row a good distance, say if the motor konks on you). You get what you pay for.

The hypalon material is no problem either, bounced many a lure off and not popped a tube yet (one must be diligent in the angle of the dangle though). A friend recently bought a Zodiac brand with the 'plastic' material (I forget the name) and found a myriad of pin-holes just from fish spines bouncing off the side of his boat; had to glue a 'fish-patch' where he lands his catch.

Also, the boat folds up neatly in the bed of my truck forward of the gooseneck (5th wheel). I made an A-frame trailer out of 1" square stock steel and 2 wheel barrow tires that put together in 15 minutes for beach launching (4 WD recommended). As mentioned on other posts, if the seas get rough, you get wet, but don't sink. Much more stable and safer than metal. Less rocking when people are moving around too. You also have shallower draft in an inflatable than aluminum, so low tides are less dragging, and usually less weight when loaded with gear/motor, etc.

Plus side of aluminum is you can haul gear in them IF it's trailered; car-top not so easy unless you have a bottom-cage topper. Plus, there's always the risk of flying boats on the highway. And, if one or the other does end up with a hole, I've seen a lot of aluminum owners hassling longer than me trying to get it patched.

Cada loco con su tema! Try 'em both. BTW, I'm running a 9.9 Yamaha on mine, it's sufficient for one or two people. A 15 hp would be nicer, but I can't manage it by myself any more. Happy hunting.
bb

Barry A. - 5-13-2014 at 09:27 AM

I have done both, and my vote is for the Tin-boat. Inflatables are just too much hassle for me.

I agree with Rnr above.

For many years I carried my Gregor 12 foot, and then my Gregor 14 foot tin boat on top of my Callen steel-framed camper on my F-250 pickup and could go anywhere with that rig, and launch anywhere too. Properly loaded I was never chased off the water, even with 2 to 3 foot waves, but you have to be careful and know what you are doing and hide out behind islands or headlands occasionally until the wind dies down (hopefully). Well-made Alum boats are tough customers, and will take a huge beating. I have popped seams by hitting a wave too hard and too fast, but the leaking is minimal and can be repaired easily and that only happened to me twice in over 20 years.

Just my experience, of course.

Barry

willardguy - 5-13-2014 at 09:35 AM

we've been fishing a zodiac, two achillies and a quicksilver for 15 years and by far the best boat ever is the Balkan VINYL boat we've been fishing hard for the last 8 years. a third the cost of a hypalon boat and lighter. not a single patch on her and we fish REAL skinny water. biggest fish over the tube was a 110# gulf grouper that we never cold have pulled inside a tin boat. we run a 18hp on the 14' balkan and like all our inflatables, we use one piece floors.
if you can't keep from sticking a hook or a gaff in your boat, i'd shore fish!

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by willardguy]

Cisco - 5-13-2014 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by neilm81301
Aside from being wadded up and stuffed in the trunk, do the Zodiacs, etc have any advantages over a similar size alum car-topper?

Thanks!

Neil

Get a copy of "The Outboard Boater's Handbook". David Getchell.

Library should have it. Think it's out of print but it covers EVERYTHING and is an excellent resource to your question and full of good information on every page.

Great book. If you can't find it let me know and I'll send you my copy.

SFandH - 5-13-2014 at 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cisco

Get a copy of "The Outboard Boater's Handbook". David Getchell.

Library should have it. Think it's out of print but it covers EVERYTHING and is an excellent resource to your question and full of good information on every page.

Great book. If you can't find it let me know and I'll send you my copy.

Amazon Book Store

mcfez - 5-13-2014 at 10:41 AM

neilm81301 ...what area are you planning to go boating? Launching is the big question as there are few on the Sea Of Cortez side. I have a Gregory that is perfect for tow n fish .....and it wont sink from a accidental hole punch. I copied the boat darn near as shown in http://www.amazon.com/The-Baja-Catch-Fishing-California/dp/0...

We also have kayak fishing platforms............where are fantastic for those hard to get too locations. Great for tow n fish.

Haven t taken anything larger into our side of The Baja due to road conditions and my lack of patience for driving slow and cautiousness disregard :_)

another optain

captkw - 5-13-2014 at 10:48 AM

I used to run 25 miles for tuna (albie) in a 14 ft Livingston in 20 kt's wind and rad sea's ,,Dry,,stalbe, fast,fishey and they make smaller units..gene missed the boat on that !!! :cool:

I dare you to test drive in the snot..Amazing !! 1 problem ..very few know how to rig and set them up right !! :cool:

Pompano - 5-13-2014 at 11:35 AM

Neil, the final choice will be up to you. Whatever you decide, I'd advise taking it for a sea trial first. A full discovery before buying is muy important. I know you realize all this, but it's useful to go over it again.

That would include a complete dress rehearsal on the boat.

On an inflatable...carrying, airing up for the water, launching, a sea trial checking for leaks and comfort, engine + equip, retrieving, airing down and storage. Get the feel of the whole procedure.

You should put the aluminum boat in the water, check for leaks in bottom and transom, check engine, run at speed with 2 people to see if it planes, and how dry it runs in waves.

Also, depends on 'where' you will be boating. Offshore/inshore ocean, bays, lakes, and rivers all have different situations. Where I am right now...it's solid driftboats with shallow keels that work well here.

I've had both of your choices and have enjoyed them for different reasons and locations for many years...both work and play.

Inflatables:

Your #1 decision is whether or not you want/need to break down the boat frequently. A lot of inflatables get inflated and stay that way. In that case the plain old wood floor over the over-inflated floor is a good value. In that case, you only have to deal with assembly once. I also think a trailer is the best option for a larger inflatable. I bought a light trailer and kept it inflated and ready to go.

Inflatables are better for rough water, can't really sink them if you get swamped. They may ride rough as a bucking bull...but you'll stay afloat to tell your story later.

Get used to lifting the weight. Try lifting one up and putting it in your trunk, by yourself, that and the motor... that just leaked gas all over your back seat... :rolleyes:

The stability of fishing from an inflatable as well as the end of season storage compactness of them is something else to consider. Saves on garage space.

Aluminum car toppers:

I know the aluminum boats seem to last forever with pretty minimal care in fresh water...and for use in salt, keep them rinsed right after use and you'll have fewer problems. Some hull coating can also be done to control any galvanic corrosion. Easy peasy.

You have more usable space inside the boat...for comfort and service. You won't puncture the boat with a fish hook or gaff.

From my experience, the aluminum will also hold its value a lot better.

For either boat...

I can't really recommend brands, but first go by the weight of the equipment you can comfortably handle. Then pick the largest length and most HP that fits inside those parameters.

The outboard is best gotten as a 4 stroke. 2 strokes are lighter, but they stink and leave oil on top of the water.

So it all depends on how you use it.

For multiple launchings, I eventually got tired of the inflatable with the take down and setup and lugging the motor on and off the boat and bought a 15 ft Aluminum boat for those small boat uses. That's just me...

I would say buy the Tinny, use it for many years. If you ever decide to sell you will be able to sell it for what was invested, for the most part.

And remember....The acronym BOAT stands for - Bring Out Another Thousand.

You get what you pay for.

Good Luck Boating!

Here we are at Agua Verde with a Tinny. 1985

A collage of some inflatables over the years.

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by Pompano]

JZ - 5-13-2014 at 12:22 PM

We've had endless fun in our Zodiac. Carrying on the back of the big boat. And small enough to fit in my truck in between two dirt bikes.

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by JZ]

Barry A. - 5-13-2014 at 12:27 PM

JZ-----You appear to have a leak in your starboard center chamber-----a significant leak!!! :lol:

(Sorry, I just had to do it)

Does the rifle have anything to do with it?

Barry

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by Barry A.]

woody with a view - 5-13-2014 at 01:06 PM

I've got a 12' Avon for $400 if you need one!

Skipjack Joe - 5-13-2014 at 01:36 PM

Were tin boats ever made of tin?

Pompano - 5-13-2014 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

Igor, my 'boyhood boat' for navigating the Little Missouri River in western ND was built by welding two old car hoods together. I don't think the material was 'tin', but close enough...and what fun that was..it held a few catfish and squirrels!

J.P. - 5-13-2014 at 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

We had one like that where I grew up in the Panhandle of Texas . We really had a lot more fun using it as a sled towing it behind dads car. :lol:

Cisco - 5-13-2014 at 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

"While still a young boy, Robb White built his first boat, hewn from the tin roof of an abandoned chicken coop in the backyard-stamping and primping it into shape, then testing it out in the back creek."

And one of the funniest books I have ever read.

http://books.google.com/books?id=q_rTaSiXkg8C&pg=PP4&...

Page down to the chapter "Storm Boat Motor" for a great giggle.

Marc - 5-13-2014 at 07:02 PM

Port-A-Bote makes a fold up. I have a 12.5 foot with a Nissan 9.8 motor. You can spot folded on top of my Toy.

[Edited on 5-14-2014 by Marc]

JZ - 5-13-2014 at 07:46 PM

Getting ready to launch in San Carlos.

Pompano - 5-13-2014 at 08:10 PM

'Tin Boat Times"

16ft Lund Aluminum tiller, w/20 Johnson.

1300 miles north of US border in Canada outback wilderness...270 miles from nearest paved road back then. A railway portage from huge Lac la Ronge lake into the Churchill River...1 mile through the forest on the rail boat carriage using a block and tackle, winching from tree to tree. Usually get a rabbit or spruce grouse for dinner during the portage. Fun stuff then, probably not so much fun today...I'm a mite older...

Skipjack Joe - 5-14-2014 at 12:16 AM

Is there good fishing for pike in Lac LaRonge?

BTW, I really like that name, 'Lah Rohnnjj'. I'm sure that if I were paddling along it's banks it would repeat itself over and over again in my brain. In the manner that Maurice Chevalier would have said it.

RnR - 5-14-2014 at 06:01 AM

Quote:

Inflatables don't flip over as easily and if they do, they remain afloat.

Aluminum boats (Klamath) have foam flotation inside all of the seats. The boat will not sink. Supposedly, even with the motor attached.

woody with a view - 5-14-2014 at 12:40 PM

I'm pretty sure my valco has Styrofoam also.

willardguy - 5-14-2014 at 12:52 PM

I think the USCG says all boats under 20' have to have positive flotation? captain??

Pompano - 5-14-2014 at 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Is there good fishing for pike in Lac LaRonge?

BTW, I really like that name, 'Lah Rohnnjj'. I'm sure that if I were paddling along it's banks it would repeat itself over and over again in my brain. In the manner that Maurice Chevalier would have said it.

'Tinnys'...Aluminum boats prevail in all fly-in lodges Up North. Specifically Lund 16 and 18 footers...new delivery to remote areas is by dropping onto the lake near the lodge by floatplanes. Which is quite a sight to see...

Igor, Lac la Ronge has monster pike (plus walleyes, lakers, and a famous monsterfish)..I fish & camp in an outer bay called Hunter's Bay. I've caught many over 30 lbs since the sixties. All catch and release as these are the big female egglayers.

Maurice C. would have been a welcome singer at any of our campfires.

Again, all the aluminum boats I have owned have built-in flotation. It's pretty much standard in the industry for many years now.

monoloco - 5-14-2014 at 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

No, nor were "tin roofs". :lol:

Barry A. - 5-14-2014 at 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR

Quote:

Inflatables don't flip over as easily and if they do, they remain afloat.

Aluminum boats (Klamath) have foam flotation inside all of the seats. The boat will not sink. Supposedly, even with the motor attached.

-----true, but they will stand on end, motor-down, which is disappointing------at least mine did overnite once but 12 gals of fuel in the rear did not help.. (12 foot Gregor)

Barry

Barry

Skipjack Joe - 5-14-2014 at 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

No, nor were "tin roofs". :lol:

I hear cats hate them.

Bob53 - 5-14-2014 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

No, nor were "tin roofs". :lol:

or tin foil.

Alan - 5-14-2014 at 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Were tin boats ever made of tin?

No, nor were "tin roofs". :lol:

I hear cats hate them.

Unless they are HOT! Skipjack, I think we just aged ourselves :lol:

woody with a view - 5-14-2014 at 07:50 PM

well, there is a cat that sleeps under the tarp in my hot tin boat......

Alan - 5-14-2014 at 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
well, there is a cat that sleeps under the tarp in my hot tin boat......

Lo Siento young'un you missed it (but that's a good thing!)

Deflatables

captkw - 5-15-2014 at 12:14 AM

A deflatable VS a Tinny in high winds will ride worse and a Deflatable is much more prone to catching air and flipping...someone posted the wrong answer here about A very well knowned fact....I don't think for a second,, in Very HIGH winds you shoud be out in a deflatables as they like to flip... the only boat that like hike high winds are CATS & SAIL BOATS..or Heavy Mono"s..Think about It !!!! DUH !!!

JZ - 5-15-2014 at 01:38 AM

It's Inflatable kw. I know you are trying to be snarky, but it's really not funny.

It took you two years to find the caps button, so maybe there is help for you after all...

JZ - 5-15-2014 at 01:42 AM

My favorite experience in the Zodiac was doing a 3 mile run in the dark in 4 foot wind waves from Kino Bay to Dog Bay on Isla Tiburon.

Cypress - 5-15-2014 at 03:00 AM

There's one of those rail portages Pompano pictured on the lower Pearl River along the MS/LA line. I'm fishing out of a 14' aluminum flat-bottom skiff these days, has a 15 hp evinrude on it. It's great for getting through tight places and easy to paddle.

JZ

captkw - 5-15-2014 at 06:17 AM

Good morning!! There is a reason why in this biz, that we call them what they are .. Deflatable's vs inflatable's ...plain and simple..