Hi guy,
I'm hearing reasonable reports back on "cheap ebay inflatable boats".
I've seen a decent looking 3.3m Inflatable Catamaran, like a "zodiac"... $950...
$200-$250 for a half decent Electric Outboard, and then maybe $750 for 2 Deep Cycle 12V batteries and charger, from Battery World...
$150 for odds and ends, like PFD's, flares, etc.

Total - circa $2100.

Even if we only use it 10 times, I'm actually OK with that...
My son is only 6.5 years old, and doesn't like loud noisy outboards...
A boat like this would be effective for us... Only need to get 300m-600m away from a launch location, and it can be launched almost anywhere... Would also be fine in small estuaries... Calm water operation... Gentle off shore wind conditions. Enclosed waters, and inland waters....

If he really enjoys fishing and boating, I would then think about a proper boat when he's older...


Opinions:
I think the explained set-up suits our needs, and have any of you experienced similar set-ups?
There's also "aluminum floor inserts on the Mono Hull Zodiac version, but it looks trickier to assemble... The Catamaran design has an inflatable floor, and should be pretty comfy, and should be "warmer" on the feet, compared to alloy in Vicco cool waters...


Question:
I think I actually need a boating license for this Vicco ???
But I don't think I need to register the boat, as it is only a "tender", and under 4m.



http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-3M-Inflatable-Catamaran-Inflatable-Boat-Inflatable-Dinghy-Mini-Cat-Boat-Blue/161968119974?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D5fef398a7c9140eeba835164ffd9328f%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D162020610150

That look pretty cool Id like to try that with a 15HP on the back with that air tunnel I reckon you'd get some air time, You'd defiantly need a mate up front to hold it down!!!

LoL!

They look pretty stable too... Decent area inside too.

In WA, the definition of a tender requires a bigger boat for the tender to go to... i.e. they don't get registered if the tender is used to get from a moored/anchored boat to shore..
But then again, we have more laws over here than people.

Hi Simondo,
Looks OK but I reckon you will end up with wet feet. Also, your costings on the battery and outboard are a bit back to front. A 100 a/h battery will be about $200-250 and a 54 lb thrust Watersnake electric about $700 (Minn Kota will be more) A 100 a/h battery will run for a couple of hours at least (mine does) so 2 might be overkill if you are only going as far as you say. Get the yoke style wearable PFD's. They are rated by weight and are comfortable to wear all day. Worth a shot and if you don't like it it is not a great financial loss.

I'm considering 90 lbs of thrust, which needs 24V.
But I might settle for 70 lbs, and 12V ...

Wet feet... I would carry a bucket, milk bottle bailer, and a sponge...

If it is only a tender if it is going to need a mother ship. Usual restrictions like 2nm, no fishing etc Hello state based red tape. I read somewhere maybe QLD SE they are cracking down on tenders.

As for Vic isn't it HP based any thing over 4hp, from memory. So you would need to convert the thrust to hp. Those batteries are seriously heavy and that boat looks seriously wet.

But seriously the biggest issue that you will have is the boat falling apart after 2-3yrs. The glue fails and there is no option of re-gluing. Well certainly not anything that will last. I have read of someone who had theirs sent to an inflatable shop for repairs under warranty, 3mths later same problem. In the end seller gave the $'s back.

If you are serious get a 2nd hand car topper and a small 2st outboard. If you are stuck on inflatables, Pay the big money for a Zodiac or scour for a 2nd hand Zodiac.

Even on this website, the sailing forum has regular stories of cheap inflatables falling apart.

This could be good, forget the electric use a whipper snipper

I thought you said you wanted a half decent outboard but what you really want is the cheapest Ebay one you can get. OK. Get one of those then.. But my 54lb Watersnake moves my tinny (approx. 750 kg's) at 6 knots or so I imagine it would be plenty for your blow up thing and only needs 1 x 12 volt battery!!

I thought you wanted to do it on a budget so why would you go to a 24 volt set up? How much extra performance will you get out of a 90 lb electric for the added expense and weight?

And as far as the wet feet comment goes, that means that anything you put in there will get wet as well, tackle box, rods/reels, lunch box and you are in Vic so wet = cold (at least to a QLD'er).

Good luck with it....

Based on your points about 300-600m, calm waters, 7 Y.O who likes peace (LOL!), unregistered.

I'd say get a large Kayak! For your budget I think you could pick up a fantastic Hobie pedal (foot operated) used kayak. Use that for as long as you like, and you will sell it for the same price as you bought it for. Spec it up with fish finder/ice box/bait tank when you get serious.