Hi everyone!

So I was wondering if anyone can offer an advice/opinions on inflatable boats. Not looking to spend a fortune. I have been looking at TentWorld (QLD) and I like the look of the Sevylor Colossus 4P as it looks decent and is only $119. I am just looking for a raft to do general paddling in, won't be used all the time.

However, during research I came across the Aqua Marina Classic (www.aquamarina.com/sups_product_xq.php?cid=11&id=46), though I can't find the price of it in Australia, or anywhere to buy it. I like the look of this one as a small electrical motor can be added to it if desired, but more importantly I like the shade cloth part of it.

Does anyone have any advice etc?

Thanks

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common said..
Hi everyone!

So I was wondering if anyone can offer an advice/opinions on inflatable boats. Not looking to spend a fortune. I have been looking at TentWorld (QLD) and I like the look of the Sevylor Colossus 4P as it looks decent and is only $119. I am just looking for a raft to do general paddling in, won't be used all the time.

However, during research I came across the Aqua Marina Classic (www.aquamarina.com/sups_product_xq.php?cid=11&id=46), though I can't find the price of it in Australia, or anywhere to buy it. I like the look of this one as a small electrical motor can be added to it if desired, but more importantly I like the shade cloth part of it.

Does anyone have any advice etc?

Thanks

https://abasport.com.au/collections/boating/products/aqua-marina-classic-inflatable-boat-inflatable-pvc-boat-kayak-for-fishing-double-persons-paddle-kayak-boat-oar-optional-motor

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sydchris said..

common said..
Hi everyone!

So I was wondering if anyone can offer an advice/opinions on inflatable boats. Not looking to spend a fortune. I have been looking at TentWorld (QLD) and I like the look of the Sevylor Colossus 4P as it looks decent and is only $119. I am just looking for a raft to do general paddling in, won't be used all the time.

However, during research I came across the Aqua Marina Classic (www.aquamarina.com/sups_product_xq.php?cid=11&id=46), though I can't find the price of it in Australia, or anywhere to buy it. I like the look of this one as a small electrical motor can be added to it if desired, but more importantly I like the shade cloth part of it.

Does anyone have any advice etc?

Thanks

https://abasport.com.au/collections/boating/products/aqua-marina-classic-inflatable-boat-inflatable-pvc-boat-kayak-for-fishing-double-persons-paddle-kayak-boat-oar-optional-motor

Hey Sydchris,

I had not seen this website. So thanks for that. Sheesh, that is more expensive than I had in mind... :( damn.

Edit: Realised the price it showed was WITH the gasoline motor ($700ish) But is $259 with the shade cloth.

However, do you know of any alternatives that are similar and can have the shade cloth too? But cheaper.

Sorry, couldn't do links, but this might help

... and here is a cheaper price-

www.mydeal.com.au/aqua-marina-inflatable-boat-185kg-652821?gclid=CjwKCAjwnrjrBRAMEiwAXsCc44chAgeMU06KOi_8YK32PnmjADzC_e1Mb5Xi2pFYaddELtuekpYsCRoC-5cQAvD_BwE#

This Bimini is designed to attach to a gunwale strip which the Aqua Mariner does not have, but you'll be able to attach it to the Lifeline eyes. I'd probably run an extra line from the bow to the bimini front as well
Hope it helps

... and electric motors are cheap as chips

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AzureF305 said..
This Bimini is designed to attach to a gunwale strip which the Aqua Mariner does not have, but you'll be able to attach it to the Lifeline eyes. I'd probably run an extra line from the bow to the bimini front as well
Hope it helps

Hey Azure,

Thanks for all that info.

I asked the Aqua Marine Facebook page via messenger if a shade cover can be added and they said that one cannot be attached to the Aqua Marine Motion. However, I really like the Motion product. I just really want to be sure I can attach a cover (I burn easy haha).

Do you think it would be that easy to attach it to the lifeline eye parts? This is all new to me.

Also, big thanks for the electric motor part.

No worries, glad to help. It looks like the end of the Bimini straps are hooks so you could just put a small strop(loop of rope) through the eyelets and then hook into those. Seems like you'll be fine at the rear, but the angle at the front might be a bit steep too keep it stable - that's why I suggested an extra line to the bow. You won't be going fast with an electric motor anyway so windage is not really a problem - unless you're stuck against a stiff offshore breeze(I've been there, and stupidly, more than once)

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AzureF305 said..
No worries, glad to help. It looks like the end of the Bimini straps are hooks so you could just put a small strop(loop of rope) through the eyelets and then hook into those. Seems like you'll be fine at the rear, but the angle at the front might be a bit steep too keep it stable - that's why I suggested an extra line to the bow. You won't be going fast with an electric motor anyway so windage is not really a problem - unless you're stuck against a stiff offshore breeze(I've been there, and stupidly, more than once)

Yeah the Bimini looks like it would perhaps work. Something I would need to look into and really try and visualise how it would all fit together on the eyelets. Don't want to spend $65 on an ebay product and not be able to return it or some such.

If you haven't seen it, this is what I am going for:
The electric motor is an extra option I will consider, for now the main thing is I would like a boat with a shade cloth. Which can be bought with the Aqua Marina Classic from ABA Sports as linked above for $259. Only reservations I have there is it ships from China. Am just trying to keep in mind if returns need to be made.

Interesting - the pic you've shown has the bimini attached to the lifelines anchor points, same as I described, so it looks like it can be done.
If you didn't want to muck around with strops, you could get something like these -
... Or these-

I don't know where you're located but my aqua marina only lasted 3 years. It was good value for the very cheap price but pretty wasteful of resources.

The glue doesnt last terribly well . 1st little things will peel off and then the transom. Google will show many others experience the same issue.

Has anyone bought anything from that ABA Sports website??

abasport.com.au/collections/boating/products/aqua-marina-classic-inflatable-boat-inflatable-pvc-boat-kayak-for-fishing-double-persons-paddle-kayak-boat-oar-optional-motor
They have an address, is there a store front as well?

Any info?

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slammin said..
I don't know where you're located but my aqua marina only lasted 3 years. It was good value for the very cheap price but pretty wasteful of resources.

The glue doesnt last terribly well . 1st little things will peel off and then the transom. Google will show many others experience the same issue.

Hey,

Oh right, that is interesting info. I am struggling to find what I like. See, I definitely want a shade cloth, and it would be great to also have engine mount for a small T-18 electric motor, and also some fishing rod holders. If anyone knows something that fits that particular bill, that would be great.

Oh, I am located in Brisbane. I would prefer something that is set up and ready to go, that is why I like the Aqua Marina Classic. It won't be getting used heavily, so I will guess it will last me ok.

Hey
Don't get too excited about life expectancy.
They all deteriorating even stored away.
I just used my brand new Zodiac stored for a few years, and 1/2 m weld open up and leak.
Lucky me I find good place at Airlie to repair for about $100. look very good job
Just buy what you like and enjoy.
My best is ,sit on kayak for over 3 years
and still like new.
looking forward, someone start manufacturing
nested dingy for decent price

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Charriot said..
Hey
Don't get too excited about life expectancy.
They all deteriorating even stored away.
I just used my brand new Zodiac stored for a few years, and 1/2 m weld open up and leak.
Lucky me I find good place at Airlie to repair for about $100. look very good job
Just buy what you like and enjoy.
My best is ,sit on kayak for over 3 years
and still like new.
looking forward, someone start manufacturing
nested dingy for decent price

Hey Charriot,

Thanks, mate. That is how I am trying to look at it, just buy/get what I enjoy. And I am really keen on the Aqua Marina Classic, however, the ABA Sporting Goods feels a little dodgy to me. Also, harder to do returns if the product is faulty from the get go. Struggling to get what I would like, and the Aqua Marina Classic ticks all the boxes. Decent size, shade cloth ready to go, can attach a T-18 electrical motor, has two rod holders.

So I am trying to work out the best way to go about this, and a reliable store to buy from, or a store that has a physical shop so I can have a look at the product before hand. Finding stores in Australia seems to be a bit of a joke.

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Charriot said..
looking forward, someone start manufacturing nested dingy for decent price

Not a commercial nested dingy, alas, but for a home-built version, see here
www.trailersailerplace.com.au/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13210&hilit=nested

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common said..

Charriot said..
Hey
Don't get too excited about life expectancy.
They all deteriorating even stored away.
I just used my brand new Zodiac stored for a few years, and 1/2 m weld open up and leak.
Lucky me I find good place at Airlie to repair for about $100. look very good job
Just buy what you like and enjoy.
My best is ,sit on kayak for over 3 years
and still like new.
looking forward, someone start manufacturing
nested dingy for decent price

Hey Charriot,

Thanks, mate. That is how I am trying to look at it, just buy/get what I enjoy. And I am really keen on the Aqua Marina Classic, however, the ABA Sporting Goods feels a little dodgy to me. Also, harder to do returns if the product is faulty from the get go. Struggling to get what I would like, and the Aqua Marina Classic ticks all the boxes. Decent size, shade cloth ready to go, can attach a T-18 electrical motor, has two rod holders.

So I am trying to work out the best way to go about this, and a reliable store to buy from, or a store that has a physical shop so I can have a look at the product before hand. Finding stores in Australia seems to be a bit of a joke.

Have you considered how difficult that thing would be to row?

Oh and when it dies in a year or two make sure you throw it straight into the sea, it cuts out the middle man!

Select to expand quote

Wander66 said..

common said..

Charriot said..
Hey
Don't get too excited about life expectancy.
They all deteriorating even stored away.
I just used my brand new Zodiac stored for a few years, and 1/2 m weld open up and leak.
Lucky me I find good place at Airlie to repair for about $100. look very good job
Just buy what you like and enjoy.
My best is ,sit on kayak for over 3 years
and still like new.
looking forward, someone start manufacturing
nested dingy for decent price

Hey Charriot,

Thanks, mate. That is how I am trying to look at it, just buy/get what I enjoy. And I am really keen on the Aqua Marina Classic, however, the ABA Sporting Goods feels a little dodgy to me. Also, harder to do returns if the product is faulty from the get go. Struggling to get what I would like, and the Aqua Marina Classic ticks all the boxes. Decent size, shade cloth ready to go, can attach a T-18 electrical motor, has two rod holders.

So I am trying to work out the best way to go about this, and a reliable store to buy from, or a store that has a physical shop so I can have a look at the product before hand. Finding stores in Australia seems to be a bit of a joke.

Have you considered how difficult that thing would be to row?

Oh and when it dies in a year or two make sure you throw it straight into the sea, it cuts out the middle man!

Really not sure how this post of yours is helpful, mate.

We all have different things we like, or want to try/get.

As for rowing it, that is part of the reason I mentioned getting a T-18 electrical motor...so, yeah...