newcomer here

[Graham Todd]

Hi guys just joined the forum.My boat is a cheap Chinese made 3meter slat bottom narrow inflatable it is 4ft 2 inches wide witha 2ft internal width between the tubes I only has 5 cross slats for the bottom do you think I would be wise to make a plywood full bottom to sit on top of these it measures 7ft x 2ft internal between the tubes obviously with more room under the tubes to trap the proposed floor. it would have to be edged with some form of seal of course it has no inflatable keel however despite the instructions saying it has,I suspect these are for another model in the range.I have two of the air cooled 5.8 hp 2 stroke motors from Poland they seem very good and are light enough for an old stiff bugger to lug around. Any advice would be lovely. I know I should have waited a while and bought a dearer boat but it seemed Ideal for the job when I looked at the you tube vids etc.

Graham Todd

[Fenlander]

Hi Graham welcome to the forum.

Yes you can make a simple ply floor either one or two piece which will help the feeling of firmness underfoot but probably not add much to the way it goes without a keel.

If you get to like this way of being on the water then it's easy enough to look out for a used SIB to go the next stage up when you are ready.

David

[Graham Todd]

Thanks David I have just seen an advert for used airdeck floor that is just about the correct dimensions. I have put a bid in and will sort out some form of putting in an after market inflatable keel which I have noticed are for sale.Like you say If I like this way of getting out and about at sea I can always get a better craft later on.
Graham.

[Steve509926]

Hi Graham, I'd stick with what you have for this summer and enjoy it. After a few months use you will know what you want to move onto, and prices will probably have become a little more sensible. Then if you feel you need to move onto a bigger sib with an aideck/Ali floor & keel you will be in a better position to know what to choose.

[Sibfisher]

Hi Graham Welcome to the forum

[909]

I would find a boat you want to buy.

Negotiate a price.

Then sell your boat for the price you negotiated.

Then buy the boat you want.

Spend more of your boating season on the water and less time fixing boats.