sibs advice

[penfold]

thinking of buying a sib but the weight issue is confusing me
i intend to leave the boat inflated and use a trailer for transport, with this in mind does the air floor type of boat still provide advantages on the water with regard to ride quality, fuel consumption etc or does a slightly heavier aluminium floor sib feel more solid.
I would like to have a set of fold up transom wheels to have more options of launching sites. If the boat is on a trailer is it possible to lower the transom wheels and slide the boat off onto the wheels (possibly by unhitching from the car and tippng the trailer slightly), if so i assume the only way to get it back on is to lift it so i'm back to the weight issue - any thoughts

thanks

[prairie tuber]

If you will be trailering more often than not, go hard floor for sure. The only benefits an inflatable floor provides are a few pounds saved and a slightly quicker assembly/disassembly. A hard floor will be more durable, and far more versatile for carrying various pieces of gear, and will handle more like a boat than a squishy raft.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

If you will be trailering more often than not, go hard floor for sure. The only benefits an inflatable floor provides are a few pounds saved and a slightly quicker assembly/disassembly. A hard floor will be more durable, and far more versatile for carrying various pieces of gear, and will handle more like a boat than a squishy raft.

Totally agree - my Quicksilver 3.1m is rated at 10hp with an air floor or 15hp with wood - says it all.

[Stoo]

If you intend to use launching wheels much of the time, you might also consider a flatbed type utility tailer... It will be less expensive and more versatile.

And definitely go for the solid floor... faster, stronder, more comfortable. Also, if you carrying anything hard (i.e. dive gear) an aluminum floor will be absolutely necessary!