Hello from Ash, Surrey

[Gazz0322]

Hi folks

My first intro seems to have gotten lost somewhere, so rather than go through it all again, I need help LOL. My wife and I would like an inflatable to spend pleasant days chugging our inland waterways. I know nothing about watercraft which is why I hope to draw upon your knowledge and experience.

I already have my eye on an inflatable, not too expensive but still a fair chunk out my account and when taking a small 4HP motor as its powerplant I expect to be closer to £1000 when finished.

Any help and advice would be very welcome!!

Cheers... Gazz

[Fenlander]

Gazz,

Welcome to the forum.

If you wish to find an inflatable with 4hp for inland use £1000 should easily do it.

How many people/dogs etc do you want to carry?

Are you going to carry it in the car packed up and inflate each time?

[Gazz0322]

Thank you for your quick reply, I guess I should have included the basic information. Max persons will be 3, no dogs only camera and quickstop rations, I would like to be able to carry the inflatable in my car and inflate each time it needs to be used. The engine would likely be carried on its side in the car also, so I wondered if there where any tips on this. Many Thanks

[Wake Up Call]

I would ensure you use care when loading the outboard and any other items so you don't accidentally open the fuel petcock! Had it happen in the storage compartment of our travel trailer. Hard to sleep, or in your case drive, when you smell gas fumes!

[Rib Martin]

I'm from Ash..... my dad still lives in South Lane.... [emoji106]

[Solent-Salted]

Originally Posted by Rib Martin

I'm from Ash..... my dad still lives in South Lane.... [emoji106]

Small world,

I went to Mansfield primary, South Ash then Ash Manor schools, moved away in 1992.

[Gazz0322]

Nice to know there are some locals on here lol.

[Rib Martin]

Went to Manfield.. then we were the first year in South Ash.. then Yeomans Bridge as it was.... left in 76...[emoji106]

[Gazz0322]

The idea of us getting a SIB for our local inland waterways has now been resurrected as our last attempt was thwarted by an unexpected financial outlay.

3 persons (max) having a quiet day on a river or on our local canal is our aim, so 20HP outboards and wake jumping is not on our agenda lol.

As stated above, I am after a little help and advice from more experienced SIB users/owners as to what I really need. If I offer my opinion then please feel free to shoot me down and point me in the right direction, I would appreciate your honesty at this point.

Having looked around in the usual places, I would like the following: 3M SIB with a 2.5 - 4HP outboard (4 stroke). If possible I would like the fuel contained in the OB and not in a fuel bladder/container in the boat.

Simple really, but I am still confused by the different types of bottom, be they inflatable, flat, "V" shaped, hard or soft floor. The OB's... the different HP, manufacturers, what would I actually need for my purpose.

I would rather ask on here than go to retailer who might sell me exactly what I dont need although I am sure there are lots of honest ones out there.

Many Thanks for reading this far, and if you can offer any advice I would appreciate it. Edit: Our realistic budget is £1'500

Mr & Mrs G