Inflatable boats

[OkieCat]

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">The Sea Eagle SE9 that we ordered about a month ago came in last week. We took her out on the river today for the first time and had a lot of fun fishing. We bought a 55# thrust trolling motor and while we are not going to win any races it does very well as a little fishing boat. The people in the bigger boats were all interested in our set up... I think a few of them thought we were a bit crazy to be out there in our 11 foot inflatable. LOL It is pretty stable thanks to the floorboards and even does well in the wake of other boats.

So far, so good! We both think it will be a great way to enjoy the water while camping. Most of it stows nicely in a large plastic container and the floorboards fit in the basement of the TT. We are ready to take it with us camping in a few weeks.

Do any of you own an inflatable boat? How do you like it? Has there been any challenges using it?</span>

[OkieCat]

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">The Sea Eagle SE9 that we ordered about a month ago came in last week. We took her out on the river today for the first time and had a lot of fun fishing. We bought a 55# thrust trolling motor and while we are not going to win any races it does very well as a little fishing boat. The people in the bigger boats were all interested in our set up... I think a few of them thought we were a bit crazy to be out there in our 11 foot inflatable. LOL It is pretty stable thanks to the floorboards and even does well in the wake of other boats.

So far, so good! We both think it will be a great way to enjoy the water while camping. Most of it stows nicely in a large plastic container and the floorboards fit in the basement of the TT. We are ready to take it with us camping in a few weeks.

Do any of you own an inflatable boat? How do you like it? Has there been any challenges using it?</span>

[Blue Skies]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by OkieCat:
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Do any of you own an inflatable boat? How do you like it? Has there been any challenges using it?</span> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do not have one but was looking at this Folding Canoe.

Did you also consider this type before buying the inflatable?

I am also interested in other experiences with folding or inflatable boats.

[OkieCat]

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Hello Blue Skies,

We thought about a Porta Bote, it's not a folding canoe but it is a folding boat. Fact is we tried to buy one on E-Bay several times but finally gave up. The more we thought about it the more we talked ourselves out of it. There were many reasons we decided against it, prices are pretty high, adding brackets on to our TT wasn't something we wanted to do, and there are many times when my husband & I camp alone so the weight of it could have posed a problem.

We looked at a lot of inflatables and quite a few had features that we liked, some were well liked by the owners but many were not. The Sea Eagle seems very well built and is our best option for now.

</span>

[Gary RVRoamer]

I've had both a Port-A-Bote and a Sea Eagle. Both are fine. The Port-a-bote handles waves a bit better and the keel provides more directional control, but we've the Sea Eagle in some very large lakes and in some winds with no problems at all.

[OkieCat]

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Thanks Gary!

I must admit I have been just a bit concerned about how it handles on a lake... but my DH assures me that as long as we don't go way out, like in the middle of a large lake, we should be just fine.

The best fishing is usually closer to the shore anyway.
</span>

[Blue Skies]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by OkieCat:
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">The more we thought about it the more we talked ourselves out of it. There were many reasons we decided against it, prices are pretty high, adding brackets on to our TT wasn't something we wanted to do, and there are many times when my husband & I camp alone so the weight of it could have posed a problem.</span> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm not sure based on the specs I saw where the Eagle was a big advantage over the Tote'n Boat for solo use based on size, weight or price.

The Tote 'n Boat is only 32 lbs. and the folded canoe is 14"x48"x4" and $359.
The Sea Eagle is over 70 lbs (with floor boards), deflated 10"x24"x23" plus the floor board dimensions and is over $500.
Both offer free shipping.

[OkieCat]

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Hello again Blue Skies!

It sounds to me like your choice will work well for you and that is great. We chose the Sea Eagle because many times there will be 2 to 3 people in it fishing and a wider boat should work better for us. Yes, it is heavier and a bit more expensive but we think it will be just fine for how we use it.

Have a great time in your "Tote 'n Boat", I hope you catch a lot of fish! </span>

[Oklahoma MR C]

Okiecat: we handle inflatables at
WWW.Mercurymarine.com/mercury_inflatables

[eandy]

I bought a Sevylor Tahiti 11+". I've only inflated it once in the house to see how well 2 people fit. I'm extremely pleased with the quality. Weight was a paramount consideration. In hindsight I wish I had opted for the model w/transom for elec motor, just slightly more cost. I've meant to post sooner re: the retailer. I bought from Campmor.com. They were the lowest price and shipping was cheap. It was delivered in about 3 days, much faster than quoted. They have an extensive catalog of about anything anyone would need for camping/hiking.