inflatable RIB boat in toy hauler garage?
I have a 12' garage in my toy hauler. I'm thinking about getting a boat, rigid inflatable boat (RIB). I don't know a lot about these boats. I'm thinking that i could partially deflate one that is long...
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Whatever you end up getting be sure and insist on Hypalon fabric NOT PVC. PVC is for pool toys and the UV of the sun will eat them up. Avon and Zodiac are two of the best.
I had two Avon RIB's, the first was a 10' with a 9.9 2 cycle Suzuki and went like a bat our of hell, would cruise 24 mph in flat water with two adults. The second was a 9 footer with a 6 HP 4 stroke Nissan and while it would plane at about 16 mph you had to work at it. Both of these served as tenders, first to my 34' sailboat and then my 36' trawler.
RIB's have a number of advantages, they are stable and have good payload for their weight. You can swim/dive from them and they beach easily. They do better when left inflated and I would avoid the inflatable/wood/aluminum floor models. For the best performance get one with a deep V fiberglass hull(there are a some aluminum V hulls that also work well).
As far as outboard selection keep in mind that many lakes restrict the use of 2 cycles. The new breed of 4 strokes have gotten lighter and offer cleaner, more efficient power. A 9 food RIB with a 6 to 8 hp 4 stroke would be my first choice.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV.
:C
I had two Avon RIB's, the first was a 10' with a 9.9 2 cycle Suzuki and went like a bat our of hell, would cruise 24 mph in flat water with two adults. The second was a 9 footer with a 6 HP 4 stroke Nissan and while it would plane at about 16 mph you had to work at it. Both of these served as tenders, first to my 34' sailboat and then my 36' trawler.
RIB's have a number of advantages, they are stable and have good payload for their weight. You can swim/dive from them and they beach easily. They do better when left inflated and I would avoid the inflatable/wood/aluminum floor models. For the best performance get one with a deep V fiberglass hull(there are a some aluminum V hulls that also work well).
As far as outboard selection keep in mind that many lakes restrict the use of 2 cycles. The new breed of 4 strokes have gotten lighter and offer cleaner, more efficient power. A 9 food RIB with a 6 to 8 hp 4 stroke would be my first choice.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV.
:C
