Inflatable Question

[JustinW]

OK, I figured there would be some people with knowledge about inflatables around here. I am planning a trip for a year from now and will need a small boat that I can ship to my destination. I will be traveling to an uninhabited island in alaska. Our plan is to charter a larger boat to carry us and our gear out to the Island, we will then stay and dravel around for the next two weeks. The plan is to get a small inflatable that I can pack into a crate. What is the largest inflatable curently available with removable floorboards, something that can pack down into a small space. The plan is to get it specificly for this trip, but then perhaps to use it as a small dive boat.

 

[DiveGolfSki]

Can't tell what's appropriate but check out the roll-up RIB's on this West Marine:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...Id=10801&langId=-1&subdeptNum=132&storeNum=10

 

[Mrs.Prages]

I have an airhead tk-2 inflatable kayak that I use for both white and calm water. It is very stabel when the bladders are filled and positioned appropriately. I can stand up in it and turn and walk. It is very easy to get into and out of, especially for diving, carries lots of equipment and has great tracking and paddles very well.

It rolls into a tiny package and I can carry it by myself both inflated and deflated without any problems.

I have the two person version (tk-2) because it is a little roomier. I modofied it a little so that my seat sits back a little more to allow for easier paddling from the center of the boat - if interested I can give full details. It has plenty of room for full gear and camping equipment.

Very manuevaerable and durable. I have an anchor I use for when I am out of it.

Paula
Also the price was not too bad. So far these

 

[JustinW]

I need to be able to put an outboard on it, and transport 4 people and some gear, i am thinking it needs to be in the 10'-14' range.

 

[Uncle Pug]

What uninhabited island?

Three of us used Snowbear's 13' inflatable and did essentially the same thing you are talking about. It was sufficient... barely... for the three of us.

 

[JustinW]

Kuiu, north of POW Is.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Cool. Some protected water and some not so protected. If it were me and there were four I would opt for something a bit bigger. Where on Kuiu are you going to base and where are you planning on diving? Anybody along with local knowledge.

 

[JustinW]

The plan is to charter a large boat from Craig, get them to drop us off, we will likely be on the leeward side, but very weather dependent. How familiar are you with the waters around there UP?

 

[Uncle Pug]

I'm not at all... I just know where it is. We've taken our boat to Wrangell... I would have like to head out to Baranof but it didn't happen. You should have great diving! So... how did you happen on this trip?

 

[JustinW]

Oh, we won't be diving, just an "extreme adventure" trip for the boys. Although I'm sure with a few CF200's we could have some really good king crab and good diving