A couple inflatable questions for you boat-geniuses

Hi guys,

Maybe this isn't the right forum for this, but you all seem to know the most about boats, so I figured I'd give it a try.

It's really a quick question... I currently have a Zodiac Mark I classic 12' inflatable. Works great, but there's a couple spots where the glue is loose between the transom and floor that leak, eventually leaving me with a couple of inches of water in the boat. Annoying as hell...

I was looking at selling this one and just getting a Sea Eagle 124smb (http://www.seaeagle.com/MotormountBoats.aspx) fisherman's dream package and a 5-6 hp motor. (I already have a 46 lb troller...)

I'm not a big boater like all you guys... I live in Chicago, needed somethign i can fit in a car trunk, and wanted to fish... that's how I originally got the Zodiac. My question is, because I can't find ANY reviews on that boat, do you guys think it would be fine for near-shore salmon trolling on Lake Michigan? (That's the roughest water I'd be in... if you know the area, it would be Waukegan, IL. I don't believe it's more than 30 feet deep in the area in question...)

That's all, hopefully someone can give me their opinion!
Thanks guys.

 

Thought I'd add that it's mainly gonna be just me (6'5", 270 lbs) and my gear, or me and my cousin (6'1" 200 lbs) plus gear if I go out on Lake Michigan... they claim it holds 1560 lbs... dunno how accurate that is, but if it could do half of that it would work for my needs, as long as you guys think it would be ok on the big Lake.

Keep in mind I'm not asking if I can go out far into the lake.. only about as far as the piers go, etc, I just want to have the freedom to get away from the pier along the shore. It's only when the Salmon are near the pier that I'm thinking about doing this!

 

If the hull is pvc you might be able to repair with the pvc cement available at your plumbing supply house.

 

Hi,

I actually have the authentic zodiac repair glue and an avon kit as well, I just kind of liked the interior space (over 7' x 3'1") on that 124smb, along with the bench seats and everything else. But if you don't think it would work on the shoreline where I want to go, i probably will look at other options.

Thanks,
Josh

 

I am unfamiliar with Illinois terrain characteristics.

 

Liar liar pants on fire ! I'm a fisherman also and I know. If the fish calls there's no brakes, backed by some brandy, weeeeellllllll.....

Personally I don't like inflatables, although they do perform admirably in rough water. My advice (other than fixing the zodiac) would be to get the bigger boat if it is an option. Being from the US and all you should know bigger is better, or is that only in Texas ?

Nicest inflatable I saw (dunno the name) was an ~8m one. We came off the water because it became dangerous - seems this guy just got going. Stayed right on top of the situation

 

And it will cost you $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to get an answer

 

I believe SeaEagle PVC are on Sevylor pattern, but better

quality.

I've known guys with Carvalle 360 that have lasted for years of mild class II river running, with only the odd minor leak.


As I've posted before, Sevylor seems to have a sever quality control problem, with the panel's pattern being 2 inches or more off, and thus lopsided boats that want to turn in circles.

No idea if this goes for Sea-Eagle as well, but inspect for symmetry first thing in case you need to return it....and maybe plan on aquiring the boat with enough lead time in case this happens.

You don't want to be all primed to go fishing and find your boat is out of whack, and end up being stuck with defective boat if they don't want to accept a returned used boat.


PS-those PVC inflatables do great triple duty as all weather inflatable mattress/shelter and as indoor/outdoor kiddie pool. That goes for all sizes from one man kayaks to "6-man".