Cheap boat question

[DGindlesperger]

I hope this is in the right place, I was hoping someone could point me in the right place for a REALLY low priced inflatable 3 man boat. I live in a apt and don't have allot of room, but would like to get out on the water on some of the smaller rivers. Thanks for your help.:thisbig:

[CRD4Liberty]

How important is your safety on the water? Money usually equals better quality/safety/reliability. Going with longterm, known names usually gives you the best inflatable in each price point. A real 3 person raft in the lower value models are built to float and hold 3 persons of a specified weight. They do not let said people enjoy themselves , stretch out any or pack a cooler or fishing gear along.

[DGindlesperger]

How important is your safety on the water? Money usually equals better quality/safety/reliability. Going with longterm, known names usually gives you the best inflatable in each price point. A real 3 person raft in the lower value models are built to float and hold 3 persons of a specified weight. They do not let said people enjoy themselves , stretch out any or pack a cooler or fishing gear along.

Safety has become more important as of late because the better half does not know how to swim. I never thought about that at first, because a assumed everyone knew how :wink:. But like I said not planning for any big stuff, just smaller bodies of water.

[shorthair]

Coming home alive is very important & a human can drown in less than a soup bowl of water, so if it was someone I care about I'll shell out a bit more $ for something safer JMO but thats what I'd do.

[DGindlesperger]

Coming home alive is very important & a human can drown in less than a soup bowl of water, so if it was someone I care about I'll shell out a bit more $ for something safer JMO but thats what I'd do.

Hmmmmmm maybe that's why I am asking for direction here :wink:

[KD Fisherman]

I am not sure how cheap a cheap boat is but I recently purchased a 10' West Marine Zodiac inflatable for under $600 and have greatly enjoyed it. It is the motor that is expensive, bought a new Honda 9.9 and would greatly recommend the combo.

[DGindlesperger]

Thanks KD I'll look into one. anyone else ?

[Beefcake]

First, get her a nice lifejacket that she will wear all the time on the boat.

Second, how cheap is cheap? I think I have a Sevylor FishHunter raft (12'?) that I would let go cheap ($100?). It has only been used about 3 times, and we floated a calm part of the Deshutes with 4 adults in it. Pretty sure I have the original oars; you would need to get lifejackets. Also, I think there is an electric trolling motor for this boat on craigslist for $50. This isn't the most comfortable option, but it would work for a year or two in smaller lakes as long as you are careful with your hooks.

Contrary to my profile, I'm located in SW Portland. Send me a PM if you want me to dig the boat out of storage.