Inflatable boats ... Roll ups? Stability? What could I do with one?

Question

I was at first on the market for a little Whaler or RIB but now that I'm actually ready to purchase, I'm hesitant to give up my only parking space (apartment dweller) in the garage so I'm going to look at the inflatables that come apart with a 15hp(?) engine.

What could I realistically do with one of these (11' or so) with a 15hp engine? Can I go past the breakwater? Are the stable enough? Is it terribly annoying to pack and unpack one of these??

Answer 1

There are pros and cons to almost anything as you probably already know.

With a RIB, it is easier to handle certain types of waves and it can handle some beach and shallow water conditions easier.

The roll up has the advantage of being relatively easy to store but having said that, you always have to assemble, inflate and put the motor on every time you want to go for a boat ride.  They do work well in a lot of wave conditions so, yes, you can take it beyond the breakwall.  With a 15 hp engine on a 10 or 11 footer, you'll be able to go like a scalded wild cat.  I clocked my friend in his 10 footer with a 10 hp outboard at just under 18 knots... all kinds of fun.  I recommend looking for one that is made of Hypalon so that it will have good UV resistance.  Avon is one of the better manufacturers.