Is my friend putting his life at risk in one of these boats?

Question

http://www.intexcorp.com/boats_lake_excursion.html

Excursion 4 or 5

http://www.intexcorp.com/boats_lake_seahawk.html

Seahawk 400

http://www.sevylor.com/dyn_prod.php?p=STRU273&k=78934

or

Sea Eagle 9

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp;jsessionid=NRZREN1CCP35BLAQBBICCNVMCAEFCIWE?id=0017283010825a&navCount=5&podId=0017283&parentId=cat21340&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat21276-cat21340_TGP&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat21340&hasJS=true&_requestid=97198

I suppose they are OK in a pool or a small pond. Larger lakes, rivers where one might find oneself in water deeper than they can stand, distances greater than 100-200' from shore, and exposed to power boats and/or commercial shipping might be asking for trouble. What do you think. Thanks.

Answer 1

The depth of the water that is over your head is irrelevant.  All boaters should use caution regarding their vessel vs. other elements around them.  That looks like a sturdy inflatable but could be swamped by a large wake. A prudent operator wouldn't expose him/herself to those conditions. As another answerer said, a strong wind can make rowing  or even motoring almost impossible, which brings you back to the prudent operator.

Answer 2

These are really stable as long they aren't punctured. Myself I would go with a larger version that would support a bigger outboard motor. My father-in-law uses a Zodiac with a 30hp outboard to go offshore to his favorite dive sites. In 15 years he has had no trouble with it, but he keeps all his equipment properly maintained.

Answer 3

i have been looking at the sea hawk 400,  it seems to be pretty good,...

i just asked a question about which inflatable boat was the best to ride down streams...

he is as safe in it as he would be a canoe, as long as nothing puntures it, but even so, some of the boats have 2 or more air chambers in case this does happen, that way you wont sink, and if you have the repair kit handy, it will be fixed in a matter of moments...

Answer 4

the only time you would see my butt in that rubber tube[cause thats what it is] is in a pool

Answer 5

Actually inflatables are very stable and safe.  The only problem your friend may encounter is fatigue from rowing in heavy winds and/or waves.  

Tell him to wear a hat as the sun will cause sunburn after a few days.

Answer 6

No, these look like fun.

Answer 7

Splash cover would be nice, but they look like excellent quality!