Posted by Dennis Arguelles on August 19, 2002 at 17:20:48:
In Reply to: Re: Inflatables NOT Recommended posted by jceviche on August 18, 2002 at 02:17:27:
It's true, inflatables aren't recommended in rough surf or high wind conditions and are also subject to puncture, but newer, more rigid and punture resistant inflatables are now available. I've used my Stearns inflatable to fish protected coves, harbors, kelp beds and even more exposed areas when conditions are right.
My Stearns packs really well and is amazingly stable, much harder to tip than a hardshell of equal length and berth. It also a great snorkeling platform. Highly recommended!
Dennis
: In my last trip to Caribean onboard the Quest the chief bought an inflatable sit on top kayak and paid a good price for it ($250-$300). Used it once from an anchored ship to land on the beach no problem. While coming back from the beach thru the surf line he had difficulty getting out and was pounded very heavily. He found out the hard way that the rubber kayak does not and cannot move quick enough to get out of harms way and almost he drowned. Then when he managed to get thru the surf he had to paddle about 1/2 mile against the current to get back to the anchored mother ship. He made it back safely but very exhausted. I never saw him use the kayak again in four months that we were there. I had Scrambler XT that I use almost everyday on the same conditions and even on bad weather and have survived on four feet waves and 3 ft wind waves. These kayak can be loaded as cargo on passenger aircraft.
: Johnny Ceviche
: : I have a two person inflatable that I use frequently. If I was going to be one place for a year, or wanted to jump off/jump back on with any frequency, I'd go with a standard plastic kayak. For your stated uses, I would'nt consider an inflatatle. Too many sharp ojects around. When they pop, you swim. As far as storage, you can store them outside and just cover them to keep ther UV rays off them. Most don't even do that, but I do. Enjoy...
: : Perry
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: : : Hey y'all. Good board, I've enjoyed reading your stuff. I'm in line for a contract to Kwajalein Island in the South Pacific for a year. I want to take a sit-on for solo ops strictly for snorkle and spear fishing. At this point, I think the OK "drifter" looks best for me, but I am wondering about Sea Eagle's inflatables, particularly since I don't know exactly where I have to store the thing. The Sea Eagle double-sponson thing looks okay, but inflatables are notorious for the extra paddling effort. I'll be on FAC water inside the barrier islands. Also, regarding the inflatable, any info on reboarding from the water - effort needed, since i am modestly "robust" (lol). All info appreciated.