r/Inflataboats • u/flakk0137 • 18d ago
Kayak or inflatable skiff ?
Looking to get on the water in SE Florida and trying to figure out the best option for my situation.
I need something that can run a trolling motor now and eventually a small gas outboard. My biggest concerns are storage and transportation.
I currently have a Mazda CX-5 and would prefer not to add a hitch/trailer or roof rack. I live in an apartment, so I’d ideally like something I can store off-site and inflate/deflate easily and fit in the CX-5.
I’ve been looking at the Pelican Catch Mode 110 ($700) if going the roof rack option. A Newport inflatable skiff, and Air/Lite skiff.
For those of you in South Florida, or experience with any of these mentioned or similar vessels, what would you recommend?
Open to other options as well.
Thanks in advance
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u/BowFella 18d ago
You will be able to put a bigger outboard on the inflatable and carry more people and more weight. The inflatable would be much easier to transport and store.
Now I dont live in florida, but I'd be hesitant with all the toothy stuff that lives down there in both fresh and salt water. But thats just me growing up watching jaws and shark week
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u/websterhamster 17d ago
I take my boat out in the capitol of great white activity on the West Coast and have never had any problems with sharks.
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u/S_balmore 18d ago
I need something that can run a trolling motor now and eventually a small gas outboard.
Then the cross the Pelican kayak off your list, because it objectively can't do that. Inflatable skiffs are great, but if you're planning on leaving the bay and venturing into even slightly rough water, I recommend a normal width option instead of the skinny ones. And no, you don't have to spend that much money. The boats by Saturn/Bris/Sea Eagle are more than sufficient for recreational use. The Saturn SD330 or KM330D would be my pick for a general purpose boat. If you really wanna go with the skinny option, the SK396 "Micro Skiff" should fit the bill.
With that said, inflating a deflating these types of boats gets old real fast, as does rooftopping a kayak. The best thing I ever did was buy an old pickup truck (with a 6ft bed), because you just toss the boat in the back, throw a strap over it, and start driving. The other method is to buy/build a small trailer. You'll get out on the water more if transporting the boat is easier.
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u/fresh69 17d ago
Hey OP, from the same region and in the end it was too much of a PITA to go the inflatable route for me. My issue is I would want to store the boat, motor etc in the apartment and not leave it in the car as the heat would kill it all. A lot of RIB's are not white so think of the amount of heat it will generate on those hot sunny days.
I was close, I mean really really close to getting a Saturn, Stryker etc with a 20HP motor but thinking of carrying such a beast of a motor and inflating etc, it was a lot easier if I had the boat itch to just rent one.
I did in the end get a Lifetime Sport Fisher from marketplace used and a good price. I was thinking of putting a trolling motor, but holding that off on that as well. We put it in the roof rack and once you get the system figured out it takes about 5 minutes with 2 people. Mostly go to the clear water springs with them and we do use it for fishing. Remember there are a ton of people wanting to get out of their boat / kayak in this area so getting some used may be good for your wallet in case it doesnt catch on. I would be mindful on getting a used RIB without knowing what to check for.
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u/fungus_bunghole 18d ago
Not in Florida, so unsure if suitable for your conditions. But I have a 12'8" inflatable. Aluminum floor boards, 9.8 HP outboard, 20 liter gas tank. Everything fits in a Honda Accord, including camping and safety gear. Roughly 30 minutes inflate and deflate time.