I live on a tidal creek (no dock) in Mt. Pleasant. My wife and son (7 yo) regularly kayak out of our backyard. I am looking for something they can easily handle with a motor. They would only use it in the creeks. I am contemplating buying an inflatable boat, like a Zodiak, and equipping it with a small motor. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this boat-type would be suitable for their use?
Personally, I’d go with something a little more oyster-resistant. I know they are “hard bottomed” but I would be nervous about putting that valuable cargo in anything that can deflate. A small aluminum jon boat would probably be cheaper and better suited for what you just described. Again, that’s just me.
I agree with Mr. Mango. Oysters, inflatable boats and 7 year old kids is not a good combination. A small aluminum jon boat would be better, safer and cost less.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Get a 12’ minimum jon boat and an outboard.
Hands down over a dinghy
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
Agreed with the above, small aluminum jon boat (flat bottomed, not semi-v). Or, perhaps one of those poly-link square stern canoes. I almost bought one a year ago from Dicks, but they stubbed their toe over getting it ordered. They sell one called a Saranac 157 (almost 16’). It’s about as heavy as an aluminum boat, four foot wide beam, has a square stern, and will likely do around 10mph with a 4hp outboard properly loaded. Last I checked it was about $600… the outboard will cost you more than twice that if you buy a new one.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
yea, personally I would get a 14 ft extra wide extra deep jon boat. Used ones can be hard to find because: 1. no one wants to sell them 2. when they do they are worn out.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
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- 1 on the jon boat, but make sure to get a welded one. Look for an old duracraft. The old 1546 were built like tanks. If getting something that large make sure the engine has tilt and trim.
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