Small Inflatables: a buyers' guide

Small inflatables are just about the handiest of boats on the water. For the camper or caravanner what better way to get afloat to fish a remote waterhole or river? For the boater, they are a convenient means of getting from ship to shore in remote anchorages and can provide the kids with hours of fun exploring the shoreline.

They can be rowed - after a fashion - or better yet, be hooked up to a small outboard to provide zippy transport in sheltered waters.

Hull material

They all look pretty much the same but there are a few things to look for when choosing a small inflatable and in Australia, where the sunshine is on steroids, the type of hull material is one of the most important.

The inflation tubes are usually made from either PVC or Hypalon. Both fabrics have their advocates and while Hypalon is generally considered the superior product, that’s not to say a well-cared for PVC boat won’t last just as long.

If sunshine is the Dr Evil of rubber duckies, then its lieutenants are spilt fuel and wear and tear from sand, rocks and rough pilings. So whatever fabric you choose, make sure your ducky has a rub strake and a sun cover.

Floor boards

The two boats we’re looking at here - the Zodiac Cadet 340 Fastroller and the Avon Rover 310 - were both fairly new and in service as tenders to a couple of serious cruising yachts.

Some inflatables have floor boards and some don’t -- it comes down to the owner’s preference.

The above-mentioned boats both had inflatable floors which offer the best of both worlds - a rigid floor with enough thickness to keep your feet clear of any water that may have been shipped.

The alternatives may be wood panels, slats or aluminum floors. All provide stability but weigh more and are a problem to stow.

Keel, oars and power for the small inflatable

A keel is handy as it keeps these buoyant little craft from skidding across the surface and makes them steadier to row.

Oars are usually supplied with inflatables and no one should take to the water without a pair. However, only an iron man could claim that rowing one of these things is pleasurable.

Ideally, they are driven by a small outboard (a Suzuki 9.9 and a Mercury 10 in this case), and will hum along happily on the plane even against a strong headwind and chop.

A heavy load is likely, however, to puncture their performance.

Gearbox

The gearbox is in the bulge, forward of the propeller, at the bottom of the leg. Condensation through temperature change, propeller damage and ageing of the gearbox oil seal can allow water into the gearbox oil, which can lead to being stranded and expensive repairs. If it looks like there is any water, get the oil changed and the seals checked.

Small inflatables put to the test

Avon inflatables are to Britain what Zodiacs are to France – pretty much a household name.

Avon Rover 310

The Rover 310 has an inflatable floor and keel, with a 43cm tube diameter for a higher, drier and more comfortable ride. It comes well equipped with carry bag, jointed wooden oars, repair kit, bellows and a sturdy fiberglass seat. The owners like the bow and stern carrying handles, the high-placed rub strake and the stainless steel transom protection plate.

She goes too, the Mercury blasting the Avon up on to the plane with the keel and inflatable floor delivering a dry and stable ride. Like most inflatables, the boat does jerk about a bit under oars.

Zodiac Cadet 340 Fastroller

Zodiacs, made famous by diver Jacques Cousteau and the crew of the Calypso, have been around for 50 years or so and it shows – in a good way.

The Zodiac Fastroller looks especially well finished with its welded structure, great grab handles, lifting rings and an inflatable floor and keel.

Zodiac claims great things from what they call their Acti-V hull, which they say gives their inflatable more precise handling than other models. Does it? Hard to say. It certainly performs well under power, quick to plane, and agile in the turns. The little Zodiac also backed down without scooping water over the stern and shipped very little spray even in a chop. The self-bailer had little to do.

Oars? If you have to row an inflatable – whatever the make – you might as well stay at home.

Once again the owner was more than happy with his choice of tender, the second Zodiac he has owned.

The verdict

Small inflatables are heaps of fun and useful as well.

The two boats we reviewed are asked to carry some hefty loads in the less-than-pleasant conditions of Bass Strait, and so far have provided safe, reliable and often fun transport.