Hi All, I own an 8'6" AB inflatable RIB and I'm considering a bigger engine so I can plane, gunkhole & run errands. I currently use a 4 HP two stroke that weighs 29 lbs. The inflatable weighs 95 Lbs. My wife and I can carry that weight up a beach but with an 85 Lb. motor there's no way! So which dinghy wheels do I buy. West Marine shows two options a set of "Wheel-A-Weigh" wheels with a 16 inch inflatable tire and a set of "Pelican Dinghy Dolly Wheels". I like the size of the Pelicans but I'm concerned about how they would roll based on the 5" diameter. We have a mix of hard sand, soft sand and small rock beaches. Does anyone have experience with either of these products?? -R.C.
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Hi R.C.
This may not be what your looking for but it worked for me. I also have a 10 foot inflatable with a 4 horse that wouldn't plane, I also was thinking of a bigger motor when someone on this site suggested a tiller extension {$25} from Boaters world. I can sit further forward and the little boat planes nicely. When planing the little 4hp motor really gets going and I can zip around pretty good. just an idea, good luck, Jack
This may not be what your looking for but it worked for me. I also have a 10 foot inflatable with a 4 horse that wouldn't plane, I also was thinking of a bigger motor when someone on this site suggested a tiller extension {$25} from Boaters world. I can sit further forward and the little boat planes nicely. When planing the little 4hp motor really gets going and I can zip around pretty good. just an idea, good luck, Jack
I've Tried That...
and my little 4hp just won't plane this boat. I used to have a 10' Zodiac with an inflatable foor and it could plane that but just barely. For two people I think I'll need at least an 8hp but most 8's are the same as the 10's so I figure I'll go with a 10. I'm looking at brands right now. The Nissan, Tohatsu & Mercury's are all made by Tohatsu so that leaves Suzuki, Yamaha & Honda to look at. I want the lightest 8 or 10 hp four stroke I can find..
and my little 4hp just won't plane this boat. I used to have a 10' Zodiac with an inflatable foor and it could plane that but just barely. For two people I think I'll need at least an 8hp but most 8's are the same as the 10's so I figure I'll go with a 10. I'm looking at brands right now. The Nissan, Tohatsu & Mercury's are all made by Tohatsu so that leaves Suzuki, Yamaha & Honda to look at. I want the lightest 8 or 10 hp four stroke I can find..
I bought a Yamaha 8 once.
It was identical to their 6hp 2 stroke. Planed our 10' inflatable real fast. In fact, it was so fast that after it was stolen, we replaced it with a 25 Yamaha. Now that's fast. It prop walks our 11-5 Avon RIB. Over 32mph with 2 people aboard and 13 gallons of fuel and, and, and. But I like speed. That's why I'm a sailor.
It was identical to their 6hp 2 stroke. Planed our 10' inflatable real fast. In fact, it was so fast that after it was stolen, we replaced it with a 25 Yamaha. Now that's fast. It prop walks our 11-5 Avon RIB. Over 32mph with 2 people aboard and 13 gallons of fuel and, and, and. But I like speed. That's why I'm a sailor.
Beach wheels
I have the 5 inch wheels and have the same kind of beach with a much lighter dinghy. The small wheels do not work. They sink into the sand. I would go with the big wheels. I will probably change mine this year
I have the 5 inch wheels and have the same kind of beach with a much lighter dinghy. The small wheels do not work. They sink into the sand. I would go with the big wheels. I will probably change mine this year
Wheels-A-Weigh
R.C., no question this is the "weigh" to go. We have a 10' Avon inflatable, roll up slatted floor, weighing about 95lbs. and a 9.9 Evinrude O.B.(2 stroke) weighing about 80lbs. These wheels are great on rough rocks, deep sand, grass, whatever. I or my wife can drag it right from in the water up onto the beach or across the parking lot. You attach the tracks permanently to the transom and then mount the wheels up or down by removing a linch pin. Or you can store them on the boat until you need them and then just snap them in place with the linch pins. We have used them several times while on Catalina Island here in California. As you can see there is plenty of clearance even with the motor mounted. It doesn't get any easier than this, we love them. I tried to include four pictures into one attachment to sneak under the size limit. Hope you can see everything. Good luck, Rich
R.C., no question this is the "weigh" to go. We have a 10' Avon inflatable, roll up slatted floor, weighing about 95lbs. and a 9.9 Evinrude O.B.(2 stroke) weighing about 80lbs. These wheels are great on rough rocks, deep sand, grass, whatever. I or my wife can drag it right from in the water up onto the beach or across the parking lot. You attach the tracks permanently to the transom and then mount the wheels up or down by removing a linch pin. Or you can store them on the boat until you need them and then just snap them in place with the linch pins. We have used them several times while on Catalina Island here in California. As you can see there is plenty of clearance even with the motor mounted. It doesn't get any easier than this, we love them. I tried to include four pictures into one attachment to sneak under the size limit. Hope you can see everything. Good luck, Rich
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