High Pressure Inflatable Floor Achilles Dinghy

[DJW]

Looking at a new Achilless Dinghy for our 42 foot Cascade in HI. I am looking at the LSI series with the high pressure inflatable floor. It will be stored in the v-berth when not being used. It will mostly be used on outer island trips to run back and forth to shore if we have to anchor out which is most of the time. I would like to hear your thoughts on the high pressure inflatable floor models. I am thinking it would easier to store, less to store (no floor boards). I am looking at the LSI 96 model and we already have to different outboards to use. We have a 3.3hp 2 stroke and a 5HP Mercury 4 stroke. The 3.3HP Mercury has a selfcontained fuel tank where as the 5HP has the stand alone fuel tank. Would the stand alone fuel tank create any problems for the inflatable floor? I am guessing the 5HP would be enough for the 9' 6" LSI 96 model but the 3.3 might be a little light on the geta up and go side.

Dennis

 

[Stu Jackson]

Dennis,

If you have the room, get a 10'-2" model. Why? Much more stable on a plane. You might get on a plane with just one occupant and your 5 hp in either boat. The 3.3 will just get you trolling along.

Trick with an air floor: get outdoor carpeting and line the sole with it.

We used to have a 6 gallon tank under the seat. Too much in the way and the hose led back to the engine was dodgy. Ended up buying the 3 gallon transom mount. While you have to be careful to assure it's attached right and tight, it is much better.

We love our Zodiac air floor.

We have an inverter on board, and just last summer bought a 120V electric pump for it, saves a lot of foot pumping, but you still have to use the foot pump for the floor to finish it off.

 

[Grant17703]

Looking at a new Achilless Dinghy for our 42 foot Cascade in HI. I am looking at the LSI series with the high pressure inflatable floor. It will be stored in the v-berth when not being used. It will mostly be used on outer island trips to run back and forth to shore if we have to anchor out which is most of the time. I would like to hear your thoughts on the high pressure inflatable floor models. I am thinking it would easier to store, less to store (no floor boards). I am looking at the LSI 96 model and we already have to different outboards to use. We have a 3.3hp 2 stroke and a 5HP Mercury 4 stroke. The 3.3HP Mercury has a selfcontained fuel tank where as the 5HP has the stand alone fuel tank. Would the stand alone fuel tank create any problems for the inflatable floor? I am guessing the 5HP would be enough for the 9' 6" LSI 96 model but the 3.3 might be a little light on the geta up and go side.

Dennis

Dennis,
I have had the Walker Bay 340 with the high pressure inflatable hull. I tried a 9.9 hp too much weight for my liking. I bought a 6hp merc and use a 3 gallon tank, with no problems. Boat planes with 3 people no problem.

Grant
PS: with the electric pump I can pull the dinghy out of the locker and have it in the water in about 15 minutes.