dinghy/sib floors

[codprawn]

About to buy a little inflatable boat - something around 3m - got to find a use for my 9.8hp aux!!!

I have pretty much decided on an inflatable V keel but what about the floors - there seems to be quite a choice - aluminium slatted - ply slatted - fibreglass slatted or even an airmat floor.

What are the pros and cons - ie weight and stowability - want to be able to chuck the thing back into it's bag and put it into the boot!!!

[brucehawsker]

Mine is an airmat, works brilliantly. Really firm to stand on. Zodiac Fastroller 3.1M. Great little boat, even with a 6hp!!! Gets thrown in the people carrier with gay abandon! Great not to have to think about the gelcoat

[Richard B]

I've looked at loads of SIBs to replace the one I sold a couple of years ago. Zodiac make a very good SIB, although pricey. The "air" floors that Zodiac and others do are superb. I would only consider components that float - ie eliminate aluminium or GRP floors (oars?) etc, and only consider "air" or wooden floors. Imagie if you ever want to transport the SIB in your RIB and have to assemble it at sea...

Lodestar also make a superb SIB - have a look at http://www.lodestardirect.co.uk Do beware of weight when considering SIBs - some of the cheap ones are very heavy and difficult to handle.

[ADS]

I have an Avon Rover Air deck 2.8m. The build quality is superb and being hypalon its very easy to repair, does about 14 knots (gps) with a 4HP and planes easily.
However, the Avons are very expensive and mine is particularly heavy.
Phil Davies has the Avon Riblite I believe which is meant to be very highly regarded and lighter than the older model which I have.

Regards

Alex

[John Kennett]

Having battled with a variety of wooden and aluminium floors over the years, an inflatable floor is the only option that I would even consider.

The Zodiac Futura hull seems to be particularly nippy.

John