is 285 big enough for 2 adults 2 children?

dorsetdarren · 26 August 2009, 14:41

hi im looking at getting an inflatable ,is 285 big enough for 4 ,will a 310 of 340 make much difference to the handling ie safer around harbours and estuarys. the boat im looking at is a zodiac 285 fastroller active v .cheers for any replies

chewy · 26 August 2009, 14:45

My brother has a 2.8m and it cosy with him and his mate, they're both 15.

dorsetdarren · 26 August 2009, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

My brother has a 2.8m and it cosy with him and his mate, they're both 15.

is that cosy with 2 teenagers or 2 adults and 2 teenagers?

chewy · 26 August 2009, 14:59

Cosy with just the two teenagers in.

JSP · 26 August 2009, 15:03

The only way you could fit 2 adults plus 2 kids would be to have everyone sat on the tubes. Not ideal with kids.

Sebbo · 26 August 2009, 15:09

We have a 3.10 and thats fine in calm water with 4, however the slightest wind chop and things start getting wet.

dorsetdarren · 26 August 2009, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

The only way you could fit 2 adults plus 2 kids would be to have everyone sat on the tubes. Not ideal with kids.

i was going to have the additional seat fitted.would this work?

Locozodiac · 26 August 2009, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorsetdarren

i was going to have the additional seat fitted.would this work?

A 285 for pool use will be fine, is too small for 4 outdoor use, will soon be bored to have passengers so close to each other, go larger 330/340 if possible, or check what's next larger size to that brand model sib. Have not specified which engine will be used.

Happy Sibbing

dorsetdarren · 26 August 2009, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

A 285 for pool use will be fine, is too small for 4 outdoor use, will soon be bored to have passengers so close to each other, go larger 330/340 if possible, or check what's next larger size to that brand model sib. Have not specified which engine will be used.

Happy Sibbing

poole as in dorset!! we looked at the 310 which is longer but narrower , the 285 is 6" wider which i thought would be more usefull than longer

JSP · 26 August 2009, 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorsetdarren

i was going to have the additional seat fitted.would this work?

Sorry I wouldn't know on that.

matt h · 26 August 2009, 16:43

i had a avon 340 in poole harbour (very small waves)with 2 lunatics in and got soaked, great fun tho!!

on a serious note, dont bother with the 285, 380 should be minimum with your intended use, hope that helps

dorsetdarren · 26 August 2009, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

i had a avon 340 in poole harbour (very small waves)with 2 lunatics in and got soaked, great fun tho!!

on a serious note, dont bother with the 285, 380 should be minimum with your intended use, hope that helps

will a 6 hp 4 stroke be sufficent to poodle about in

chewy · 26 August 2009, 17:55

Pootle been the word.
My brothers is 2.8 with a 6hp on and it does about 8-9kts fast enough for him at the moment.
Like others have said I'd be looking around the 3.6m mark.

matt h · 26 August 2009, 18:01

as chewy said 6 hp f/s will move you but will be dull, 3.4 mtr plus with a 10/15hp two stroke min

lightning · 26 August 2009, 20:56

I've got a Zodiac 2.85 solid floor and you CAN take four adults out in it, one on each tube at the rear and two on the bench seat, or one on the seat and one sat in the boat etc.
It is cosy of course but certainly on the canal it was OK. I also have a 6hp four stroke engine! This will do just over 14 mph with two on board.
I have to say that if I was taking four people out regularly I would have gone for a bigger boat though.

m chappelow · 26 August 2009, 21:32

go for the bigger size,more room to move about and you get better sea keeping qualitys ,from past experience but within reason in some cases with a slightly longer boat and you may find it will plane easier than another shorter boat with same size engine ,i had a zodiac 11 footer with a 9.5 engine and i could go just as fast,though not as nippy when i put the same engine on a humber 16 footer,

hobnob · 27 August 2009, 12:56

I use a 3.1 with a flat-fronted Zodiac bow. Good for 2 adults and 2 small (<5's) children on the Thames, even with wakes and chop in central London.

When the kids are >10 I'm buying a 3.4 or bigger.

Get a 2-stroke.

Locozodiac · 28 August 2009, 15:50

Go for any 330/360 sib with a Tohatsu 9.8 2/4 strokes if portability and low weight engine is a must compared to 2/4 strokes 10/15 HP engines.

Happy Sibbing

Locozodiac · 28 August 2009, 15:51

Go for any 330/360 sib with a Tohatsu 9.8 2/4 strokes if portability and low weight engine is a must compared to 2/4 strokes 10/15 HP engines.

Sorry, was reffering to a swimming pool use.

Happy Sibbing

prairie tuber · 29 August 2009, 15:36

Anything more than 2 adults in 2.8 meter inflatable boat would be an orgy.

Why such a small boat for so many? If it is because of a concern about being able to fit everything inside the trunk of a car, it may be worth considering getting a mini box (utility) trailer with a folding/retractable tongue. It would save your car from gas fumes and alot of scratches from loading & unloading. It would consume minimal additional storage space if you keep the folded boat & motor & gas tank in the trailer.