Hey look, it's a fold-up boat

I own a model similiar to this made by Zodiac: WEST MARINE Compact RIB 310 at West Marine

I don't know why they aren't more popular, it's been a great boat and I've had it for over 8 years. We have an 8hp Mercuary outboard for it with an extended tiller so you can sit on the seat and pilot it instead of sitting on the stern deck.

Loads of fun and easy to pack, as it breaks down and fits into a case the size of a really wide surfboard. I put it on the top of the car and the motor in the trunk.

 

I'm not sure which boat you dislike ( The Maarno, Portaboat or West Wight Potter 15...you weren't specific), and more importantly, why you dislike it. Stability, durability, payload limitations, ergonomics, ease or difficulty of assembly / dis-assembly, weight, aesthetic considerations? It helps to understand why you think it's not worth the buying; more so than that you just simply don't like it.

 

the black fold up on ...
its made of some sort of plastic and has fold up joints ... plastic and folding dont work well
low sides ... it may be fine for small lakes or pond but i wouldnt take it anywere there is other boat trafic ...

also the more moving parts the more chances of failure ...

but if fits someones needs go for it ...
if u really need a boat u can put under ur bed i guess this is the one for u ...
but if you are looking for a boat for a shtf situation u can get john boats on craigs list for 100$ and under all day long {no papers} but who cares if the shtf...
u can throw a john boat on the roof of almost any car ...

JMHO

 

That's more like it....the Maarno doesn't inspire me with a lot of confidence I must admit, and each person needs to evaluate their own needs and preferences against what is available, and against what purposes the equipment will be used for. The Maarno may have a legitimate place in some people's plans, for others, it may be unsuitable.

 

yes it does have some purposes... i would never get in the thing but i would give it to someone with limited living space in new orleans or that type of area....
I think it would be good for moving small kids or smaller elderly people or pets and positions threw flooded areas ...{as a last resort}....

 

Inflatable boats are easily stored. The air-floor model of the 310 (posted above) will deflate and roll up into a large duffle bag. The only reason I went with the srib (semi-rigid inflatable boat) was that my wife and I really liked the design. If I had to do it again, I would have went with the air-floor model because it is a foot longer and has a slightly higher payload.

That being said, I've had 800lbs of people and gear in the thing. The tubes are super tough, and have to be because our river is shallow and full of rocks. We have had it out in the saltwater, on the west coast of Florida to scoot between keys. The thing is truly amazing.

I can get up on plane at about 12 mph (tested by using GPS, both with and against the river's current) and tops out at 21mph. When I'm loaded, with more than just the wife and I, it tops out at 17mph. That's pretty efficient with an 8hp outboard.

The only reason I can come up with that zodiacs aren't more popular, is that people think they are fragile and will pop at the slightest obstruction. Not so! White water rafters and the military use them, day in and day out. They are constructed of multiple air chambers so that if they do get punctured, the boat will still stay afloat. Permanant and quick patch kits are cheap and luckily, I've never had to use one on our boat- even when you side up to and bump an old, crusty dock full of rusty nails.

I would say that the slightly higher price for hypalon is a much better material than the multi-layer, high denier PCV. If your boat is going to be folded up in storage most of it's life, than hypalon isn't a necessity. If it's going to spend days in the sun without cover, then yes, you need hypalon.

 

I can see a use for the Black foldable boat if you commute in an area that will have a slow river near by that you can use to get home instead of walking it's compact dosen't require a pump and time to inflate, would work better in an area wit snags and barb wire/ wait a minute vines... and fits in your car...

 

Looks like a cool boat, and I'm relatively near the ocean, in Los Angeles. I don't know how much I could use a boat, but if I were to decide to impement waterways as part of my strategy, it would undoubtedly be something like this, since I can't get a knarr.

 

True but a Knarr isn't that portable...

 

It's more portable than you think.

 

...and much cooler.

 

I have been on other survival websites, and there are those the might have to cross rivers and lakes to get to point B.this might be a good alternative for them to cache in some appropriate hiding place along the way.
If you lived in the PNW in a remote area, accessible only by foot or aircraft, It would be handy for fishing and getting around .
No boat is safe , PFDs are still an essential tool especially for children and excitable individuals.
When I look at any boat, I consider the repairability on site . Duct tape is a good alternative in many cases but never should be considered a permanent fix. If you are planning on having duct tape ,keep it in a dry container and in a cool place ,the glue ages with heat and time.
Remember the pressure is from the out side of the boat, so applying something from the inside is a waste of time.
As an alternative , the shrink wrap material I often talk about can be used in making a boat and floatation can be made using trash bags and zip lock bags any thing that can hold air even for a limited length of time.
Knowing how to make use of alternative methods can save your life an that of others .