Thinking of getting myself a boat (probably an inflatable one) and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. Like the looks of the Raptor and Fox ones but all ears if there's any better or cheaper boats about. Will be used mainly for baiting up and playing fish on meres. Normally use Bics supplied by the syndicates but not always available when you need them. Cheers guys
In reply to Post #1
Have a look at the Rydal 230 designed as tenders so you don't pay the carp tax
Really impressed with mine, very well made, a little heavier than others but the material is thicker.
I have the Green/black but I think they are out of stock at present.
The movable seat is a handy feature.
Linky
Have a look at the Rydal 230 designed as tenders so you don't pay the carp tax
Really impressed with mine, very well made, a little heavier than others but the material is thicker.
I have the Green/black but I think they are out of stock at present.
The movable seat is a handy feature.
Linky
In reply to Post #1
Don't go for looks. Raptor, Zodiac, JRC, Kolibri, Strategy, Talamex, Suzuki, Proline, Yam, Quicksilver, Bombard: they all make (or made) pretty decent boats and as far as I heard most come from the same few factories. Stay away from overly cheap brands (like Aquaparx) and better spend a bit more. The proper finish and use of materials (glue among others) is way more important, as is the chance of getting spare parts if you ever need them. Zodiac usually makes good boats, for example, but they get overlooked because they are usually white/grey (which in theory actually absorbs less sunlight and should result in your glue lasting longer). The carp brands are often lighter and easier to assemble. I was skeptical of Raptor at first, especially since everyone seems to recommend it online and know the owner of the company, but mine has taken a proper beating the past two years and still looks brand new. Highly recommend them. Their accessories are handy and affordable too, for example their boat cover. Proline should be about the same quality, but much lighter and easier to carry (a big plus I should think). Heard mixed stories about the Fox ones. As with all their gear, if you're lucky you have a good one, if you're not, headache.
Apparently, there's some other interesting brands as well, for example Imperial Fishing, Zeepter (both German) Exoco and Brig, but not a clue if they're any good.
Don't go for looks. Raptor, Zodiac, JRC, Kolibri, Strategy, Talamex, Suzuki, Proline, Yam, Quicksilver, Bombard: they all make (or made) pretty decent boats and as far as I heard most come from the same few factories. Stay away from overly cheap brands (like Aquaparx) and better spend a bit more. The proper finish and use of materials (glue among others) is way more important, as is the chance of getting spare parts if you ever need them. Zodiac usually makes good boats, for example, but they get overlooked because they are usually white/grey (which in theory actually absorbs less sunlight and should result in your glue lasting longer). The carp brands are often lighter and easier to assemble. I was skeptical of Raptor at first, especially since everyone seems to recommend it online and know the owner of the company, but mine has taken a proper beating the past two years and still looks brand new. Highly recommend them. Their accessories are handy and affordable too, for example their boat cover. Proline should be about the same quality, but much lighter and easier to carry (a big plus I should think). Heard mixed stories about the Fox ones. As with all their gear, if you're lucky you have a good one, if you're not, headache.
Apparently, there's some other interesting brands as well, for example Imperial Fishing, Zeepter (both German) Exoco and Brig, but not a clue if they're any good.
In reply to Post #1
I'll say again.
Do not buy a Fox. I bought an FX200 in late 2018, and it has never been sound. Every time I use it, I find new seam leaks, which need Hypalon gluing at least.
This may be an odd bad boat, as I bought it via the US distributor and perhaps it sat on a hot dock waiting customs clearance.
You most be able to find a better product. Fox UK were supremely disinterested in my problem by the way.
I'll say again.
Do not buy a Fox. I bought an FX200 in late 2018, and it has never been sound. Every time I use it, I find new seam leaks, which need Hypalon gluing at least.
This may be an odd bad boat, as I bought it via the US distributor and perhaps it sat on a hot dock waiting customs clearance.
You most be able to find a better product. Fox UK were supremely disinterested in my problem by the way.
In reply to Post #6
I would suggest anyone looking for an inflatable boat go with the Iboat from imperial baits in Germany , these things have thicker material and are actually made in Germany unlike the rest that come from Korea and China.
I would suggest anyone looking for an inflatable boat go with the Iboat from imperial baits in Germany , these things have thicker material and are actually made in Germany unlike the rest that come from Korea and China.