Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

On roll-ups and air floors

The ability to stow can't be beat, but two things to consider are:

1) How's your back strength? Lifting a 75 lb. (plus) bundle out of a deep locker is not right for most people. (You will need to rig a hoist from your boom or get a dedicated one.)

2) Inflating/deflating is a PITA and a lot of work. Unless you want to look at it as part of your fitness regimen, make sure you get a good electric pump if you plan to do it more than once a year.

I prefer a lightweight RIB that can be stowed inverted on deck (or trampolines in my case). The Avon RIB Lite ones with folding transom have gotten good comments from owners. Measure your foredeck and under-boom deck to see what size you can stow in deck.

PS -- I've owned a Porta-Bote and didn't like it. Your mileage may vary. Everyone knows the advantages. Disadvantages: Poor quality construction, especially seats and transom, can't board over the bow at a dinghy dock (must be brought alongside a dock), black rubrail left difficult-to-remove marks on deck and topsides, transom corners can be sharp enough and hard enough to dent the thin-skin topsides of boats with cored construction, flexible sides and bow along with hard sharp edges make hoisting under control without damage more of a challenge.

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