G/Day !.
I'm getting ready to go "around the block" in my Mitsubishi Canter 4x4 poptop Canter , and want to take something I can get out on the water to fish with , without needing a trailer , or having anyway to attach it to the poptop.
I'm looking at the Hobie i12s , as I could load it through the door of the camper , and it should fish ok.
Are there any other options ?.
I'm in central Victoria , but I'll go anywhere , for the right boat.
Rob J.

quote:

Originally posted by Rob Johnson:
G/Day !.
I'm getting ready to go "around the block" in my Mitsubishi Canter 4x4 poptop Canter , and want to take something I can get out on the water to fish with , without needing a trailer , or having anyway to attach it to the poptop.
I'm looking at the Hobie i12s , as I could load it through the door of the camper , and it should fish ok.
Are there any other options ?.
I'm in central Victoria , but I'll go anywhere , for the right boat.
Rob J.

honestly, your about to waste a bunch of money on a inflatable kayak. those things are best left in a swimming pool.

I'm no fan of inflatable kayaks either, and the i-model Hobies went through a recall shortly after their debut. In your situation though, an inflatable kayak may be your only option, and the Hobie is probably the most durable inflatable kayak on today's market, as long as it floats.

Roadrunner wrote a glowing review of an i-model Hobie, so you might want to read it, and PM him for more info. Here's the review:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7654

Yes , I have read roadrunners review of the i12s , it was very interesting.
I have asked a few questions , mainly in regard to duability , but after posting I also saw another article from roadrunner , when he deliberately deflated a 1/3 , then 2/3rds of the boat , and kept going !.
It needs to be a boat small enough to be taken through the door of the camper , and stowed inside easily.
If the i12s is that bad , then I just don't get a boat !.
Rob J.

Let's see here, inflatables and fish hooks? I wouldn't do it.

Rob, what is your intended use for this kayak that you want? If it's just to get out on the water occasionally, you might want to go with a Qayak. Plus, it's only $214!!

i mean just buy a fishing kayak and throw it ontop of the car

if you get an inflatable it relly limites when you can go out i own an inflatable fishing rowboat but if it is slightly windy i will get pushed around and it is no fun same with inflatable kayaks

quote:

an inflatable it relly limites when you can go out i own an inflatable fishing rowboat but if it is slightly windy i will get pushed around and it is no fun same with inflatable kayaks

That is somewhat true of a paddle inflatable, but using the MirageDrive changes that. The drive can easily overcome windage issues. These things have been used in very tough conditions and the reports are excellent.

As far as fish hooks go... These are very tough. Not pool toys. You are not going to pierce the hull material with a typical fishing hook... maybe an ice pick and that would not be easy. The hull chambers are very ridgid when inflated. As noted, even a loss of pressure in a chamber or two is not critical.

For the recall mentioned... we wanted to get a small production issue resolved. Nothing to do with the products design or function.

My intention is to use the i12s for fishing , in more protected waters.
The waters I am thinking of initially are flooded river estuaries (behind a sand bank). Still water , with no access to the water except for a boat.
I have nowhere to put a rigid boat on the Mitsubishi , the roof of the camper has 2 solar cells on the pop top.
The only way I'll get a boat around with me , is in the camper.
I believe the i12s probably best meets my needs , but I do have concerns about durability , particularly in the tropics, something perhaps Matt can address.
Regards Rob J.

UV? The materials are very robust and UV protected.

You can cover it if leaving our for extended periods. You can also use UV protectant sprays / coatings to extend the life.