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 Its the Caravan and Camping exhibition at the Secc in Glasgow next week and a chance to see a decent range of boats and outboards. My family had a small boat when I was young so I have some experience and a very healthy respect for the sea.

 My favourite campsites are by a beach, Arisaig, Mull etc and its a constant frustration to look at the water rather than be on it so I'm considering buying an inflatable and outboard. I thought perhaps a 4hp outboard with an appropriate sized boat, I travel by myself so weight is a major consideration as is pack size as I don't want a trailer.

 Any thoughts on this? Is a 4hp engine enough for a boat with one or two people in a breeze, dont think I'd like to risk anything smaller.

 Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.

In another life lol Im a Moderator for a boating forum where lots of members own RIBs of various sizes as well as a wide variety of other craft right up to the large seagoing Bayliners. Im sure there would be many members prepared to share their knowledge as well as Maybe some suitable secondhand RIBS and outboards available from thouse who have either traded up ot sold up and retired from the hobby.

If the Mods on here dont mind me posting this then try www.thenorfolkbroads.net

One of the experts on there for seagoing craft is David, screen name Antares_9 who im sure would be happy to help you.

Julia

Quote: Originally posted by thebiz on 29/1/2011

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Is a 4hp engine enough for a boat with one or two people in a breeze, dont think I'd like to risk anything smaller.

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   Recently i brought an inflatable dinghy (2.8m), to fish just off the north yorks and welsh shore, up to 1 mile out with myself and my son. We use a 4hp engine and have had no problems at all. I have even used a seagull featherweight, which has done the job. We dont break any speed records but have always got back ok. This is in good conditions. Hope this helps. Its great fun so you should go for it!

   Recently i brought an inflatable dinghy (2.8m), to fish just off the north yorks and welsh shore, up to 1 mile out with myself and my son. We use a 4hp engine and have had no problems at all. I have even used a seagull featherweight, which has done the job. We dont break any speed records but have always got back ok. This is in good conditions. Hope this helps. Its great fun so you should go for it!

I have read two books on people who have canoed right around the Scottish Coast and I have heard of atleast one person that has done the same right around the UK Mainland.

Now basically one would not expect any canoe to be suitable for such a journey and I have no doubt that none are sold being advertised as "suitable for extended coastal touring"!!!!!

If someone has "a healthy respect for the sea" and is used to some particular areas where he or she is thinking about using a small power boat then I say give it a bash.

There are a lot more eegits out there in far more powerful craft putting themselves and others into dangerous situations simply because they have no respect for the sea.

Take proper safety precations and give it a bash. You never know, you might enjoy it!!!

(another ex-coastguard)

last year i got the bug as well , went out bought suzumarine 320 with 15hp mariner ... LOVE IT best thing we did

 went out yesterday bought lauching wheels and air pump total cost 275.00 opps but well worth it roll on summer

Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 04/2/2011

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I have read two books on people who have canoed right around the Scottish Coast and I have heard of atleast one person that has done the same right around the UK Mainland.

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 Just bought an inflatable dinghy with a small electric motor. Seems we need a license for inland waterways, but can we get one of these without taking out 3rd party liability insurance? If we need insurance any suggestions of where we can get this cheaply - only intend using it for occasional weekend trips, cant see that we will be doing any damage to anybody with a blow up boat!

thanks