Inflatable boat - locations

raxor

Hi there,

Very new to all of this, but an inflatable boat has just come into my possession.

It's kinda similar to this:
http://rubberboats.com/product/inflatable-boat-challenger-3.html

I'm interested in using it for leisure purposes, and it has oars only, no motor.

I'm wondering two things:

1. What are the legalities behind using this? I have life jackets, so is it a case of just rocking up to a suitable location, and firing away?
Are there many/any locations where this wouldn't be allowed?

2. Can anyone suggest any good, safe and suitable locations around Dublin or the surrounding counties where it'd be good to use?

Thanks for any advice!

Tabnabs

That's esentially a kids toy. Don't go any deeper or more exposed than the quietest section of the canals.

Timfy

As it states on that particular advert...

"pool, small lake or very mild river."

This is effectively a toy so please don't even consider taking this out to sea or on a larger lake.

I would suggest only taking this out on water that you can safely wade in.

I'm the wrong side of the country to advise on locations but as a previous poster said, maybe the canals.

nokiatom

I wouldn't go to sea in it. stay well within your depth...about 4 feet. I get the feeling you have no boating experience ??

reidyj

try get a dinghy with multiple chambers. At least if you get a leak it will still be somewhat buoyant.

nokiatom

reidyj wrote: »

try get a dinghy with multiple chambers. At least if you get a leak it will still be somewhat buoyant.

it has three chambers

Donal55

I'd say its as seaworthy as a rubber ring.

raxor

nokiatom wrote: »

I wouldn't go to sea in it. stay well within your depth...about 4 feet. I get the feeling you have no boating experience ??

Yeah no none at all. Thanks, yeah I definitely won't go to sea with it! Basically what I was thinking was some little lake, or canal or somethin near Dublin. If anyone had any recommendations for the above, that'd be great!

nokiatom wrote: »

it has three chambers

Yeah, it's the same as mine in that regard. I have lifejackets with it as well.

spaceHopper

Don't even think of going into any water where you will be out of your depth, it's a toy, this time of year and even in summer most fresh water will be cold, even with a life jacket you could still need rescuing. If it were me I'd blow it up in back garden and use it as a paddling pool.

Donie75

Looks like these guys had a similar idea...
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/three-youths-extremely-lucky-to-survive-after-boat-overturned-on-river-boyne-35631409.html

MysticMonk

I assume there's no tiller or centreboard..completely unwieldy and impossible to steer

irishejit

As the other posters unless you are in the calmest of shallow waters don;t even think about it.

I'd stay away from all Intex stuff actually, I once purchased an inflatable canoe of theirs which was supposed to be able to handle fast rivers etc.

I've never been in worse, such a pig to handle and keep stable, even with a small keel fin on it. Needless to say its been gathering dust in the garage ever since, and I wouldn't knowingly sell it to someone in case something happened

MysticMonk

I vividly remember nearly drowning on a similar dinghy many years ago that belonged to my uncle.

It was aparrantly rated for three adults (it was much bigger than that model) but with myself (age 10) my dad and my uncle it rapidly started to deflate about 100 yards from shore in pretty calm conditions..oars were pretty useless and it was going round in circles and filling up with water..i think sheer luck saved the three of us. Suffice it to say i'd never get in one of those things again.

nokiatom

also be careful inflating them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzr5nTj8o0M