sib question
 

I still have a 12 foot inflatable (flat bottom) and have added a hard deck. I am wondering if a surf launch (La Jolla) is feasible. It has a motor, but I imagine I would have to rely upon a paddle until beakers are cleared assuming a kayak paddle is long enough. Biggest concern would be catching a wind in large swell and flipping. Second concern would be landing a fish and having dorsal puncture. It would stay afloat I am confident as it has three air chambers and I assume that punctures could even be repaired on the water with a tape kit.

Any suggestions/caveats?

Thanks

You'd be fine launching an inflatable most days at the shores. Check the forcast, surf reports and the launch web cam and you'll have a good idea of the actual conditions. Oars will work better than a kayak paddle and you may need to wade in a ways to make it easier to get the motor started. If you have a buddy one guy can get on the oars while the second guy wades in and then gets the motor going. Mike

Okay, at least the oars I have come apart and although one of the collars is broken, I am pretty sure they will still function. Motor is electric and mount provides for 180 degrees tilt (Minn-kota 40). Its a bit tricky steering as the shaft is so long and I have to sit with my arm raised as though I am holding onto a subway car hangar with the tiller above my head. In the bay I used to use a folding chair which worked out great, but not sure how safe that would be in the ocean.

you have got big eggs
 

does electric have enough punch to get you through fast enough. :o

It should, La Jolla has pretty small surf most of the time. The Minn-kota has 40# thrust. also with rowing, shouldnt be a whole lot different than paddling a yak, although a lot slower going.



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