by ColinMcD » Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:26 pm
Hello Andy -
I've just spotted your question, and while I wouldn't presume that our arrangement with Foxglove will suit everyone, we are very very happy with our Chinese-made 9' inflatable - a very standard, mass-produced thing which I am sure is as available in the UK as it is in Norway where I bought it - which we always tow behind us wherever we go on the Argyll coast and, so far, the waters encompassing Oban, Islay, Mull, Colonsay etc..
I've just had a very quick browse: the "Waveline" 2.9m model on the Force4 website seems to correspond to what we have (it looks absolutely identical, but is branded differently to ours).
One recommendation: a solid floor is a must. Avoid slatted floors or anything which has a soft bottom!
I've yet to find myself in the sort of conditions where our towed inflatable has been in any way an encumbrance or a liability, and though I'm sure it doesn't help our speed through the water, I can honestly say that it's not something that bothers me or indeed that I am at all conscious of. I think I would be hard-pressed to demonstrate/measure any reduction in speed: it's certainly not perceived and I can't be bothered!
What we gain is convenience, independence and flexibility wherever we go: every landfall, every beach, every cove, every anchorage, is infinitely more accessible and fun with an inflatable. And I think we made a lucky guess at buying a 9' version: big enough to be really usefull; small enough not to be an encumbrance.
Couldn't imagine our month in the Hebrides without out little inflatable behind! (Christened, ex-officio, "Digitalis")
Best regards -
Colin McDougall
FOXGLOVE 56