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[dennisK]

Been thinking about getting a zodiac type boat - I like the lightness and how much faster they can go with 9hp then a regular rigid boat.

Curious about how long it takes to inflate a zodiac (12ft) with a high pressure air pump - could avoid using a trailer?

[BwiBwi]

I got a Zodiac Fish'n Hunt  11'6". Inflating is the easy part less than 5 min.  Trying to deflate and pack with that heavy wood flooring is another story.  I end up tieing the boat to the roof, it's alot easier.

[dennisK]

I see. That makes sense.

It's just that I think I'd have huge wind resistance driving on the highway with a giant honking zodiac tied to my station wagon.

Damn I was really trying to avoid getting a trailer.

What size engine you use?

[BwiBwi]

I use a 5hp Yamaha.  Actually I find wind resistant not bad it's actually better than towing a trailer.  With my can usually hwy consumption is 11L/100km w/ boat on the roof it's just shy of 12L/100km but with trailer it's 14L/100km.

[dennisK]

5hp enough for the fraser in August?

[BwiBwi]

Not in the main channel only good for back water with little current.  For main channel I would suggest having at least a 20 hp motor.  Mind you for soft bottom inflatables motor rating is mostly restricted to 10hp.  So for Fraser you probably need a rigid hull type zodiac, to accomodate higher hp rated motor.  Take a look at this link http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/the-zodiac-range/pop.classic.cfm

[Snapperhead]

I owned a 10.5 ft  Zodiac and had a wooden floor.It only took me 10mins to pull out of the trunk to fully set up.I used a foot pump which is about the same as the hand pump in your picture.
Even the floor boards wern't that big of a deal to store in the car.
Just factor in the extra time(10-15mins Max) to your outings.

Dave

[BladeKid]

I have a 10 foot (give or take a foot) zodiac inflatable, has wooden floor boards...takes me around 15 mins to inflate and put the boards in. (i use a foot pump to inflate)