Selecting the right boat

[Station 49]

We're looking at getting our first boat, as part of a special operations trailer that will include a command area and contain a Gator for remote fires and rescues.

We'd also like to integrate a water rescue capability into this trailer, a capability we haven't had before. This would mean acquiring a boat, preferably an inflatable.

Based on the size limitations of this trailer though, we'd need something easily stowed that could quickly be put in service. It seems that the Zodiac Minuteman would be a good choice to address those needs. There just isn't enough space to stow a Mark 2/Mark 3, that is in a place where it could be quickly and safely retrieved.

Does anyone have experience with the Minuteman? What did you like? What didn't you like about it?

Thanks in advance.

[ADSNWFLD]

first is to identify what hazards you have and what situations you will use a boat in.
A few companies have inflatables with soft floors that are designed to be inflated on scene.
It all depends on what you are using it for, diver support, static floodwater, swift water, coastal or surf rescue, moving floodwater, ice, low head dam etc. every type of boat has a different use. if you have gone this long without one, then the RDC might work for you. Let us know the intended use/hazards

[Station 49]

first is to identify what hazards you have and what situations you will use a boat in.
A few companies have inflatables with soft floors that are designed to be inflated on scene.
It all depends on what you are using it for, diver support, static floodwater, swift water, coastal or surf rescue, moving floodwater, ice, low head dam etc. every type of boat has a different use. if you have gone this long without one, then the RDC might work for you. Let us know the intended use/hazards

Geography: One large river (tributary of the Mississippi) on the western edge of our township. No low-head dams though. A couple of aggregate companies with large ponds and dredging operations. The western edge of our township is mostly bottomland, and has flooded a couple of times before (there are a few houses and some businesses in this area, but not much).

Looking mostly at a boat that would accomplish several tasks. We probably wouldn't use it much for dive recovery, but mostly for water rescue, whether on the river or in floodwaters.

[...]

I would go with the Zodiac Minuteman.

[ADSNWFLD]

Sounds good to me AVON also makes a nice "boat in a bag". $$$$

[ADSNWFLD]

Also I'd stick with a high quality boat. Our inflatable was punctured in flood water evacuations in '08, it was a nice consumer grade boat but it was not repairable and we had to replace it. Our inflatable supports the dive team so we went with an aluminum floor model with a solid transom from Mercury.

[laddercompany20]

Look into the RescueOne Connector boats. They are SUPER nice. Designedfor rescue, diving, recovery, etc. It is an alumnum flat bottom boat but extremely stable. We have 2 at or department on a double stack trailer. We had Zodiacs but they dont compare to how user friendly the RescueOne's are. Their site is www.RescueOne.com. Lots of different options as well. I think wepaidaround $21,000 for the first one but it's LOADED with options. Good luck!