SUP

[Columbia30]

I know many cruisers have stand up paddle boards and they come in rigid and inflatable. I am waiting to buy one and would like feedback from those who have them on which is preferred while living aboard. I have heard arguments for the inflatable as far as storage. Is there any other benefits to the inflatable other than that? How about performance? Thank you


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[Spokes]

I have had a number of SUP's onboard including an inflateable and I think they greatly enhance the cruising lifestyle.
They provide good excercise and are very usefull in cleaning the hull and up to a meter below the antifouling line.
I would never get an inflateable again after running into an oyster shell on a jetty.Any decent one needs to be pumped to a high pressure and it's very difficult to properly repair.
Our current one is a Bic ACE TEC 10 foot long and a very wide 23" which makes it very stable for encounters with side on wash.
We stow below when we leave the boat or on the cabin top when sailing.
A good cover will help, get a leg rope to tie to the boat and don't skimp of your paddle. It must be carbon fibre and a good fit. Adjustable length is good if several people will use the board.

[Columbia30]

Thank you. I have my doubts on an inflatable and will most like go with a rigid.


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[laika]

I went with a starboard inflatable windsup a few months ago and think it's an awesome piece of kit. Really robust..way more so than my achilles inflatable dinghy. In my case, on a small cruising boat already loaded up with a bunch of other gear, the inflatable seemed like a pretty fair compromise. The one I went with is 12' x 33" and is absolutely massive in the flesh.

Long and narrow for maximum glide or trek-ability; short and fat for more stability and maneuverability.

Go test some out and see what works for you. If you do get an inflatable, get a high quality one.