Maxxon inflatable

[danpatch]

Based upon some discussion here, I recently purchased a Maxxon CS 300 inflatable which I am happy with so far, although it is a little heavy. The only question I have is how in the world do you get the thing into the carry bag? The best I have been able to do (after power deflating to remove all of the air) is roll it up, and it is relatively bulky (appx. 5' long and 4' around) Any handy hints on making it into a smaller package?

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

We have the Maxxon CS 300 and don't have too much trouble getting the boat in the bag. I usually don't store the oars or the seat in the bag however. Other than long term storage over the winter I don't tend to put it in the bag. We never bring the bag on a trip, it's just in the way and serves no purpose on board the boat.

When I do put it in the bag, I just open the valves and roll it up. You have to fold the tubes over toward the center line so the whole roll is as narrow as possible. It will match up fairly evenly with the width of the transom board.

Ours is up on our mac bow (deflated, rolled, and stored across the front windows tied on each side to the lifelines) in the driveway right now. I actually need to get out there put it back in the shed, but I doubt I'll use the bag again until winter.

[Rob M]

Does an inflatable need protection from the sun ? I've been told there is a spray that should be applied . Anyone know anything about this ?

[Terry]

I suppose if you lived in Florida protection from the sun might be a big concern, probably why folks there buy Hypalon. Up here in the Pacific Northwest exposure to the sun is no where near what it is down south and considering fair weather sailing season is only 4-6 months long you have less than half the exposure time. Add to that how much it is actually infalted and exposed and it is even less. I only bring mine out for overnight trips the rest of the time it is rolled up and in the bag so it is rarely exposed for any great length of time, maybe a total of one month out of a year. I will confess though, there is a spray that has SPF protection for your toys and when I first bought my Titan (same as your Maxxon 300) I also bought the cleaner and SPF spray so as to keep it new looking. Yes, I spray it with SPF spray and keep it clean like a fanatic even though it really is not all that necsessary but since I have the products I use them. The up side is that if I look after it I will have it for 20 years and they are rather expensive for what they are. The Spray is available at most marine supply outlets.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

UV is the number one killer of all inflatables. PVC is not as resistant as Hypalon. That said, I have no worries about either out for the season up here in the Northwest. In Florida and more southern areas Hypalon can be a better choice if you can't store the boat in a protected area.

[Rolf]

Back in the bag?? Too much work, better to store oars- pump- odds and ends. I love my Maxxon, it is a great value for the money, very well built, glad Duane turned me on to it. We fully inflate everything at home and throw it on the roof of our pathfinder down to the launch or slip. From there, we use my kayak wheels to roll it sideways down to the boat where my wife helps me stick it between bow and mast still fully inflated right side up for our Catalina trips. It slightly obstructs view, but can still see everything when I'm standing up. Feel very safe with that thing ready to go up there. No prob walking inside of it to drop hook or secure a mooring. Dropping the max off boat or retrieving a snap with wife's help.
Rolf