Kicking Your RV Fun Up A Notch!
No matter how comfortable, classy or fancy your RV, you still need something to do while vacationing or travelling the country. Many choose golf, fishing or perhaps hiking. One of the newest sport/hobby activities that is growing quickly, is rubber boating. Now, when I say new, it certainly was for me, but there are folks that have been doing this for 10 years or more. From what I was about to learn, and witness, this may very well have been one of the best kept secrets of how to discover the real Florida.
So, what exactly is a rubber boat? Well, it’s an inflatable boat that is made of a flexible material similar to PVC or vinyl. It can be collapsed when not in use and blown up with an air pump when required. Generally an outboard motor is used, and fastens on a built in transom. The gasoline powered motors generally range from 2.5 horse power to 15, with the most common being 9.9 to 15.
This “Rubber Boat” sport, or hobby, is ideal for us RV enthusiasts. Many of us can not tow a boat trailer as we are already towing a vehicle. But, as a rubber boat can be deflated, it can easily be stored somewhere in the rig or in the towed vehicle. Both the equipment and operating costs are very reasonable for the fun and enjoyment one can probably receive. A wide choice of makes are available such as Zodiac, Apex, Delphinus, Sea Eagle, and many more.
I got my first experience at this “new to me” activity at the park I’m at, RiverBend Resort, in LaBelle Florida. The resort is right on the Caloosahatchee River, with docks and a boat launch. But there are hundreds of other parks that would have a similar setting fit for this. Florida’s waters are ideal as the elevation of the entire state pretty well eliminates rivers that have rapids or even fast moving water.
Some resorts, camps, and parks actually have rubber boat clubs, where groups go on expeditions from a half to a two day or longer trip. RiverBend was no exception and has a club called “The RiverBend Rubbers” that was formed shortly after the resort was started.
Now, the idea of rubber boating is not to float around in lakes or travel down big rivers like the Caloosahatchee, it’s to explore the back waters and creeks that hide around each bend. There are many of these, including the beautiful still back waters of the many ox bows found along the river’s edge.
The Adventure Begins
Our first half day trip started about 11:30 a.m. My wife and I in our rubber boat were to follow three experienced RiverBend Rubber members in theirs. Soon after leaving the docks of RiverBend, we were weaving through still waters that lay behind a deep ox bow. We arrived at the mouth of a small river on the south side, about a half a mile east of the Franklin Lock. The river waters were very still as we slowly made our way up into the dense tropical hide away. It was actually named Hickey Creek and wound south through overhanging cypress trees and a wide variety of palms. Many turtles could be seen at each bend of the waterway as they lay basking in the mid-day sun on logs and fallen tree trunks that lined the rivers edge. The sandy organic river bottom, illuminated by the sun rays that pierced the clear water, revealed the odd school of small reddish fish.
Peering over the white rubber pontoon on the shaded port side, I could see my reflection in water’s surface. I saw Humphrey Bogart staring back at me as images of the African Queen came to mind. This is truly the way to see Florida. It is like stepping back in time, a time before Florida had hotels, condos and tourists.
We stopped at a clearing at the river’s edge and scrambled ashore to stretch our legs. We had each packed a picnic lunch and had brought some refreshments and this was an ideal spot for a break. Two of us had brought our dogs along and they too took advantage of this shore leave. Throughout our trip up the desolate four miles or so of river, we did not even get a glimpse of an alligator, though I’m sure there were plenty about. In all likelihood the noise of the motors and our voices hastened them into the deep dark waters of the shaded banks.
The trip back down was equally enjoyable and seemed all new again as the view in the other direction revealed more unseen hidden treasures of the natural setting. Once back into the Caloosahatchee River we sped across the ripping surface to the north shore. There we skirted the river bank until we reached the Franklin Lock picnic and campground. Here a quick leg stretch and a comfort break were found at the club house like main building.
We were soon on our way again, moving east along the north side, occasionally disappearing behind the many lily pad lined ox bows. We took many pictures in hopes to capture the beauty of nature, but nothing could really replace this first hand viewing. We arrived back at the resort about 3:30 in the afternoon. What a pleasant day!
All of this left me with a feeling of “When can we go again?”
Taking It Up A Notch - Lug_Nut - Peter Mercer
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Janie and I have been doing this for 6 years here at Riverbend and other places in Florida such as the Keys, the St Johns River system, and the Everglades. It is always an adventure, and a wonderful way to explore new areas and kick RVing up a notch. Peter is spot on when he says that you will get a completely new perspective when you travel by rubber boat.
Great Blog, Peter!
Art, Wow, six years you have kept this a secret. I guess I kind of let the cat out of the bag now, so we can expect to see more out there in the future. It was a wonderful experience, an experience that I will repeat often from now on. Thank you for the kind words and your valued input.
Thanks Peter, I have been wondering if it would be worth hauling around my 8′ SeaEagle and 3hp motor when we start fulltiming, and I think you just answered my question!
Do you need a boat license ?
From Florida or your home state?
Thanks
Alpeniter, Glad the article helped you. An 8 footer with a 3 HP motor is just the ticket. Thanks for your input on the subject.
Mark & Kay, I believe the boat must have its home state registration. If it is being used for any period in Florida, it would require the purchase of a yearly state sticker. If you were referring to an operator permit, again just whatever your home state requires, which is probably none. Thank you for raising the question. If it’s any different, I’m sure somebody will post it. Thank you for your participation and input.
Peter, one thing I forgot to mention, here at Riverbend Motorcoach Resort, they hold the Riverbend Olympics with all kinds of events, such as a golf cart enduro, horseshoe tournament, RC boat competition, etc and the Riverbend Rubbers are planning to put on an in the water precision maneuvers demonstration. Are you interested in signing up?
Art
Art, I sure am interested and would love to join in. Thanks for the heads up and your input.
Mark & Kay. Under title 33 CFR, ANY motorized boat MUST be numbered in the waters of principle use. Simply put whatever body of water in whatever state where you use the boat more than anywhere else is where you number the boat. If you are a FL resident but only use the boat in ALA the you get ALA numbers. I am a retired DNR police officer from MD and our boat laws were mirror image of the federal statues. If any body has any further questions Ill be glad to help.
Mike & Kay, Thank you for the clarification on that, it is much appreciated. Also thanks for your participation in this topic with your input.
What about the danger from GATORS?
Pete, Apparently, no worrys. I don’t know if you read my line regarding the gators. They seem to become “No See Ems” as the motor and general people sounds are not attracting to them. Basically gators may be somewhat interested in you if you were swimming about in their area. But, putting along, or even paddling, gators don’t find this within their normal feeding habits. Unless it is in May, when they are mating, it is doubtful you will see any. Of course, unless you look especially appealing to them. Any you do, will watch curiously and hasten to hidding if you approach them. But really, they are a non-issue in general.
Pete, thanks for your great question. It’s probably one that others were also wondering. Also thank you for your participation and input.
Note: My comment on this subject is based on my personal experience and in no way should be accepted as being correct for every situation. Caution with any wild creatures while in their environment is prudent. Please use good judgement.
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Hi Lug_Nut,
I was at Gatorama years ago and fed both the crocs and gators with bread you could buy there. The host said they were waiting for discarded chickens from a local farmer that delivered them regularly.
I grew up beside a river and spent most of my time on a boat and it was some of the best memories of my life. Very relaxing.
Bye the way, how is the fishing there?
Cheers,
John
John, In the Florida fresh water one can find gators, especially on a sunny bank. Many people are not aware that there are salt water crocks from below about Marco Island to and through the Keys. They are very shy and will rarely be seen. Apparently there are now a very small number left. To my knowledge they have never clashed with man and are not aggresive. Thanks for your participation and always great input.
Hey Lug Nut….
Excellent description of our fun on the river…..but I think you gave out our best kept secret. Just kidding! We can’t wait to uncrate our rubber and get going. We also intend to tow it from our cruiser more this year and explore some of Cayo Costa, are you in?
Jerry, Good point, if you have a boat the rubbers can be towed to new locations while exploring larger bodies of water. Once there, the small rubber boat can take you to unreachable destinations. Thanks for your great input and topic participation.
We are planning a summer long trip to Alaska this year and have been giving the purchase of a rubber boat some thought. Your story and following comments have certainly encouraged me further. Sounds like an 8′ with a 3 horse is about right? Are there other thoughts on this and what brands are best? Ive looked around a bit and SeaEagle, Zodiac and others keep coming up. Are there characteristics as to build/density etc. that should be taken as minimum standards? Thanks much for any suggestions!
Tony Van Helden, There are a host of makes, each with many options. There are two basic materials, the PVC standard type and the more expensive hypalon. The difference is resistance to solar rays. The hypalon can withstand sun ongoing without a cover. Alaska, however, would probably work though with the PVC standard material. The PVC ones are generally kept covered when not in use. Either type are available with a rubber soft bottom, a hard bottom and a air filled bottom. You should surf the net to see which best suits your needs. Thank you for the interest and your input on this topic.
A month and a half later and I guess I’m next. Well, we bought an 11′ pvc Aquamarine and a good used 15 hp johnson that was upgraded from a 9.9. Seven weeks and off we go to Alaska. I was wondering if any club members have made the trip to Alaska with their inflatables and if any would have any excellent tips etc. etc. I also checked around for other clubs, but didn’t find any. Any leads on that? Instead of planning for Arizona for the winter months, Florida now makes a lot of sense. Thanks much in advance!
Tony Van Helden, Sounds like you have a great set-up for rubber boating. I’m not aware of any groups in Alaska, but I’m sure there are. One of the great things in Florida is the low elevation and the fact that most are soft mud bottoms. This allows for no rapids and no broken motors from rock strikes. Good luck with your travels and hope to see you in Florida. Thanks for your great input.
So what are some links to gathering info on this hobby? I just sold my 20 ft pontoon due to lack of use. Cant stop camping(hybrid TT) and have missed going out on the water. Would like to investigate on this more.
Are these durable as i camp along the Mississippi and a wing dam is a common thing around here along with stumps.
funkoptimus, I don’t know any direct links to this, but I’m sure there are and will look into it. Yes they are extremely durable and there are models and makes that I’m sure could deliver what you are looking for. Thank you for your interest and your valued input.