Scooter / Moped

[rangerscott275]

Does anyone have any suggestions on a scooter or moped that is relatively cheap but that they've owned for some time and had a good experience with in terms of functionality and being able to handle life on a boat? I was thinking of getting a knock-off of a Vespa and putting it up on the flybridge next to the dinghy and using my winch to raise and lower when I come into new ports of call. (so it needs to be relatively light as well...I think my winch is rated for 250 or 300 lbs). Thanks

 

[whaler23]

Yamaha Zuma, perfect for the boat, easy to own too.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

We use a couple of those powered skateboards. The handle folds down and latches making a carrying handle. For those who don't feel comfortable standing on a powered skateboard they supply a seat and a post. With the seat it is like riding any scooter. Very nice, light, and easy to staow and carry.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Maynard, I would go with any of them by well-known folks like Yamaha or Vespa. Pretty much, you get what you pay for. (YGWYPF) Vespas cost a bit more. The market is too new for reps to really be established, but the cost of entry isn't much. One of the big advantages is that since they are not licensed, they don't get parking tickets etc and they can be put on sidewalks. They are not, however, very corrosion resistant, and in our area, where the water is brackish and the downtown floods occasionally, you can see them rust. However, you can't beat them for convenience, fun, and cheap to ride.

 

[MikeP]

I assume from your post that you are definitely looking for something motorized? Bicycles are great and we carry a couple of them on board whenever we are bound for someplace we need to be more mobile. They were absolutly great at Newport RI and Block Island.

 

[trogers]

Suzuki Burgman 400. Tow the tender and use a sheet of starboard to diffuse / spread the weight of the scooter on the upper deck. Use the rail mounts from the tender to stabilize/lash it down.

Might be a bit heavy, though I recall that it weighs in a bit over 400.