Best Inflatable for a Dinghy?

I've been looking around at different inflatables.

The most reasonable priced ones seem to have wood bottoms with inflatable keels.

Do these hold up?

Is one in the 10' range OK to use with a 2.5hp engine?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Depends on your needs. I have had an all inflatable and an RIB with a 4hp Yamaha 4 stroke, and greatly prefer the RIB. We used to beach the boat regularly, and worry about the rock and shells puncturing the inflatable floor. Also, the RIB is easier to plane, and fish from.

A 2.5 will get you there, but I prefer a bit more HP due to current and wind.

I really want something lightweight.

I'm not concerned about speed, just components that are easy to handle and can ride on the swimplatform.

So, stay away from an inflatable keel then?

I would. There are RIBS out there that weigh under 150 lbs:

</title> <script src="http://www.google.com/jsapi"></script> <script> google.load("jquery", "1.4.0"); </script> <script src="http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/js/jquery.corners.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.zodiacmarineusa

or under 100 lbs:
WEST MARINE Compact RIB 310 at West Marine

It is kinda like the big boat. What is it's mission??? If it is just a toy then get whatever you want. If it becomes more of a tool...ie your ability to get to and from land for necessities, then you may want a more robust dingy with speed. 5mph to go mileS gets old VERY quickly when you have other stuff to do...I mean cruising is hard work!!!!.... I can tell you, non-RIB dinghies seem to flop around a lot. There is no real stiffness in the structure. So when you are in choppy water, the whole boat seems to flop around...not the greatest feeling. You can't go wrong with a RIB although transporting it can become another issue.

It's to be used to go back and forth to the beach, dinner and other assorted activities when we're on the hook.

Want to use without davits, just lash it to the swimplatform.

I'm seriously considering the Lehr 2.5 because of economy and it uses the same propane bottles as a grill. Less items to cart along.

Pau Hana said:

I would. There are RIBS out there that weigh under 150 lbs:

</title> <script src="http://www.google.com/jsapi"></script> <script> google.load("jquery", "1.4.0"); </script> <script src="http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/js/jquery.corners.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.zodiacmarineusa

or under 100 lbs:
WEST MARINE Compact RIB 310 at West Marine

Click to expand...

These all weight 92lbs & up. I was hoping for something no more than 65lbs so the admiral could possibly handle it if necessary.

What about a slat floor model? Are they stable?

Make things easy on yourself- the West Marine RIB, a set of Weaver Davits, and a pivoting engine mount so you don't have to remove the outboard when storing the dinghy on the swimstep. Understood that you don't desire to use davits, but it's good peace of mind when you know that the dinghy is secured and safe vice having to worry about the securing lines.

Or, get one of these:

Builders of First Class Boat Davits - Pioneers of Transom Davit Technology


Another option:

davits, davit, the greatest davit system for inflatable boats


Don't make the mistake of going too light/cheap and having to repurchase later.....

The swimplatform is being worked on while we speak.

Guess now is the time to get them installed

Pau Hana said:

Make things easy on yourself- the West Marine RIB, a set of Weaver Davits, and a pivoting engine mount so you don't have to remove the outboard when storing the dinghy on the swimstep. Understood that you don't desire to use davits, but it's good peace of mind when you know that the dinghy is secured and safe vice having to worry about the securing lines.

Or, get one of these:

Builders of First Class Boat Davits - Pioneers of Transom Davit Technology

Another option:

davits, davit, the greatest davit system for inflatable boats

Don't make the mistake of going too light/cheap and having to repurchase later.....

Click to expand...

Damn, that just defeated my cheap way out scenario...

:'(

What do you think about the pivot davits on the second link?

You think we can still use the swimplatform for boarding?

I like them as an alternative to glueing Weaver pads: however, the full Weaver ARC system for a RIB doesn't put stress on the tube.

Pau Hana said:

I like them as an alternative to glueing Weaver pads: however, the full Weaver ARC system for a RIB doesn't put stress on the tube.

Click to expand...

Thanks.

Phone is dying, gotta get recharged

If you don't get a RIB, get one with a wood or aluminum floor. The slatted floors don't give a good ride IMO, you'll feel every ripple in the water.
I had a wood floor "Boat US" hypalon dinghy that lasted 14 years and it rode and handled pretty good. But it weighed 90 something lbs.

jleonard said:

If you don't get a RIB, get one with a wood or aluminum floor. The slatted floors don't give a good ride IMO, you'll feel every ripple in the water.
I had a wood floor "Boat US" hypalon dinghy that lasted 14 years and it rode and handled pretty good. But it weighed 90 something lbs.

Click to expand...

Every solid wood floor I've seen so far has an inflatable keel.

I've had an Avon inflatable with plywood floor and inflatable keel for 25 years of medium use....sure they don't ride as nice a some RHIBs...bt with a less than 5 hp motor...it won't matter.

As far as durable...shells, rock and barnacles/oysters aren't the problem. I've never punctured a tube...just a few rips in the bottom where it caught a nail head dragging t's full weight up onto a dock.

If you are careful in the least bit...an all inflatable should last as long as the stitching which becomes the first really big issue with the older models like mine.

psneeld said:

I've had an Avon inflatable with plywood floor and inflatable keel for 25 years of medium use....sure they don't ride as nice a some RHIBs...bt with a less than 5 hp motor...it won't matter.

As far as durable...shells, rock and barnacles/oysters aren't the problem. I've never punctured a tube...just a few rips in the bottom where it caught a nail head dragging t's full weight up onto a dock.

If you are careful in the least bit...an all inflatable should last as long as the stitching which becomes the first really big issue with the older models like mine.

Click to expand...

I'm getting more confused as ever.

I wanted to buy a 2011 leftover with a wood floor and inflated keel. The price is good, haven't checked shipping yet, and it has a full warranty.

It's a Zodiac which I believe is a quality brand, right?

psneeld said:

I've had an Avon inflatable with plywood floor and inflatable keel for 25 years of medium use....sure they don't ride as nice a some RHIBs...bt with a less than 5 hp motor...it won't matter.

Click to expand...

You're the third person I've heard say the exact same thing in the last two weeks. Hypolon must be the material of choice as it seems far more long lasting than the PVC fabric.

Do you partially deflate yours between long periods of non use?

I have a hypalon Achilles 9.6 ft inflatable - LEX96. It's got the 4-piece wood floor and inflatable keel. Its empty weight is 74 lbs. I've got a 27lb Honda 4-stroke 2HP outboard on it, so the whole package weighs in at 101 lbs.

The boat is slow (5 mph) but lightweight. With 15.5 inch tubes instead of 17 in tubes, it's a bit wetter ride than I'd like. It's very easy to manage. I just tip it up on the swim step and lash it to the aft rail.

It's fine for traveling short distances boat-to-boat or boat-to dock/shore, but not for long trips in rough water. I'm shopping now for a 3 meter/10.5 ft RIB for that role with a 15HP 2-stroke OB. The RIB would require davits.

So it appears that hypalon is far superior to PVC?

beachbum29 said:

So it appears that hypalon is far superior to PVC?

Click to expand...

I see the Lex-96 is $1499.

Mine will be for sale for less than that with the motor when I get my new one.

Yes, hypalon is better. Hypalon stands up to UV better than PVC, although I store mine with my boat in a covered shed.

FlyWright said:

Mine will be for sale for less than that with the motor when I get my new one.

Yes, hypalon is better. Hypalon stands up to UV better than PVC, although I store mine with my boat in a covered shed.

Click to expand...

Where are you located and what do you have?

I bought a new Zodiac ZOOM inflatable online for $679 earlier this year, free shipping. It is 12' with a semi-rigid wooden bottom. By semi-rigid I mean that it folds (into three pieces) but when it is in the boat it is locked. Inflatable keel. I use a 2.5 HP Tohatsu with it, and it seems to do just fine.

When we were cruising for 5 years (Caribbean and East Coast of US) we had an even smaller inflatable (Tinker - 10')) with a 2.5 HP outboard. Easy to hoist aboard and enough power to move at a comfortable pace. That said, there were times when we were envious of the cowboys who zoomed around the harbors in their bigger inflatables. But overall the small inflatable and small motor did just fine for us.

John

beachbum29 said:

So it appears that hypalon is far superior to PVC?

Click to expand...

Absolutely positively without a doubt!!!!!

FlyWright said:

Mine will be for sale for less than that with the motor when I get my new one.

Click to expand...

What model are you thinking about, Al?

beachbum29 said:

So it appears that hypalon is far superior to PVC?

Click to expand...

It used to be yes...no comparison.....however

I've been out of the inflatable market for 25 years and will probably never go back as a serious cruiser....so I'm not sure how much better PVC has come.

Dinks for cruisers are like pickup trucks in the wilds....never tough enough and won't stay pretty unless you are a true "yachtie".

Beachbum, mine is hypalon. Achilles LEX-96 I'm in Northern CA.

SHII, I'm hoping to look at an Achilles 315DX later this week. Also trying to pry an extra 15HP 2-stroke Merc out of my buddies fingers. The two would make a great pair at 240 Lbs.

psneeld said:

...so I'm not sure how much better PVC has come.

Dinks for cruisers are like pickup trucks in the wilds....never tough enough and won't stay pretty unless you are a true "yachtie".

Click to expand...

After more than a few years in the tropics, Hypalon is king. PVC is PVC. The sun still eats it pretty fast. If you are a seasonal boater PVC may work since the cost is less. Be careful though of Hypalon dinghies that have inflatable floors or wood slats. The floors are not usually Hypalon so you have the UV issue. We had a 11.5' Avon Hypalon roll up for 7 years and loved it for the weight. It had an inflatable floor that was constructed of PVC. We cut a piece of carpet for the floor and took care of the UV issue and also gave it some puncture resistance.

We have always looked at dinghies as our car/pickup. Get the biggest your boat can handle.

Hypalon it is. Defender has some good prices along with decent shipping rates.

Now comes the choice between a 2.5 & a 5.0hp propane outboard.

I like the 2.5 for the weight and economy.

Any other places to look at inflatables?

ebay and craigs list...etc...etc ....used boats take a big hit no matter what they are new or used.