Advice on West Marine 310 RIB dinghy?

West Marine has a 20% off sale on their dinks thru 10/10. They have two 310 hypalon models - one has a v deck and the more expensive (& heavier by about 30 pounds) has a flat deck. Anyone have experience w/either model? I'm closing on a Grand Banks 42 at the end of the month and need to replace its current dink (which is a 310 RIB v deck).

I can see the pros for a flat deck to stand on, but wonder if the v shaped deck is that big of a deal. Pros for it are lighter to lift and more carrying capacity for people and cargo. Thanks!

I had the WM 310 with the v deck. I just sold it when I bought my current boat which had a slightly nicer dink. I really liked the 310 and to be honest, I wish I had kept it. If the 30lbs would be an issue, there is no problem with the lack of a flat deck. My current dink does have a flat deck and it is nice.

So if I was to buy again, I would get the flat deck IF the weight was not an issue, both for wrestling it and for performance on the water with your engine of choice.

I have the 310 single bottom, or vee deck.

Glad I don't have the extra weight and expense.

The vee deck does have 2 flat spots along the glass bottom next to the tubes. I plan to make a light weight removable slatted deck to lay in there after of the seat.

Forward is a steep vee, but usually toss stuff up there anyway.

This dink comes with a nearly new 15 HP Yamaha 2 stoke that PO bought in Bahamas a few years ago (80lbs. I think). Can y'all get 4 adults in your 310 versions? And both versions plane and handle well fully loaded? The flat deck sounds nice and useful, but I'm leaning towards the vee version - hull weighs less so more room for cargo and it's 500 bucks or so cheaper.

8hp 4 stroke Yammie planes mine nicely with 350-400 pounds onboard. 15 to 18 knots.

Above that and it needs full throttle to plane. Could be propped poorly and trim is critical.

15hp 2 stroke should be fine, and with one person should be downright scary fun.

Dave, you now have the flat deck version. WM says that one comes with a forward watertight locker? True? If so, how much gear can you stow (like real small danforth and some anchor rode)? Thanks!

I have the 310 vdeck with an older 15hp Johnson on it. It's fast but a bit squirrelly.

I didn't want the extra weight of the flat deck model.

I am not familiar with either of West Marine's dinghies. My flat deck Avon has a flat deck but the bottom is somewhat V shaped. This arragement provides a small bilge so that one's feet can remain dry. So if this is the same with West's flat deck, I highly recommend it. All dinghies seem to get water in them and there is no need to have wet shoes