mvweebles
Guru
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2019
- Messages
- 7,238
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Weebles
- Vessel Make
- 1970 Willard 36 Trawler
Buying a RIB & Supply Chain Issues
A couple months ago I asked the collective TF wisdom on 15-20 hp outboards. I ended up with a Tohatsu 20hp. I was impressed with their early adoption of EFI in a small OB. I decided to go with electric start and electric tilt despite cost/weight/complexity to make it more approachable to my wife.
Dinghy ---- short answer is I went with an AB 10AL (10'6" Aluminum hull with bow-locker, lightweight at 128 lbs).
Long answer: I looked at (Links for each are in the name/list)
Hope this helps someone else out there, though if you're looking, no guarantee you'll find anything decent in-stock.
Good luck -
Peter
A couple months ago I asked the collective TF wisdom on 15-20 hp outboards. I ended up with a Tohatsu 20hp. I was impressed with their early adoption of EFI in a small OB. I decided to go with electric start and electric tilt despite cost/weight/complexity to make it more approachable to my wife.
Dinghy ---- short answer is I went with an AB 10AL (10'6" Aluminum hull with bow-locker, lightweight at 128 lbs).
Long answer: I looked at (Links for each are in the name/list)
- [*]OCTenders is a rigid hull built in NZ by knowledgeable cruisers. By far my first choice were it not for expense (+$12k landed) and availability due to limited shipping. It has a fairly flat bottom so planes well but likely pounds more than a deep-vee RIB. But it's hell-for-stout and only 92-lbs.
[*]Highfield Classic 310https://www.highfieldboats.com/classic-310/ (10'2" 132 lbs.) Aluminum hull. I discounted it early for two reasons: First, it's made in China. I have no quarrels with China, but companies that offshore production do so for a reason other than to make the best possible product. Second, their price was about the same as the Achilles which appears to be a better product. Best I can figure, Achilles/AB spend money on their product; Highfield spends their money giving RIBs to YouTube influencers. Highfields do have an option for a clever steering console that mounts out-of-the-way if you're into those types of things. Highfields carry a 2-year warranty
[*] Achilles 310AL (142 lbs 10'2") Aluminum hull. Despite being the chubbiest of the fleet, was my first choice - my current Achilles dinghy is well over 25-years old so has lasted well (albeit in mild climate of SF). Achilles are made in Japan. They are a quality product and would be a no-brainer compared to the Highfield except......supply chain issues made availability highly questionable. Achilles carries a 5-year warranty.
[*]AB 10 AL Lammina. (10'6" 128 lbs). I lucked out - Defender just had a shipment of ABs arrive a couple days ago and had one left, so I bought it. Was about 15% more than the Achilles, and made in Baranquilla Colombia (they recently moved from Venezuela). ABs are known for top quality workmanship and long life. AB carries a 10-year warranty.
Hope this helps someone else out there, though if you're looking, no guarantee you'll find anything decent in-stock.
Good luck -
Peter
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