Bull Frog tender?

[kenackr]

I have seen some ads and the web site of Bull Frog tenders (made in the northwest) and they seem very interesting to me. These are aluminum hulled RIBs with foam flotation in the tubes and I think also in the hull.

They are claimed to be virtually indestructable (run 'em right up on shore) and with all the flotation, unsinkable. (I know it sounds like a titanic boast all over again.)

I intend to anchor out (or moor if staying anywhere for a while) while I cruise the caribe for several years. My previous experience with a standard Avon inflatable dink, left a lot to be desired. I never felt comfortable with the bottom.

At any rate, I will get a RIB this time, either fiberglass or aluminum and part of the use will be not only to go ashore but to scuba from too.

I intend to use davits to get it out of the water.

Does anyone have any experience with these bull frogs?

[Hubec]

I don't have any experience at all with them, but I'm in the market so I glanced at the site. First off I don't think they're technically RIBs since they aren't inflatable. The hard plastic sides will be banging your hull whenever it's not in the davit. Secondly the smallest one is 225lbs without motor! That's almost twice the weight of comprable RIBs. It wouldn't be my choice for a tender.