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schoonerdog · 05-10-2010, 14:03

I've got a 2001 9ft AB RIB, and I'm wondering if we should replace it before cruising.

Vasco · 05-10-2010, 14:44

That's only ten years old. My old hypalon dink which I sold to get a bigger one is 16 years old and still in very good condition. No leaks or anything. Besides I think they're cheaper in the Caribbean. My "new" AB is 6 years old, sits out in the sun all summer and is used extensively in the winter and is still in perfect condition, just a few scratches on the hull. And of course the seat is broken but that's common in ABs.

fstbttms · 05-10-2010, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by schoonerdog

I've got a 2001 9ft AB RIB, and I'm wondering if we should replace it before cruising.

My 12.5' Avon is at least 25 years old and only needs topping up with air every few weeks.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, IMHO.

endoftheroad · 06-10-2010, 05:54

Yeah....
I'd go with it and worry if something happens later.

You have a great quality dink, if it were of lesser quality I'd be concerned not so much of the fabric but of the glue integrity.
I'd feel confident with AB's glueing process.

Some other makes just fall apart.

svHyLyte · 06-10-2010, 05:55

If anything fails it will be a seam leak. Inspect them and if any look fuzzy, take a couple of tubes of Crazy Glue Gel just in case but otherwise you should have no problems.

FWIW...

windshadow · 11-10-2010, 06:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by schoonerdog

I've got a 2001 9ft AB RIB, and I'm wondering if we should replace it before cruising.

I went with the portaboat and never looked back much dryer ride and a really stable ride. When not in use you can fold her up fasten to the rails and stowe the seats and oars,and by the way they rowe really well if your motor has a problem.Have you ever tried to rowe an inflatable.If you look at adds of inflatables for sail they are normally 9 years old or or just a bit older why do you think that is? take care good luck

Troubadour52993 · 11-10-2010, 06:21

I have a 97 Novurania that's going strong; it's got some freckles and fading, but holds air well. The rubber seal in the valves went and I had to replace the valves (since of course they don't carry just the seals), but the tubes are still ok.

daddle · 11-10-2010, 06:22

Nope. Use it until it's just too ugly. Then buy another.

gbraddon · 11-10-2010, 06:29

Your AB should last for many more years. I have a 11.5' Carib which is about 10 years old and has taken the tropical sun for all of those years. I have repaired the hard bottom a few times because of rocky beach landings but the tubes are in great shape. Besides, if your going cruising older dinks and motors are MUCH less desirable to theives than nice shiny ones....

MarkJ · 11-10-2010, 06:45

'Lil Dink is in deep trouble and I can only use her now under duress....
To get to shore I even take a life jacket. At the dinghy dock I have to take the engine off and chain it to the dock or 'Lil Dink will sink. Even then I need to be back within 3 hours... 2 hours is better.

the replacement is in the Caribbean. Here much more expensive and not the brands / style / size I want. (and 25 days shipping!)

A dinghy when cruisng is more than just a bit of floating rubber. Its the SUV to adventure. The Shag Wagon for a teenager, Shopping cart for mum and family run-about for the boat. to have a service range of 5nms from the boat opens up a huge oportunity to explore than an small deflatable like mine can't give.

Theres vast areas of the world where buying a dink is just not possable (Thailand they wanted USD$3,500 for a 3m dinghy).

If I was just starting out and had the funds I would buy a new one, and a new big engine. Get the right one thats going to fit its spot on the boat.

You could well use it more than the mainsail, more than the yachts engine....

Mark

mintyspilot · 11-10-2010, 07:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkJ

'Lil Dink is in deep trouble and I can only use her now under duress....
To get to shore I even take a life jacket. At the dinghy dock I have to take the engine off and chain it to the dock or 'Lil Dink will sink. Even then I need to be back within 3 hours... 2 hours is better.

What happened to the Aussie sense of adventure??? I expect you to improvise! Take a hatch cover and screw the outboard to it and use like a powered surf board, hop off nonchantly at your destination and say "G'day Mate" with a sunny smile while everyone looks on in awe and says "What a guy!".

Or am I confusing Aussies with Kiwis.....

(Ducks and runs for cover....)

MarkJ · 11-10-2010, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by mintyspilot

improvise! Take a hatch cover and screw the outboard to it and use like a powered surf board,

OK I just tried that. It didn't work.

You forgot to tell me to unscrew the hatch from the boat!!!!!!!!

sabray · 11-10-2010, 07:17

When it is still screwed to the boat its a fan when it goes overboard its a surf board.

I had one inflatable that had the worst most expensive our locks. Their failure rate which increased as ethanol production increased was amazing. the replacement dink has a much better set up. I once had to use the floor board from the thing to get into a dock. Not the dignified manner I would prefer to have arrived. It was a pvc inflatable and soon all the seems opened up. Hypalon dink has been at it about 7 years now no issue no signs of degredation. Went back to a 2 stroke and that ended the rowing situation.