Manfred,
Welcome to Cruisers Forum!
I've spent many years in the
Virgin Islands and would like to offer the following
advice for what it's worth.
1. A dingy is a very important accessory in the Virgins, as it is elsewhere in the
Caribbean. Sometimes, they are called upon to make longer-than-you-think trips in sometimes difficult choppy conditions. The larger the better.
2. Air
inflatable bottoms and air seats and the like are nowhere near as good as a
RIB with a hard,
fiberglass bottom.
3. I know the
Zodiac model you mentioned is
cheap...under $1,000 on
sale in the U.S. But, you really get what you pay for. And,
shipping to the
BVI will not be
cheap.
May I suggest that if you are not totally convinced that the Zodiac Zoom 260S is the way to go, that you first visit a local dealer of inflatables and check out what else is available? Also, ask around....at the bar! PegLeg or Pussers would be a good place to talk with other cruisers.
One local dealer you might visit is Tradewinds Yachting Services in Road Town:
Tradewinds Yachting Services
I bought a 9' Caribe
inflatable RIB from them about 10 years ago and have been very happy with it. Still in great condition.
Have a good time in the
BVI....there's no better place for real sailing :-)
Bill