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hooligan6a · 23-05-2012, 05:20

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about Mercury inflatables?

I'm thinking about buying one.

EddieS · 23-05-2012, 06:18

I had one. It was a 310 air deck. It fell apart in about 3 years. Glued seams were the problem. I kept mine folded up quite a bit. If it were to stay inflated the seams may have lasted longer.
Thanks
Ed

**Cotemar** · 23-05-2012, 06:18

We have a Mercury 280 Dynamic Rib 9’ 2”, White 2008 and it weights 82 lbs
Tohatsu 6 hp 4 stroke engine at 55lbs
Comes up on plain with two people.

Purchased it from Defender. We like it. It works well with four people also.

**bstreep** · 23-05-2012, 18:59

We have a 2008 vintage hypalon airdeck that's a 310, I think. So far it's been OK - not outstanding in any way, but OK.

Ram · 23-05-2012, 21:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstreep

We have a 2008 vintage hypalon airdeck that's a 310, I think. So far it's been OK - not outstanding in any way, but OK.

Same here - not more I can say mine is 11 feet- and tubes are small- would be better if it had the bigger tubes- the price was right

Dulcesuenos · 24-05-2012, 03:16

Love our 270 airdeck hypalon.. not the quality of achilles but less expensive and a better warranty than achilles. The airdeck inflated correctly feels as solid as rock without three people standing on it. For ease of loading unloading etc love it. Plus I can plane by myself with a 2.5 Nissan.

**bstreep** · 24-05-2012, 09:32

I guess I really need to qualify my comments above:

The dinghy is 3.5 years old. Purchased a leftover from Defender - great price. The airdeck failed at 13 months (12 month warranty), and Mercury DID replace it, since it was so close to the warranty, and it was a seam that failed. Thankfully, because the airdeck is very expensive, compared to the whole price of the dinghy.

I've been disappointed in the hardware and attachments. The engine mount is starting to separate (plywood). Aside from this, not too bad.

jacob30 · 24-05-2012, 09:41

Had a friend that had the seams come apart as well. The company replaced it with a new one. This was one of their more high end models as well with a helm and large outboard. Buy an extended warranty because it might pay off.

swisscraft · 24-05-2012, 10:00

Had a 310 Airdeck. It was wet and I did not like it at all, therefore replace it with an AB Rib. Think the quality is way worse than AB.

**Tripod** · 24-05-2012, 11:34

We have one. It's a 2002 PVC 310 air deck that I bought second hand. According to the PO, it spent most of it's life rolled up and stowed (it looks almost new). It's a good boat, but after a few months of light use, the rub rails are falling off and we just has a seam fail. I'm looking for repair estimates, but it may be a total loss. Took a chance on a 10 year old boat because the condition looked good and price was low. Sometimes a good price isn't such a good deal. Oh well.

BTW, I'd buy another air deck in a heartbeat. Decent performance, light weight, plenty rigid, easy stowage, and you'll never hurt your knees.

Bob & Judy
s/v Adagio

Dulcesuenos · 24-05-2012, 12:42

Bob n Judy you should go grab that mercury Hypalon 10' Rib that Gander has on clearance near Jacksonville, they want 1500 or so but you can beat them up a few hundred, would come with new warrantty! and it is super light weight for a deep v rib.

**Tripod** · 24-05-2012, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Bob n Judy you should go grab that mercury Hypalon 10' Rib that Gander has on clearance near Jacksonville, they want 1500 or so but you can beat them up a few hundred, would come with new warrantty! and it is super light weight for a deep v rib.

Thanks. That's probably better that throwing more money at the older one.

**nautical62** · 24-05-2012, 13:18

I replaced a previous west marine inflatable with a Mercury. The thing I much prefer about it to the WM is that it has through bolted oar locks which prevent the oars from popping out, and allow one to really crank when rowing. It's a less specialized part as well Drill an hold through any old paddle or oar and it will work.

Jbaffoh · 24-05-2012, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieS

I had one. It was a 310 air deck. It fell apart in about 3 years. Glued seams were the problem. I kept mine folded up quite a bit. If it were to stay inflated the seams may have lasted longer.
Thanks
Ed

I have a 2006 310 air deck hypalon. I keep it rolled up, but use it every weekend. People see me inflate it and comment that it looks brand. It is like new. I would buy another without hesitation.