Used vs new Dinghy (remotely)

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by ErBrown

So this was the other thing I was wanting to bounce off "y'all". The feedback I got (from a dealer...so grain of salt) was to either go 10 horse or jump to 20 horse, because the 15s where too heavy for the power increase over a 10. Granted this was a 4-stroke conversation and I think we're convinced that a 2-stroke makes sense, since we'll be passing 'right by' the Bahamas on our way home...

Get a 15hp Yamaha 2 stroke. No heavier than the 10hp (about 80 pounds).

[a64pilot]

Just for giggles, take a look at the Suzuki 4 stroke 20 hp, 99 lbs.
And I know money has to be tight, but if possible buy the RIB you want, or you will be buying two and won't be happy until you get the one you want.

[svfinlandia]

Originally Posted by Guy

Buy a new Defender RIB. Probably the best bang for the buck. Used inflatable boats often have problems, every one of the 3 I've bought did anyway.

I know that Zodiac was not on your list of preferred, but I see that Defender has a 10' 2" inflatable brand new for under $1,000.00. Why not buy one on line and have it shipped to the yard that the boat is currently living in and it will be there when you are ready to launch?

[Terra Nova]

Most Zodiac's are PVC and have a relatively short life compared to Hypalon.

[Tayana42]

PVC is cheaper than hypalon and generally considered not so good for tropical use due to uv and chafe. But they cost less than half as much new. A uv protectant spray occasionally helps greatly. If you want a lower cost tender for an interim a new PVC boat may make sense. For life in SoCal I've opted to buy new PVC dinghies more often rather than pay out the higher price for the longer lasting hypalon.


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[svfinlandia]

Originally Posted by Tayana42

PVC is cheaper than hypalon and generally considered not so good for tropical use due to uv and chafe. But they cost less than half as much new. A uv protectant spray occasionally helps greatly. If you want a lower cost tender for an interim a new PVC boat may make sense. For life in SoCal I've opted to buy new PVC dinghies more often rather than pay out the higher price for the longer lasting hypalon.


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You are correct, and that is also my strategy. I had a cover make for mine and keep it covered as much as possible when not in use.

[Cheechako]

Zodiac has a terrible reputation. Worthless once it fails.

[robert sailor]

PVC in the Northern climes is AOK PVC in the tropics is crap!

[ErBrown]

Yeah I've been steering away from Zodiac because of the issues mentioned above. That being said I didn't realize how cheaply we could pick one up for. If we could pick up a 10'2" solid panel aluminum floor model for $1k that will likely take a 15hp 2-stroke (rated for 99 lbs).

Is it reasonable to expect it to last 4-5 years if we keep it covered when not in use? For the next 3-5 years we'll be coastal cruising on weekends and vacations, so usage would be fairly light. Then when it's time to depart we would buy a quality Hypalon dink before we head out.

Sound reasonable?

[sailorboy1]

I have an old Zodiac. It came with my first boat and it looked pretty old when I got it 6 years ago and holds air the same now as then (I have patched it once). It it fine still and I have left it on the deck all winter long during storage.

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by ErBrown

The feedback I got (from a dealer...so grain of salt) was to either go 10 horse or jump to 20 horse, because the 15s where too heavy for the power increase over a 10.

The Tohatsu 9.8 weighs 81lbs, 15 and 20 each weigh 114lbs.

And the admiral actually prefers the hard Watertender 9.4 to the inflatable Avon RIB.

[ohdrinkboy]

How about buying a watertender and a trolling motor. Can always sell the trolling motor when you get back.

[ErBrown]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

How about buying a watertender and a trolling motor. Can always sell the trolling motor when you get back.

I wish, unfortunately 480lb capacity isn't going to get it done for 4 folks

[onestepcsy37]

Sorry, I missed the part about the 4 folks. The watertender is a wonderful little boat, better than the walker bay IMHO, but its definitely a 2 seater + gear and a small engine kind of boat.