Need a new dinghy -(Australia based) - Suggestions?

[Mike Banks]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

If you're willing to go rigid, you can find some polycraft dinghies at reasonable prices.

And--If you can find one of the foam-filled versions it is accepted and would be a life-raft for offshore travelling. Having a truly unsinkable dinghy is not a bad thing.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Snowdog2

Would people have different recommendations for inflatable dinghy's in the US?

Sevalor, Avon, noname inflatables from US Navy surplus.

[Heg]

Originally Posted by Motif

I bought a Calypso PVC inflatable about 8 years ago and it's still as solid as new. It has aluminium floor boards and a maximum of 3.5 hp motor. It weighs about 30 kg but will fold up quite well. It cost about $900 then but there's one advertised on Calypso 6 Foot Inflatable Dinghy • AUD 270.00 - PicClick AU for $270 at the moment. A good buy if it's in good condition.

That looks awesome. Might investigate the cost to ship to QLD.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Heg

That looks awesome. Might investigate the cost to ship to QLD.

Heg, do note the "SIX FOOT" bit! IMO, that is too small to be of any significant use as a yacht tender. Eight feet is about the minimum that can serve usefully.

Jim

[Heg]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Heg, do note the "SIX FOOT" bit! IMO, that is too small to be of any significant use as a yacht tender. Eight feet is about the minimum that can serve usefully.

Jim

Yes , I noticed that after my post . We are looking around the 2.8 - 3m mark

[aclmck]

Originally Posted by Heg

Yes , I noticed that after my post . We are looking around the 2.8 - 3m mark

Hi Heg,

I would look at the TAKACAT it s light and as its a cat format the 3 m offers a lot of space , one available in Brisbane on gumtree right now for $850

[svseachange]

Originally Posted by Snowdog2

Would people have different recommendations for inflatable dinghy's in the US?

Yes, the selection of brands and models available is different in the US.

The OP might meet their length and budget requirement if they can live with a 5hp outboard max. There was a cheapo on special at Whitworths last time I was there.

The cheapos will give a few years service if looked after. Most people don't cruise longer than that so it might a good idea to get a cheapo first and then upgrade in a few years if you get the bug?

[GILow]

Originally Posted by svseachange

Yes, the selection of brands and models available is different in the US.

The OP might meet their length and budget requirement if they can live with a 5hp outboard max. There was a cheapo on special at Whitworths last time I was there.

The cheapos will give a few years service if looked after. Most people don't cruise longer than that so it might a good idea to get a cheapo first and then upgrade in a few years if you get the bug?

I looked long and hard at that Whitworths cheapo boats and decided that a secondhand boat would probably be better value. I can't be sure of course, but they had a couple of them inflated at my local Whitwoths store and they felt pretty uninspiring.

Matt

[mjcook]

The best quality will cost but it's worth it. Bearfoot boats 0732901600 Has an excellent product. Built in Australia with good glue and welding. Aluminum hull rows well.

[Mike Banks]

If you are determined to buy inflatable--then SWIFT is about the best Australian made one. Achilles I think is Japanese--but they are OK too. I had a Zodiac--it was RUBBISH..

[Big Macca]

I've got a used Quicksilver 3.8 inflatable that hasn't had much use. It's about six years old and has been sitting in the garage for several years gathering dust. It was only ever intended as a stopgap. It carried an 18hp Tohatsu without hassle, although if you tried to move too quickly the heaviest person aboard had to lean over the bows to stop it bending. It's been sitting in the garage for several years. I'll sell it for $400 if you pay the freight (it's in Melbourne).

Replaced it with a Swift RIB, which is terrific –*big pontoons, a great hull and no hassles at all.

[Heg]

Originally Posted by Big Macca

I've got a used Quicksilver 3.8 inflatable that hasn't had much use. It's about six years old and has been sitting in the garage for several years gathering dust. It was only ever intended as a stopgap. It carried an 18hp Tohatsu without hassle, although if you tried to move too quickly the heaviest person aboard had to lean over the bows to stop it bending. It's been sitting in the garage for several years. I'll sell it for $400 if you pay the freight (it's in Melbourne).

Replaced it with a Swift RIB, which is terrific –*big pontoons, a great hull and no hassles at all.

Too big for our davits . but thanks for the offer.

[Heg]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

If you're willing to go rigid, you can find some polycraft dinghies at reasonable prices.

Had a look at the 3m one but it has a max capacity of 3 people. We really need a 4 seater

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Heg

Too big for our davits . but thanks for the offer.

Ha ha. Same problem for me so mine has to go on the foredeck while the old 8 footer remains on the davits.


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