New Outboard Engine and Dinghy!

[Big Moe]

Good Morning Fellow Sailors:

I am about to purchase a dingy for the first time. I am looking at a West Marine, Hypalon Rib 310 with a 9.9 Mercury engine. I want the Hypalon 310 because it has a load of handles on the top and insides and has a fiberglass floor. It weighs about 100 lbs so my wife and I can put it in the dingy rack together (hence the handles).

I am a little unsure as to the motor. Should I also look at a Honda? They are both 4 cycle as there are very few 2 cycles available new (Yamaha has one).

Thanks,

Big Moe

[Tellie]

Just curious. Do you have an Out Door World near you? They seem to have the best price for Mercurys. West Marine will match their price on their Mercs. I've found it to be a substantial difference at times.

[r skillings]

love my honda. Better charging than merc. Mercs are less $$$ usually and have good extras.

[Sandero]

Honda is quite a bit heavier than the Yamaha and I suppose the Merc. You'll need a lifting davit to get the motor off the boat. Even the lighter ones at about 85# are too heavy to "throw" around. Towing with the motor on is a definite no no so go for the Garhauer demountable lifting davit.

If you are in CA check out the AquaPro SMR101. It's a super boat with solid handles, a double floor alum bottom RIB so it has a bilge which you can pump out via an access hole so the sole is always quite dry. Beautifully constructed hyaplon and priced right. It's a top boat made in NZ I think.

[bstreep]

If you want to save a little money, try calling Defender - they have a Mercury RIB in Hypalon for $2181. We bought a 10' Mercury Hypalon Airdeck a year ago for $1250 from Defender. Pretty good boat. Weighs about 80 lbs. Not quite as good as a RIB, but it sure folds up nice! Takes us about 5 minutes to inflate, with an electric inflator.

We have a 1 year old Mercury 9.9. It's 85 lbs, starts easy, very quiet. paid $1375 for it at Academy.