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svseachange · 08-07-2013, 18:05

The Missus and I looked at each other after another ride across a bay in our old Argo this evening and decided it is time to move a brand new inflatable dink to the top of our priority list. We figured CF'ers might have some good ideas.

1. Easily stowable. We keep the dinghy deflated on deck between out inner forestay and forward hatch. Needs to be able to roll up as small as possible.
2. Easy to inflate to a good pressure. The air valves on our Argo are a pain, hard to pump the thing to good pressure.
3. Light. We move it on and off the boat every few days.
4. As strong and seaworthy as possible. Must be able to carry my wife, myself, our 3 year old and our shopping/laundry. This may be in conflict with 1 & 3.
5. Costs as little as possible. US$1500 or less new. This may be in conflict with 1,2,3 & 4.

We are on the way from Duluth, USA to the southern climes, and use the dink (blow up, launch via halyard, attach outboard) all the time. We do not want to add davits. Currently near Erie, PA.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Cheechako · 08-07-2013, 18:10

rigid floors are a real pain to remove and replace. So I think you need to focus on inflatable floor or a rollup floor. This is a compromise but this stuff usually is. The older Avon with t he continuous vynil slatted floors werent bad, not sure what they offer now. Saw a relatively new Achilles with an inflatable floor the other day that seemed pretty impressive. Probably best to search the net under "rollup".
I'd get a 10 footer... not really much more space than a 9 footer and a big difference in ride... esp with 3 people.
You dont say if you like to go fast or not. If a slow non planing situation, then a good air floor might be fine. Maybe someone with experience with a newer model of one of those will chime in. Both types of floors seem to get an air bubble underneath when planing... the boat will burp it out on a regular basis... and the floor will hump up before it does. Not the end of the world.

fryewe · 08-07-2013, 18:13

Check out the 10'8" Porta Bote. Great boats. Stable and easily rowed. Good capacity. Practical to be carried folded and assembled in a few minutes on deck. Long lasting.

Right up against your price point.

svseachange · 08-07-2013, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheechako

You dont say if you like to go fast or not. If a slow non planing situation, then a good air floor might be fine.

Thanks. Good info. We are a go-slow family. Anyone got first hand recommendations on current models?

svseachange · 08-07-2013, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by fryewe

Check out the 10'8" Porta Bote.

We like the Porta Bote but it folds up too long to store on our boat.

tamicatana · 08-07-2013, 18:48

A bit over your budget, but we are completely happy with our 10' TAKACAT Lite

HOME - Takacat.com

It is everything advertised, thus far, and answers everything on your list except your price

svseachange · 11-07-2013, 05:33

I found a good discussion that answered most of my questions:
Shopping for a Dinghy and a Motor - Moderated Discussion Areas

**neilpride** · 11-07-2013, 05:43

For that budget i can consider a nice used Avon, i dont know where you plan to sail? Caribbean , tropics, cold climate ?? after see many horror historys with new dingys here in the caribbean i can say ..1 forget PVC in the tropics.2 run away from Zodiac, dont like the suny days. I see few weeks ago a 20 year old Avon, seems to me that litle dingys are made it bulletproof.... Good luck with the search.

**JPA Cate** · 11-07-2013, 07:41

Should you decide on a dinghy with an inflatable floor, something to bear in mind: they are extremely vulnerable to spilled fuel. It will last way better if you plan never to let a drop of fuel on it.

Ann

Celestialsailor · 11-07-2013, 08:15

From Wiki..."Until 1994, Avon Inflatables formed part of Avon Rubber, but the business was then sold and now operates independently of its former parent. Since 1998, the company has been a division of Zodiac Marine of France".
So reason enough not to buy an Avon made past 1997.

goboatingnow · 11-07-2013, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

From Wiki..."Until 1994, Avon Inflatables formed part of Avon Rubber, but the business was then sold and now operates independently of its former parent. Since 1998, the company has been a division of Zodiac Marine of France".
So reason enough not to buy an Avon made past 1997.

Huh why , zodiac make good stuff , they virtually invented the RIB , I would have always rated zodiac over Avon

Dave

ohdrinkboy · 11-07-2013, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamicatana

A bit over your budget, but we are completely happy with our 10' TAKACAT Lite

HOME - Takacat.com

It is everything advertised, thus far, and answers everything on your list except your price

Is your Takacat pvc or hypalon? I really like the boat. How are the bottom guards on the hulls? Will they stand up to lots of beaching?