Need to replace my Caribe dinghy; recommendations?

[Cool Hand Luke]

I have a Caribe dinghy (I believe it's 13 feet, but I'm not too sure). See attached photos. I bought it used and it served me well. I didn't take as good care of it as I should've. I regret it now, but lesson learned.

I have a 6HP Mercury engine that will put on a new one... and I'd like to raise it on davits that I will install on my Jeanneau SO409.

I was looking at either the BRIS 14 inflatable:
https://www.amazon.com/BRIS-14-1-Inf.../dp/B00CTDPWJU

OR

The Saturn SD430 inflatable:
https://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable-boat-sd430.asp


Or, would you recommend something else? I'd love to get another one with hard bottom like my current one, but my budget is under $2,000 USD and preferably around $1,500 USD.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thank you in advance for any tips, recommendations, and help!!

[wind rose ll]

ever consider re-tubing it?

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by wind rose ll

ever consider re-tubing it?

Is it worth it? It's already damaged on the outside... white powdery paint is coming off of it whenever I slide my hand across it.

I do miss this dinghy... I got her in the BVIs for a great price (used) and she served me well... I just didn't take care of her

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Luke

Is it worth it? It's already damaged on the outside... white powdery paint is coming off of it whenever I slide my hand across it.



I do miss this dinghy... I got her in the BVIs for a great price (used) and she served me well... I just didn't take care of her

Does that mean the hull is chalky?

Just polish it.

[wholybee]

I couldn't recommend either. I don't think those ultra cheap PVC dinghy's are suitable for much more than sitting in a garage, and being taken out a few times a year for a camping trip.

I tried a Saturn dinghy. After a year of use, it was bad enough I knew it wouldn't last much longer. After 2 years, the seams were coming apart so badly it couldn't be fixed anymore.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by wholybee

I couldn't recommend either. I don't think those ultra cheap PVC dinghy's are suitable for much more than sitting in a garage, and being taken out a few times a year for a camping trip.

I tried a Saturn dinghy. After a year of use, it was bad enough I knew it wouldn't last much longer. After 2 years, the seams were coming apart so badly it couldn't be fixed anymore.

So what would you recommend? Anything within my budget that is decent? Sub-$2000 USD? Possibly $2500 max?

I have a 6hp 4-stroke Mercury engine in good shape, so at least that's taken care of.

[TheOffice]

Smaller is cheaper. Can you get away with 10 foot dinghy? In your price range you are still looking at a used dinghy.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by TheOffice

Smaller is cheaper. Can you get away with 10 foot dinghy? In your price range you are still looking at a used dinghy.

Thanks for the post... yeah, I just noticed they're getting really, really expensive if you want new.

I feel like I should go down to the BVIs and buy a used one again.

Or just try the Saturn or BRIS. Worst case, I'll have to get a new one after 2 seasons.

[tml]

Last few years West Marine has had a sale in June (?) that had substantial discounts on their RIBS. I bought a Hypalon RIB and it has survived 6 years of New England summers and Bahamas winters.
Tom

[sailingabe41ds]

I would think a 10ft dinghy with a 6hp outboard would be more appropriate on a SO409 with davits ...plus it is better priced.


Abe

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by tml

Last few years West Marine has had a sale in June (?) that had substantial discounts on their RIBS. I bought a Hypalon RIB and it has survived 6 years of New England summers and Bahamas winters.
Tom

I always see a sale and it's always the same time of year... and I always say to myself, if only I needed a dinghy NOW... I'd get it. But, of course... whenever it's on sale, I don't need it. But when I do need it, it's NEVER on sale

Originally Posted by TheOffice

Smaller is cheaper. Can you get away with 10 foot dinghy? In your price range you are still looking at a used dinghy.

I think you're right... 10ft is the way to go. Which 10-footer do you recommend?

Originally Posted by sailingabe41ds

I would think a 10ft dinghy with a 6hp outboard would be more appropriate on a SO409 with davits ...plus it is better priced.
Abe

Good call, Abe! I love those Caribe dinghys. Is that an SO409? I bought my davits 2 years ago but never installed them. How was your installation? Any issues?


Decision made to go 10 feet... thanks, guys! Now, which 10-footer?

Thank you for all your help and the time you spend answering and helping. If you're ever in the NY/NJ area, let me know... beers on me!

There's a cool bar right on the water by my marina... I'll take you guys in the dinghy to the bar

[Cool Hand Luke]

https://www.westmarine.com/rigid-hull-inflatable-boats

Help me pick one from WM. I'm getting help paying for it, so I can go a little more expensive. THank you again