NorCal Dinghy Sales Recommendations

[muttskie]

I'm in the market for an Achilles HB-300FX RIB and would like some recommendations and/or opinions about dealers in the SF Bay area, or NorCal, in general.
Anyone have experience buying here, or is online (Defender, etc.) the way to go?

[SailAllDay]

Subscribed, I'm in sf bay and need a dink as well. Though not keen on the FX because of the folding transom, I'm leaning towards the 315lx.


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[muttskie]

Originally Posted by SailAllDay

Subscribed, I'm in sf bay and need a dink as well. Though not keen on the FX because of the folding transom, I'm leaning towards the 315lx.

Not much response, so far. Surprising, considering the number of sailors in the Bay Area. The only dealer I know of is Sal's in Alameda. He has a good reputation. The prices on his website seem high, though.

[Fog Bank]

I would price it all in both ways (tax, shipping, wait time) from Sal's and Defender. Odds are the all in costs will be very close.

[muttskie]

Originally Posted by Fog Bank

I would price it all in both ways (tax, shipping, wait time) from Sal's and Defender. Odds are the all in costs will be very close.

I have done that and the results vary, depending on the model and year of the dinghy. Defender has more available inventory of new 2015 models.
Having said that, Silvia and Sal are very nice to deal with and would be my choice if the numbers were close enough.

[Fog Bank]

Originally Posted by muttskie

I have done that and the results vary, depending on the model and year of the dinghy. Defender has more available inventory of new 2015 models.
Having said that, Silvia and Sal are very nice to deal with and would be my choice if the numbers were close enough.

If your need isn't immediate, you might consider waiting until Strictly Sail. Sal might have better numbers then, but that is far from guaranteed.

[SailAllDay]

I'm waiting for the boat show. Last year Sal was offering free shipping.

[muttskie]

Yes, I am in no great hurry. I'll be at Strickly Sail for sure.