Westmarine inflatable sale $419

[Shrew]

I owned either the RU-260 (8' 6") model for about 8 years. I bought it used. I used a honda 2HP OB on it. That was a West Marine model that said "Made by Zodiac) underneath the West Marine brand.

It served our needs just fine. We didn't like the slatted floor.

[Hardhead]

I'd pick up a 2.5 hp Suzuki 4 stroke for it - which only weighs 29 pounds, and it'll stow almost anywhere, or also be a good backup dinghy. One way of looking at it is - if you get 3 or 4 years out of it - how can you really complain? Might get a lot more.

[johnn33]

Would this help US forum members
https://inlandmarine.us/paint.html
in Europe we have Venexiani paint and flexible antifouling
John

[Sailing August]

I had one of these dingy for several years. Its a low cost option but I would never buy another one.
Spend the extra money and get a hard floor dingy.

[Russian007]

Originally Posted by Sailing August

I had one of these dingy for several years. Its a low cost option but I would never buy another one.
Spend the extra money and get a hard floor dingy.

Seems like the better hypalon boats are much heavier. something light and rollable is paramount.

[winschwab]

Here's an even cheaper alternative: $328.55

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bestway-...E-BW/312877471.

I have a larger one, about 120" I got from Costco a year ago for $599: aluminum floor, 15hp max, so far, so good.

[Chuck Hawley]

This is a pretty small dinghy (just over 8') so it's a two-person craft. The slatted floor is a compromise so you don't have to deal with floorboard removal, but both the floor design and the length preclude planing, so you'll be going 4 knots max. Yes, it should last for 3-5 years with reasonable care, and it can give you good service dinking to shore and back, but it's a pretty big compromise. On the other hand, you can store it intact (few extra parts) on deck or in a lazarette.

Not knowing much about your intended use, I always like to see someone consider a planing dinghy in the 10' range if possible so that the dinghy becomes an extension of your cruising, and allows you to explore more than you would otherwise do.

Cheers,

Chuck

[Peter1949]

Can you put bottom paint on these west marine low $ models?

[Dymaxion]

Originally Posted by winschwab

Here's an even cheaper alternative: $328.55

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bestway-...E-BW/312877471.

I have a larger one, about 120" I got from Costco a year ago for $599: aluminum floor, 15hp max, so far, so good.

Hi, what motor and will it plane?I have the same inflatable and my 7.5hp 2 stroke won't get it out of its hole. Just collected a 9.8 4 stroke but haven't tried it yet.

[Russian007]

Gonna look else I think. Done with West Marine. Went there today with my teenage daughter to buy the $400 Dinghy. Front door locked for social distancing so we waited to be called inside. While waiting we were assaulted by a transient. Pounded on the door for help and shelter from the Transient. West Marine employee came to the door and said "Call the police if you have a problem."

[Hoodsail]

That is a good price as earlier noted. I bought a zodiac 275 rollup, 9 feet long, weighs 60 pounds that is very comparable. paid $700 last year at defender...what the heck for $419, if i had more space i would buy one and store it in the garage until my zodiac falls apart..

[winschwab]

The Bestway Hydro-Force inflatable I have is the Mirovia model 130." I bought it last year from Costco for $549 (no longer available from Costco). I see Lowes now sells it online for $899. It has five air chambers including an inflatable keel, planes easily with just me (190 lbs) and a 6hp, tries, but won't plane with my wife. Can't wait to try it with my old 15hp Evinrude. Served well on our last 4 month cruise down the east coast and Gulf of Mexico. Of course, it's PVC, so we'll see how long it lasts. I will say I love the aluminum floor, but it's not something you want to disassemble and reassemble often-not easy.