Would You Ever In A Million Years...

[unbusted67]

...buy this? Or are there any other teeny affordable dinghies anyone can recommend? Our boat has an 18ft hull so space is very limited.

[Chief Engineer]

What are you referring to?

[creakyboy]

err...was there meant to be a link to dinghy in that post???or is it just me who cant see one?

[unbusted67]

No of course not. I meant to do that.

Walmart.com: Stansport 2-Person Boat with Pump and Oars: Fishing & Boating

I'm all about suspense.

[creakyboy]

hate to burst ya bubble there but i had something similar on my 21 footer...most times woulda been safer,drier an quicker to just swim to shore oh an i prob coulda carried more stuff in a drybag really think those toys are only suitable for very flat water...small stream perhaps

[Boracay]

My feeling is that the Sevylor may be better suited to your needs, but I wouldn't want to try rowing any of the small inflatables over any sort of distance.

I wouldn't suggest leaving any of the small PVC inflatables in the sun for too long either.

[Ex-Calif]

I bought one of those for my kid and he and his buddies knocked the bottom out of it in 3 weekends. It's unstable, wet and very limited in load capacity. I could not imagine stepping down into it from the cockpit of my boat without falling overboard.

[Stillraining]

I agree get a Sevelor ...one with a nylon cover...I have one i have not had to ever re air up..It is hanging in my shop right now ready to go and i havent put an air hose to it in 5 years.

[roverhi]

Avon and Achilles both make an 8' Hypalon dink Avon Redstart Dinghy Inflatable. They are well made, row reasonably well and stable. You can add a motor mount and 2hp motor if you can't handle rowing. The Achilles deflates into a duffle sized package that can be stored on deck, assume the same for a Redstart, if all your other pukas are full. Only problem is price, new, as they are at least a boat unit. The Avons and probably the Achilles inflate in two sections, front and back. Makes them easy to store half inflated on the cabin top behind the mast. Makes a great place to lounge in benign conditions and quick deployment when you need it.

We rowed the bigger brother Avon Redcrest 9' around SoPac. Found it to be a great dink if you don't mind going slow and/or rowing. They 8' has a three person capacity though I don't where you'd fit that third body without dismembering it. The Bigger Redcrests regularly come up on the SF craigs list for around $300-$500. The smaller Redstarts almost never show up as most people probably opted for the slightly larger Redcrest.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by roverhi

They 8' has a three person capacity though I don't where you'd fit that third body without dismembering it.

Perfect for our killing spree!

[Ocean Girl]

What about a sport boat? (Inflatable with wood floor). It can fold up and fit behind your mast (I think). You can find a used one (with patience) for about 3-400. The wood floor is pretty solid beneath your feet and will take a 8hp. I used to get to work in this one, loved it



Erika

PS
to answer your question - no, never in a million years

[senormechanico]

We use a couple of West Marine 10' kayaks.
They're stable, easily rolled up and dropped into a locker.

[Squeaks]

I have a small Achilles, I thought it was 7-feet and it rows ok with 2-people (3 would be really tight) and is quite compact when deflated. We now have a (self-built) Eastport Pram hard dink and two inflatable kayaks but would not want to rely on them as replacemnts for a single dinghy, but have seen several boats that do use their kayaks only. Boils down to personal preferance. Hope that helps.

[Solitude]

I had a friend who bought a (Canadian Tire) cheap thing like that. It didn't work at all. Would not row, wet all the time, leaked air. Its complete garbage.

I bought a Aquamarine boat which is a PVC copy (on EBay) of a Zodiac. Its lasted 3 seasons without any issues and sits outside upside down all winter. I just use a tarp for the UV. Its still in great shape. I drag it up on the rocky beaches here in BC. It works well with my 4hp Merc. (can plane with 1),

Mine has a aluminum floor and comes apart to roll up. Its rated for 10hp and comes with a hull number. I would go with the air floor version if I bought another as the aluminum floor is a bit heavy. You could probably pick up a 7.5ft model for $350 maybe cheaper.

I'm starting to see a lot of them in the water here as the're cheap and pretty good.

He's in Richmond BC. I have been to warehouse here to pick mine up (he imports them from China).

Its not Zodiac quality but it is a big step up from a Walmart special. Check it out and look at what the final price people paid was. Be patient with (bidding) he has hundreds and there is always a new one popping up when one is sold.

My friend ended up buying the same one I did and he is just as satisfied. (although he panicked about the bidding and paid twice as much) Now is a good time as its slow and winter.

Comes with a pump and oars and a useless cary bag.

If you want more info about it let me know. I have no affiliation what so ever with them.