Want To Buy: 10' aluminum rib dinghy

[Geoff H.]

I'd like to reduce my weight astern from my current Avon 3.10. Looking for a fairly new aluminum hulled inflatable. Probably an AB, around 10', but open to learning of other like-quality options. Must be hypalon tubed please, not pvc.
I'm in Long Beach, CA.
Thanks!

[FlightPlan]

I've been researching this too. I keep coming back to the AB. I have a AB Nautilus w/25 hp, but it's over 800 lbs. I keep mine on the foredeck. Won't know what to do until I drive it.

[Mark424]

Originally Posted by Geoff H.

I'd like to reduce my weight astern from my current Avon 3.10. Looking for a fairly new aluminum hulled inflatable. Probably an AB, around 10', but open to learning of other like-quality options.

In the "other" category, I was heading for an AB 10AL to reduce weight on my cat, went for an OC300, 92 lbs. Just arrived, so don't have a lot of time in it. But might be something to research.

[smj]

Originally Posted by Mark424

In the "other" category, I was heading for an AB 10AL to reduce weight on my cat, went for an OC300, 92 lbs. Just arrived, so don't have a lot of time in it. But might be something to research.

Really nice setup. $???


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[the_alpine]

$4260 usd for the 300. Not including freight.

[darylat8750]

Originally Posted by Mark424

In the "other" category, I was heading for an AB 10AL to reduce weight on my cat, went for an OC300, 92 lbs. Just arrived, so don't have a lot of time in it. But might be something to research.

That looks very nice. Did you find a local dealer or have it shipped? If shipped can you give us the total cost?

[Mark424]

Originally Posted by darylat8750

That looks very nice. Did you find a local dealer or have it shipped? If shipped can you give us the total cost?

It wasn't cheap as they built a crate, shipped it to aukland, put it on a frieghter to Los Angeles, then a truck to Seattle, + insurance. That was in the range of $2200US all together. I can look up the invoice if you want details. Also depends on the exchange rate.

But the total cost isn't so far out of the range of ABs.

Not sure how to make it cheaper, other than maybe get a group purchase together if there are a bunch of people in the same area. The actual shipping isn't bad compared to all the handling fees, so maybe if you had them put 5 or 10 in a crate/container you'd only pay the handle fees once.

The other thing to note, is that in the AB and other boats, once you go above 10.5' the weight jumps up. The AB 11AL is 11'6" and 172lbs. The OC350 is 11'5" and 119 lbs.

I just couldn't fit the bigger boat on my cat or would have done for the OC350.

[Aquadome]

As a hypalon AB RIB owner I highly recommend the brand.

[Vasco]

Got a Highfield CL310 last season. Great dink. They make both pvc and Hypalon so make sure you get the Hypalon one.
Classic 310 - Highfield Boats

[wcrosby]

Originally Posted by Geoff H.

I'd like to reduce my weight astern from my current Avon 3.10. Looking for a fairly new aluminum hulled inflatable. Probably an AB, around 10', but open to learning of other like-quality options. Must be hypalon tubed please, not pvc.
I'm in Long Beach, CA.
Thanks!

I bought a highfield unit this year -- 110 pounds with double level aluminum hull, gas storage locker and the supply line running under the floor. Mated it with a 8 hp Honda. Almost $6k in hypalon, but a very nice rig

[sailorcherry]

Originally Posted by FlightPlan

I've been researching this too. I keep coming back to the AB. I have a AB Nautilus w/25 hp, but it's over 800 lbs. I keep mine on the foredeck. Won't know what to do until I drive it.

FlightPlan, you keep an 800lb dinghy on your foredeck? Wow! What kind of boat do you have and how do you hoist it? I am asking as I am considering one half your weight and I keep saying no due to the weight being too much on deck? - Help! Thanks [emoji4]

[Geoff H.]

This kind of conversation is exactly why I love this forum. Thanks everyone for the response and ideas.
Looked at the OC 300 online. Cool. Looks small. Didn't see the LOA but going back to find that now. Worry a little about abrasion to the bottom (rocks, shorelandings, etc) but see that there's a bottom plating (more weight) you can add as an option.
Going to look up the Highfield now.
Saw an interesting non-inflatable dink yesterday motoring past me; asked the operator what it was. He answered "The Boss." Liked the look alot. Looks functional (flat topped tubes), though I'm guessing quite heavy.
Still, hoping that I can find a slightly USED AB w/ aluminum hull. I lifted one up by hand and couldn't believe it!
I'm beginning to realize that it won't be an easy find!

[kelbylinn]

Check out www.bullfrogboats.com This is a rigid tender not an inflatable and built extremely tough. Not sure how weight compares but I have a 15HP 4 stroke on it and it is hung on Lester Hydraulic davits on transom.

[Geoff H.]

Thanks Kelbylinn, the Bullfrog does look very interesting (alot like The Boss) but the 10 foooter is 225lbs. I'm looking to reduce weight from my fbg avon 3.10, which is 133lbs, plus engine, plus driver's storage box seat.
Like the AB at 77 lbs!!

[Scrimshaw4]

I've had a Force 4 aluminum rib for 18 years. Can't maintain the tubes and need a larger dink. Unfortunately they are no longer made. Been looking at both the Highfield and the Inmar aluminum/hypalon ribs in the 10' range they both seem comparable to the AB but are less expensive an weigh less.