New RIB, need reviews

[Gunni]

Well, after 14 years of solid service my (WM branded) Zodiac 310 Cadet Compact folding transom RIB is done. Her transom got saturated at the folding seam, and she took on the rot. It isn't worth repairing this old PVC inflatable.

So I'm shopping for a new 10' RIB here are the specs:
-Has to be 9 - 11 ft. to give me the capacity and open ocean seaworthiness.
-Folding Transom - compact on-deck storage on passage and off-season.
-100 lbs, the weight I can muscle around by myself
-CSM, I'm ready to test the longevity hype.

I'm looking at these boats:
Achilles HB-300FX
Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 (CSM)
Walker Bay Genesis G2 light (CSM)

All are in my budget, the Walker Bay has the most features, the Achilles has everything I need, and I like Zodiac products. I would be interested in recent experiences with these relatively new designs.

 

[Steve Dion]

Stay away from PVC.

 

[Ron20324]

Do you need a NEW one? I just helped move a boat from Tucumsa (sp?) House on Spa Creek and he had a smaller dinghy, but had a larger on there on the wet racks he asked if i'd be interested in. Email me if interested and i'll get details. repenceattmsndottcomm.

 

[Seadaze38]

I don't own one, but the Highfield line looks very nice and also light for their size. Will be buying one myself in the near future.

 

[Gunni]

Yeah, the first one lasted 14 years and I hope to make this one last at least that long so, new it will be. Thanks Ron. In the past the CSM (hypalon) RIB boats were heavy, but somehow they have them <100 lbs now. Highfield makes a nice looking boat, but I want a folding transom and they don't build one.

 

[Gunni]

I don't own one, but the Highfield line looks very nice and also light for their size. Will be buying one myself in the near future.

Compare their boats to AB inflatables, similar boats, competitive pricing. The unpainted aluminum would be much lower maintenance.

 

[richk]

Check out Apex. Ask at Fawcett's. We have an A-9L and happy with it.

 

[Gunni]

Did you feel like you paid a fair price at Fawcetts? Since they moved to their new location, their pricing just seems high, often more than WM up the street. My sense is that only the guys in the business get the price.

 

[Seadaze38]

Compare their boats to AB inflatables, similar boats, competitive pricing. The unpainted aluminum would be much lower maintenance.

I looked at the AB Lumina and they are very nice. For me it is the weight. I want a 6 person capacity and the Highfield will weigh over 30 lbs less than the AB. Will work better with the davits on my boat. If that were not an issue the decision may be different.

 

[stevemac]

Hi Gunni... Wondering wich dink you settled on?

I am going down the same path you did for a Folding Transom Rib. Looks like Zodiac discontinued the CSM version as they now only list the PVC.

4 boats on my short list (2 are not folding transoms).
I am favoring the HB 300-FX or HB 270-FX, I know the 270 would store better on my Hunter 35.5.
AB 9 VL
Zodiac 300 Aluminum Rib CSM rebate puts this one on the list (12% rebate for US Sail members)

Thanks,

Steve

 

[capta]

What advantage would a folding transom be on a RIB? You still can't roll it up or fold it into a smaller package.

 

[Stephan]

What advantage would a folding transom be on a RIB? You still can't roll it up or fold it into a smaller package.

On our last boat we had a folding transom RIB and it was great. No issue to stash below, when we needed or wanted to for a longer passage.
It would packed up (folded) and stow in a padded surf-board-style carry bag [included with it].
Worked very well for us until the current boat, for which my we selected a remote steering helm (but had to be under 350 Lbs).
There are lots of spots where a flat RIB in a bag can be stowed on deck for shorter trips too, however the bag is not UV proof.
Folding transom RIBs are a solid compromise of several factors & features [weight, price, performance, maintenance, stability & stowage].
Might not be the best for all, but worked really well for us for years.
-S