Has anyone ever rowed, towed, sailed, motored in one of these? Is it worth the money or a waste of money? Between the Admiral and I we push the scale close to 375lbs. I know that an inflatable is the way to go, but $2,000+ for 20 uses a year (North East) makes for an expensive option.
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Poly Dinghies..
Ernie, I had the larger 10' Leisurecraft which I sold with my boat. It was a good boat and towed easily. I liked it enough to consider another. I kept it in the water with bottom paint on it. IMHO, it is a great buy. Only downside is that a couple of times a season towing, you need to let the water that migrates between the hulls drain out. It is a two person job.
Ernie, I had the larger 10' Leisurecraft which I sold with my boat. It was a good boat and towed easily. I liked it enough to consider another. I kept it in the water with bottom paint on it. IMHO, it is a great buy. Only downside is that a couple of times a season towing, you need to let the water that migrates between the hulls drain out. It is a two person job.
West Marine RU-260
I don't know about a $400 model, but I love the RU-260 West sells for about $850. Only weighs 45 lbs and I can roll it up and store it in my locker or lazarette. Piece of case to setup and put away, just unroll and a foot pump has her inflated in 5-10 mins. When your done just let the air out and roll up. Motors well with a 3.5 hp and holds two adults and two kids ok. I've only had it for a year so I don't know how long it will last, but we took it thru a mangrove tunnel and it survived getting poked and scraped just find. And at $850, if I have to buy another in a few years who cares? It isn't high performance, but its stable enough with the slat floor. I looked around and for price, portability and convenience, couldn't beat it. Very happy.
I don't know about a $400 model, but I love the RU-260 West sells for about $850. Only weighs 45 lbs and I can roll it up and store it in my locker or lazarette. Piece of case to setup and put away, just unroll and a foot pump has her inflated in 5-10 mins. When your done just let the air out and roll up. Motors well with a 3.5 hp and holds two adults and two kids ok. I've only had it for a year so I don't know how long it will last, but we took it thru a mangrove tunnel and it survived getting poked and scraped just find. And at $850, if I have to buy another in a few years who cares? It isn't high performance, but its stable enough with the slat floor. I looked around and for price, portability and convenience, couldn't beat it. Very happy.
Walker Bay
The Walker Bay (the $400 jobber at WM) is a good boat. It does everything they claim it will do and will basically last forever unless you run over it with a truck. The company that builds Walker Bays has used some very clever manufacturing & shipping techniques to keep the cost down without sacrificing quality. If you're looking for a hard dinghy it's a good value. I also agree with Bryan. The RU-260 for $800 or so is a great boat as well. If you want an inflatable, but are limited on budget and space it's the dinghy! We've had ours for 2.5 years and I believe it only weighs 37 lbs. (Bryan said 45). It's a piece of cake for one person to lift it up and over the lifelines onto the bow without any hoisting devices. You can buy a lot of RU-260 for the price of an Avon.
The Walker Bay (the $400 jobber at WM) is a good boat. It does everything they claim it will do and will basically last forever unless you run over it with a truck. The company that builds Walker Bays has used some very clever manufacturing & shipping techniques to keep the cost down without sacrificing quality. If you're looking for a hard dinghy it's a good value. I also agree with Bryan. The RU-260 for $800 or so is a great boat as well. If you want an inflatable, but are limited on budget and space it's the dinghy! We've had ours for 2.5 years and I believe it only weighs 37 lbs. (Bryan said 45). It's a piece of cake for one person to lift it up and over the lifelines onto the bow without any hoisting devices. You can buy a lot of RU-260 for the price of an Avon.
Toy Inflatable
I was considering alot of the options metioned here but I think I am going to go with the Seyvlor (sp?) inflatables out of the West Marine or BoatUS catalog. I know they are more of a toy than a boat but I was just looking for somthing to get from the boat to the beach on the barrier islands out here without getting too wet. I also looked at the paddle boats at Acadamy Sporting Goods though that would be a fun thing to have was not sure how it would handle towed behind the boat.
I was considering alot of the options metioned here but I think I am going to go with the Seyvlor (sp?) inflatables out of the West Marine or BoatUS catalog. I know they are more of a toy than a boat but I was just looking for somthing to get from the boat to the beach on the barrier islands out here without getting too wet. I also looked at the paddle boats at Acadamy Sporting Goods though that would be a fun thing to have was not sure how it would handle towed behind the boat.
Inflatable thoughs
Rowing an inflatable is laughable for any thing more than a verry short distance. Despite the claims, they rip, tear and puncture easy enough to cause you to excercize caution all the time. They don't hold up well over a long period of time. A five year old inflatable that has has seen general usage is toast.
Rowing an inflatable is laughable for any thing more than a verry short distance. Despite the claims, they rip, tear and puncture easy enough to cause you to excercize caution all the time. They don't hold up well over a long period of time. A five year old inflatable that has has seen general usage is toast.
Ok, heres another "expert" opinion
I have had several dinks over the years and these are my observations. 1. Hard dinks probably tow better than any inflatable including RIB's. 2. Most hard dinks will NOT float when filled with water. Even though these plastic ones will probably not sink. 3. Hard dinks are also tippy and do not handle heavy loads well. 4. Most hard dinks will only handle small engines, usually 3.5hp max. 3. Inflatables do not row well unless they are RIB's and the RIB's are too heavy to row very far. 4. Inflatables that are made from PVC (west marine, zodiac, sevylor, quick silver etc) do not hold up well to the sun and chemicals (gasoline will destroy these in short order). Also dogs toe nails or other abrasion also do not do them any good. I am guessing that 5 years is a good life for the PVC dinks unless they are packed away and only exposed to the elements when they are being used. 5. Inflatables RIB's are too heavy, they need at least 10 hp to make them move. The lightest of these RIB's is over 100 lbs. 6. Hypalon is the ONLY fabric that is going to last. It can sustain sun, chemicals and abrasions. So there is really no clear answer here. If you need to go long distances in your dink you need a RIB with a larger engine. If you want to row back and forth to shore and towing in rough water is not a problem then a hard dink could be your answer. If you need to row and want a decent engine (5+ hp) and rowing long distances is not your deal you need a hypalon roll-up is your answer. If you only need something occasionally and can store it below when not in use a PVC inflatable will probably do. PS: who started this anyway? NEXT
I have had several dinks over the years and these are my observations. 1. Hard dinks probably tow better than any inflatable including RIB's. 2. Most hard dinks will NOT float when filled with water. Even though these plastic ones will probably not sink. 3. Hard dinks are also tippy and do not handle heavy loads well. 4. Most hard dinks will only handle small engines, usually 3.5hp max. 3. Inflatables do not row well unless they are RIB's and the RIB's are too heavy to row very far. 4. Inflatables that are made from PVC (west marine, zodiac, sevylor, quick silver etc) do not hold up well to the sun and chemicals (gasoline will destroy these in short order). Also dogs toe nails or other abrasion also do not do them any good. I am guessing that 5 years is a good life for the PVC dinks unless they are packed away and only exposed to the elements when they are being used. 5. Inflatables RIB's are too heavy, they need at least 10 hp to make them move. The lightest of these RIB's is over 100 lbs. 6. Hypalon is the ONLY fabric that is going to last. It can sustain sun, chemicals and abrasions. So there is really no clear answer here. If you need to go long distances in your dink you need a RIB with a larger engine. If you want to row back and forth to shore and towing in rough water is not a problem then a hard dink could be your answer. If you need to row and want a decent engine (5+ hp) and rowing long distances is not your deal you need a hypalon roll-up is your answer. If you only need something occasionally and can store it below when not in use a PVC inflatable will probably do. PS: who started this anyway? NEXT
More opinion
We have used both the light weight inflatable and the hard dink. I agree with Steve on the advantages and disadvantages of a hard dink. The light inflatables have one major problem. If you are sailing downwind in heavy weather they can become a real hazzard, so should be deflated and stored. We have just bought the Zodiac 10' unit. We have retired and will be staying for longer periods in coves. We plan to motor to the local marina for supplies in the dink and wanted a unit with more room and stability
We have used both the light weight inflatable and the hard dink. I agree with Steve on the advantages and disadvantages of a hard dink. The light inflatables have one major problem. If you are sailing downwind in heavy weather they can become a real hazzard, so should be deflated and stored. We have just bought the Zodiac 10' unit. We have retired and will be staying for longer periods in coves. We plan to motor to the local marina for supplies in the dink and wanted a unit with more room and stability
another sourcte to check out
Ernie - as comparison - ck out seaeagle.com - The word I got from the forum is there are one step above a toy but knowledge is power and your needs can be different than others
Ernie - as comparison - ck out seaeagle.com - The word I got from the forum is there are one step above a toy but knowledge is power and your needs can be different than others
before you go with toy inflatable...
These things really only last a season or two. Since they are made of PVC with welded seams they get wrecked by sun, chemicals and abrasions. Two suggestions: 1. I do have a Walker Bay and like it a lot. Compared to an inflatable with wooden floor, its tippier; much easier to row or tow; has less carrying capacity although I personally have successfully overloaded the thing by about 250 lbs in a calm harbor. You can squeeze 3 for short trips. Big plus: you can get a sailing kit. 2. My last dink was an Achilles LT-1 that I bought used for $300. Hypalon material; 35 lbs; stowed in a smallish bag; sturdy construction; rowed and towed like the carcass of a dead cow; 2 people only. BUT you see them used pretty regularly at places like: www.wantadvertiser.com for short money.
These things really only last a season or two. Since they are made of PVC with welded seams they get wrecked by sun, chemicals and abrasions. Two suggestions: 1. I do have a Walker Bay and like it a lot. Compared to an inflatable with wooden floor, its tippier; much easier to row or tow; has less carrying capacity although I personally have successfully overloaded the thing by about 250 lbs in a calm harbor. You can squeeze 3 for short trips. Big plus: you can get a sailing kit. 2. My last dink was an Achilles LT-1 that I bought used for $300. Hypalon material; 35 lbs; stowed in a smallish bag; sturdy construction; rowed and towed like the carcass of a dead cow; 2 people only. BUT you see them used pretty regularly at places like: www.wantadvertiser.com for short money.
Toy Inflatable = Cheap
I figured at the price (around $50)one season would be worth the money. Of course our season down here is just nine months long, infact I got just a little too much sun on the boat today. For just the 50 feet to the beach we would need to go it seemed like a good idea. I could inflate it on board quickly and store it easily on the way home. Should I skip it and just plan on getting wet carrying the kids and the cooler onto the beach?
I figured at the price (around $50)one season would be worth the money. Of course our season down here is just nine months long, infact I got just a little too much sun on the boat today. For just the 50 feet to the beach we would need to go it seemed like a good idea. I could inflate it on board quickly and store it easily on the way home. Should I skip it and just plan on getting wet carrying the kids and the cooler onto the beach?
Inflateable Kayak
We've been using a Sevylor Tahiti inflateable kayak (really more of a canoe). It'll only hold two grownups and a cooler, but for minimal use it's adequate. We keep it inside the boat. I understand Sea Eagle makes a more durable model. I suppose we'll try that once this one wears out.
We've been using a Sevylor Tahiti inflateable kayak (really more of a canoe). It'll only hold two grownups and a cooler, but for minimal use it's adequate. We keep it inside the boat. I understand Sea Eagle makes a more durable model. I suppose we'll try that once this one wears out.
Nesting Dingy
Does anyone know where I can get the plans for Danny Greene's nesting dingy called, "Tryst?" It is a three part dingy that can handle a 6.5 to 7.5 outboard.. Thanks... Ron Captronbob@Yahoo.com
Does anyone know where I can get the plans for Danny Greene's nesting dingy called, "Tryst?" It is a three part dingy that can handle a 6.5 to 7.5 outboard.. Thanks... Ron Captronbob@Yahoo.com
Sea Eagle
I bought a Sea Eagle for about $400 total. Used it to go to Catalina and was real pleasedwith it. I did not use a motor. When I reached a mooring I called and told them I had to row 0 they got me close. I only use an inflatable occasionally and did not want a big investment sitting there. So far so good.
I bought a Sea Eagle for about $400 total. Used it to go to Catalina and was real pleasedwith it. I did not use a motor. When I reached a mooring I called and told them I had to row 0 they got me close. I only use an inflatable occasionally and did not want a big investment sitting there. So far so good.
I've had it with inflatable dinghies!!!!
I purchased a Quick Silver 300 for a dinghy for my Legend 35.5. The 1st season of use was about 6 weeks in the Bahamas and it performed well. The second year we took 90 days to do the Bahamas. After about 30 days of use with a 8 hp outboard the transom came out. This was repaired and then the mounting holding the transom to the tubes came loose. As soon as one problem was repaired, there was another. When we returned and contacted Quick Silver, I was blown off so fast I'm not sure what happened. Having had it with soft dinghies I finally found a hard dinghy that is light, stable, tows well and stores on my foredeck easly. The brand is Eagle Yachts.
I purchased a Quick Silver 300 for a dinghy for my Legend 35.5. The 1st season of use was about 6 weeks in the Bahamas and it performed well. The second year we took 90 days to do the Bahamas. After about 30 days of use with a 8 hp outboard the transom came out. This was repaired and then the mounting holding the transom to the tubes came loose. As soon as one problem was repaired, there was another. When we returned and contacted Quick Silver, I was blown off so fast I'm not sure what happened. Having had it with soft dinghies I finally found a hard dinghy that is light, stable, tows well and stores on my foredeck easly. The brand is Eagle Yachts.
New Alternatives in the Market
The AB brand have recently launch a 8.5'hard bottom dinghie that weights only 59 lbs. It is good for rowing, towing and hand lifting.
The AB brand have recently launch a 8.5'hard bottom dinghie that weights only 59 lbs. It is good for rowing, towing and hand lifting.
lasted eight hard years.
Avon roll up- 10'3"- hard regular use in the south Florida sun for the past eight years.
Avon roll up- 10'3"- hard regular use in the south Florida sun for the past eight years.
WEST MARINE PLASTIC DINK
I bought a 8'Walker Bay from West Marine last year. Initially it seemed a little unstable, but becomes less so as you add more weight. It's easy to get on and off my Hunter '27 and works great with an 12 volt trolling motor. Yes, I would buy it again!
I bought a 8'Walker Bay from West Marine last year. Initially it seemed a little unstable, but becomes less so as you add more weight. It's easy to get on and off my Hunter '27 and works great with an 12 volt trolling motor. Yes, I would buy it again!
I've got one
Bought to use as my dink for cruising in the San Juans last summer. Observations: My kids love it, safe to row, will get the sail kit for it before this year's cruise. Capacity is much lower than an inflatable. Two adults, one toddler max. Very durable. Can crash it, beach it on the rocky beaches. Will show little if any abuse. If you have rocky beaches to worry about, it is great. As a potential life raft? Not as good as an inflatable. Stows very easily on the foredeck of my 25.5. No, and I mean no, maintenance. I would agree that if you are going to get a rigid dink, and only have two adults to worry about, it is a great value. If you have more than two, you will have to make multiple trips. Depending on the length of those trips, you might want a 2hp motor ($550 new). With an inflatable, you can haul more folks at a time, but will always need a bigger outboard (5hp min.) It won't row well, and you can't get a $400 sail kit for it.
Bought to use as my dink for cruising in the San Juans last summer. Observations: My kids love it, safe to row, will get the sail kit for it before this year's cruise. Capacity is much lower than an inflatable. Two adults, one toddler max. Very durable. Can crash it, beach it on the rocky beaches. Will show little if any abuse. If you have rocky beaches to worry about, it is great. As a potential life raft? Not as good as an inflatable. Stows very easily on the foredeck of my 25.5. No, and I mean no, maintenance. I would agree that if you are going to get a rigid dink, and only have two adults to worry about, it is a great value. If you have more than two, you will have to make multiple trips. Depending on the length of those trips, you might want a 2hp motor ($550 new). With an inflatable, you can haul more folks at a time, but will always need a bigger outboard (5hp min.) It won't row well, and you can't get a $400 sail kit for it.
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