Another Dinghy Question

[Solstice]

Preparing to buy a new Dinghy next week and I'm deciding between a 16" diameter tube (9' 0") with fully welded construction and built in France vs 17" tube (8'10") with welded seams but glued handles, tow rings and likely built in China?
I understand the importance of both, but my question is whether the additional 1" diameter tubes will be a substantially dryer ride and more important trade off than the fully welded construction? Will not be towing the dink, but will live on davits.
These are both Zodiacs with air floors (already decided on the type).
Opinions on the 16" v 17" tubes would be greatly appreciated...

 

[BillBay36]

it took my bride & I three years to get zodiac to respond and stand behind their written warranty. the lawyer cost more than the boat was worth although it did urge zodiac to eventually honour the warranty. the warranty mess with zodiac was so bad our dealer started in with another brand. I wish I could help with tube question but we have 16" tubes on our hypalon boat and it is quite dry. never again would we choose to go back to a zodiac brand or pvc boats and sticky tubes.

 

[Gunni]

More tube, more boat load capacity. Small difference, choose the boat on other criteria like how you properly hang a full inflatable on your davits and how you stow your motor.

 

[Sailm8]

I have a mercury 310 Dynamic RIB with a 5hp motor. From my experience the sea state determines how dry I stay. Last week we were in short choppy seas and got soaked. The chop was coming from the front quarter and about every 5th or 6th wave would drive against the port quarter and throw spray in our faces. Not fun

 

[Solstice]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree that chop is the real problem with wetness, especially with these types of dinks, just trying to figure out if there was a substantial difference.
Sounds like losing the 1" diameter on the tubes is a reasonable trade off for a fully welded dink. I believe your Merc is fully welded.