Has anyone had any experience with Baltik dingies. They sell them on E Bay. I have read and always assumed that hypolon was the preferred material for dingies, however there is alot of PVC dingies being sold. Are they making the PVC dingies more durable these days or is it just a price issue? Getting ready to buy a new dingie. Any input would be helpfull. We are currently leaning towards an Acillies hypolon but want look at all possibolities. Thanks for yor input, Dave
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Happy with Baltik
Purchased Baltik dinghy last year and am very pelased with quality and price. I don't expect the same life as a hypolon dinghy but given the difference in first cost, I believe I am money ahead if the material lasts half as long as the more expensive dinghies. I did purchase the cover and keep it covered when not in use. As an aside, a slip mate purchased a WM dinghy at the same time and it leaked from new requiring off-season factory repair. Could happen with any manufacturer I suppose and I doubt the leak was a function of the material.
Purchased Baltik dinghy last year and am very pelased with quality and price. I don't expect the same life as a hypolon dinghy but given the difference in first cost, I believe I am money ahead if the material lasts half as long as the more expensive dinghies. I did purchase the cover and keep it covered when not in use. As an aside, a slip mate purchased a WM dinghy at the same time and it leaked from new requiring off-season factory repair. Could happen with any manufacturer I suppose and I doubt the leak was a function of the material.
I've had my Baltik for over two years now
Dave, No one will argue that you get what you pay for. My problem is I don't have all the $$$$.$$ in the world to do that in every case, so I have to work harder to just get what I need. Like you, I was in your shoes two years ago trying to determine what dingy to buy. I read every 'PVC vs Hypolon' article I could find at the time before making the decision to buy my 8ft Baltik boat for about $675.00. The bottomline: is I accept the fact that the Baltik is not top of the line. However, I know that I can compensate for some of it deficiencies (i.e. UV, PVC & Quality) by making the effort not to leave it exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, cleaning and drying it after use AND putting it in its storage bag and stowing it safely away. So, far that formula has paid off for me over the last two years and I'm still pleased with my purchase. regards, James
Dave, No one will argue that you get what you pay for. My problem is I don't have all the $$$$.$$ in the world to do that in every case, so I have to work harder to just get what I need. Like you, I was in your shoes two years ago trying to determine what dingy to buy. I read every 'PVC vs Hypolon' article I could find at the time before making the decision to buy my 8ft Baltik boat for about $675.00. The bottomline: is I accept the fact that the Baltik is not top of the line. However, I know that I can compensate for some of it deficiencies (i.e. UV, PVC & Quality) by making the effort not to leave it exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, cleaning and drying it after use AND putting it in its storage bag and stowing it safely away. So, far that formula has paid off for me over the last two years and I'm still pleased with my purchase. regards, James
I Have a PVC Dinghy by the Trade Name BRIG
It is PVC and knowing that, I purchased a $150 cover after a year. The cover protects it, but I must keep it covered and protested from the sun when I am in the marina during the week (even in New England). This keeps the PVC protected from "sunburn", as I call it! Granted it is a PIA to put the cover on, but it is only once a week. Before the BRIG I owned an AVON inflatable keel that I bought used. The 8hp motor died first after a few years of hard-running by by sons (best baby-sitter I ever invested in). I finally replaced the AVON after 10-11 years, three years's ago with the BRIG because I wanted a hard bottom that would plane with a 5HP that I purchased 5 years ago. It's only me and the admiral, now!
It is PVC and knowing that, I purchased a $150 cover after a year. The cover protects it, but I must keep it covered and protested from the sun when I am in the marina during the week (even in New England). This keeps the PVC protected from "sunburn", as I call it! Granted it is a PIA to put the cover on, but it is only once a week. Before the BRIG I owned an AVON inflatable keel that I bought used. The 8hp motor died first after a few years of hard-running by by sons (best baby-sitter I ever invested in). I finally replaced the AVON after 10-11 years, three years's ago with the BRIG because I wanted a hard bottom that would plane with a 5HP that I purchased 5 years ago. It's only me and the admiral, now!
great for indoor swimming pools....
I bought one that completely fell apart in less 1 year. Seams and patches delaminated due to poor glue and the PVC 'melted' from sun exposure leaving a sticky brown film. If you're going to use it in cool climates and always keep it covered when not in use, it could be OK......but I would personally never have one again at any price...I've since purchased a hypalon Achilles which is GREAT.
I bought one that completely fell apart in less 1 year. Seams and patches delaminated due to poor glue and the PVC 'melted' from sun exposure leaving a sticky brown film. If you're going to use it in cool climates and always keep it covered when not in use, it could be OK......but I would personally never have one again at any price...I've since purchased a hypalon Achilles which is GREAT.
Zodiac
I had a Zodiac for 8 years which I purchased used. It was 5 years old when I got it. The Zodiac was made of PVC. I sold it 2 years ago and the new owner is still using it. I guess PVC is not so bad.
I had a Zodiac for 8 years which I purchased used. It was 5 years old when I got it. The Zodiac was made of PVC. I sold it 2 years ago and the new owner is still using it. I guess PVC is not so bad.
Hypalon 14 yrs plus PVC 2=3 years.
There is no way that a PVC dink is going to last IF you leave it out in the sun. We have a Caribe that is over 14 years old and it is still better than the PVC ones that I owned before this. One unit had to be replaced in less than a year. There is not that much difference in price if you compare apples to apples in size and features. Check out the ones at West Marine and see about their RIB's 200-400 more for the Hypalon. That would not be my first choice but it gives you something to compare to.
There is no way that a PVC dink is going to last IF you leave it out in the sun. We have a Caribe that is over 14 years old and it is still better than the PVC ones that I owned before this. One unit had to be replaced in less than a year. There is not that much difference in price if you compare apples to apples in size and features. Check out the ones at West Marine and see about their RIB's 200-400 more for the Hypalon. That would not be my first choice but it gives you something to compare to.
Buy the Baltik
I purchased my Baltik three years ago and have had not one iota of troulble with it, I realize I am in the Northeast, and the season is not very long. My dink is on a rack in the sun all summer, I do cover it and wash it down, the seams, air ports, and any other areas are still in new condition. Price made me go this way, and I have no regrets. Good luck with your decision.
I purchased my Baltik three years ago and have had not one iota of troulble with it, I realize I am in the Northeast, and the season is not very long. My dink is on a rack in the sun all summer, I do cover it and wash it down, the seams, air ports, and any other areas are still in new condition. Price made me go this way, and I have no regrets. Good luck with your decision.
Baltik
You did not mention how you are going to use the dink? This will be our fifth year and ours is holding up just fine. We just came back from a two vacation using the dink and it suits our needs fine. It has a 2.5 Johnson on it and we cruised the back waters every evening after dinner.
You did not mention how you are going to use the dink? This will be our fifth year and ours is holding up just fine. We just came back from a two vacation using the dink and it suits our needs fine. It has a 2.5 Johnson on it and we cruised the back waters every evening after dinner.
Baltik WILL NOT Honor Their Warantee
I purchased a 12' Baltik about 2 years ago. They are cheap but functional boats. There are a few major design flaws, like floorboard supports and stiffeners that terminate 8" short of the transom creating a major stress point where most of the force of the motor comes to bear on the structure. This causes the floor boards to crack. The rails that hold the floorboards together are also poorly designed. My biggest complaint is with the guy who sells these. He absolutely will NOT honor his warranty. My floorboards started cracking soon after I purchased the boat. The seller responded to my first 2 emails with promises of replacements once his next shipment arrived, but I never heard from him again, despite at least 5 or 6 follow up emails. There are several people selling identical boats from the same manufacturer on EBay. DON'T BUY BALTIK. Support someone who will stand behind their warranty!
I purchased a 12' Baltik about 2 years ago. They are cheap but functional boats. There are a few major design flaws, like floorboard supports and stiffeners that terminate 8" short of the transom creating a major stress point where most of the force of the motor comes to bear on the structure. This causes the floor boards to crack. The rails that hold the floorboards together are also poorly designed. My biggest complaint is with the guy who sells these. He absolutely will NOT honor his warranty. My floorboards started cracking soon after I purchased the boat. The seller responded to my first 2 emails with promises of replacements once his next shipment arrived, but I never heard from him again, despite at least 5 or 6 follow up emails. There are several people selling identical boats from the same manufacturer on EBay. DON'T BUY BALTIK. Support someone who will stand behind their warranty!
Baltik is 3 yrs old
I have had my Baltik for 3 years and even though it is pvc, I find it to be very durable. It is covered when not in use during the week, but I have not had any problems with it as of this date
I have had my Baltik for 3 years and even though it is pvc, I find it to be very durable. It is covered when not in use during the week, but I have not had any problems with it as of this date
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