On my list of things to get to outfit my recently acquired Vision 32 is an inflatable dinghy and outboard. I ask the forum for your experiences there. good/bad experiences? I plan to get something that will store easily belowdecks. Hypalon Vs PVC based fabric? 2 vs. 4 cycle engine? I am leaning towards 4 cycle but haven't any experience with the new 4 strokes. I plan to buy from Port Supply, West Marine's wholesale division, who sells Westmarine by Avon or Zodiac and Mercury engines. I realize that is limiting but the discount there is significant. Thanks, Matt Cream Ridge, NJ
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Depends on How you plan to use it
whether you plan on using it all the time or only occasionaly. I recently bought a 10'6" (I think) Quicksilver Inflatable with and inflatable floor. It is made of PVC not Hyperlon (sp?) because I plan on using it only now and then when I start doing some longer trips. Otherwise it will be stored away (most likely at home, because even deflated it take up a log of room. Also the price was very good as it was under $1000 where the Hyperlon ones were between $2000 and $2500. I have not yet purchased an outboard, but when I do I plan on getting a 2 stroke and in the 5HP range. The reason for a 2 stroke is mainly weight as the 4 strokes are much heavier. The 5hp is a reasonable size, and I realize that I will never get up on plane, but I plan my use to the dingy to get is ashore from a mooring or at anchor, and not to zip around. The main thing you should get from this is that you should plan ahead on how you are going to use you dingy and base your purchase on that.
whether you plan on using it all the time or only occasionaly. I recently bought a 10'6" (I think) Quicksilver Inflatable with and inflatable floor. It is made of PVC not Hyperlon (sp?) because I plan on using it only now and then when I start doing some longer trips. Otherwise it will be stored away (most likely at home, because even deflated it take up a log of room. Also the price was very good as it was under $1000 where the Hyperlon ones were between $2000 and $2500. I have not yet purchased an outboard, but when I do I plan on getting a 2 stroke and in the 5HP range. The reason for a 2 stroke is mainly weight as the 4 strokes are much heavier. The 5hp is a reasonable size, and I realize that I will never get up on plane, but I plan my use to the dingy to get is ashore from a mooring or at anchor, and not to zip around. The main thing you should get from this is that you should plan ahead on how you are going to use you dingy and base your purchase on that.
options
IMHO, Hypalon is tougher and lasts longer than than PVC, but also costlier. 4-strokes are ususally heavier and costlier than 2-strokes, but they are quieter and no gas/oil mixing required. Also easier on the planet. Perhaps Practical Sailor has done some reviews of brands.
IMHO, Hypalon is tougher and lasts longer than than PVC, but also costlier. 4-strokes are ususally heavier and costlier than 2-strokes, but they are quieter and no gas/oil mixing required. Also easier on the planet. Perhaps Practical Sailor has done some reviews of brands.
Zodiac Derivative
We have used Zodiac type hypalon for about ten years. They are signifigantly lighter than other brands and still plenty heavy to handle. Our 9'4" West with wood floor will plane one person at 14 to 18 mph with a 33 pound Johnson 4hp 2 stroke. It weighs only about 70 pounds. We keep it inflated when traveling alone after reading an article by a man who had a fire that fortunately burned itself out. It made us realize that there is no place to go in the event of fire but into the water. We rigged a simple way to cary the dingy at the back of the boat out of the water.
We have used Zodiac type hypalon for about ten years. They are signifigantly lighter than other brands and still plenty heavy to handle. Our 9'4" West with wood floor will plane one person at 14 to 18 mph with a 33 pound Johnson 4hp 2 stroke. It weighs only about 70 pounds. We keep it inflated when traveling alone after reading an article by a man who had a fire that fortunately burned itself out. It made us realize that there is no place to go in the event of fire but into the water. We rigged a simple way to cary the dingy at the back of the boat out of the water.
Hypalon
Your port supply discount my not be the best deal on anything you want here. I think that Avon is the only Hypalon unit they carry. They are equally good or better units on the market (Achilles, AB, Caribe and several others). If you do not know the qualities of Hypalon over PVC you need to get educated. If you leave a PVC unit in the sun they may last for 3-5 year. Hypalon units are left inflated in the sun year round and will last for 20 years. They can be easily patched and repaired for almost ever. If you have a dog or beach it, you need to worry about abrasion. The do not get sticky from chemicals etc etc. I would also recommend an inflatable floor. A plywood floor is very difficult to assemble aboard the boat. If you are going with a smaller unit say 9 ft., a 4 stroke 5hp engine is great. Port supply is only selling Merc's so once again I do not think that this is the best 4 stroke available. Honda, Yamaha and Tohatsu/Nissan are better choices. PS: Shop around before you decide on Port Supply. There are dealers that some times have older models (still new) of these hypalon units for $1400-1600. Are you sorry you asked?
Your port supply discount my not be the best deal on anything you want here. I think that Avon is the only Hypalon unit they carry. They are equally good or better units on the market (Achilles, AB, Caribe and several others). If you do not know the qualities of Hypalon over PVC you need to get educated. If you leave a PVC unit in the sun they may last for 3-5 year. Hypalon units are left inflated in the sun year round and will last for 20 years. They can be easily patched and repaired for almost ever. If you have a dog or beach it, you need to worry about abrasion. The do not get sticky from chemicals etc etc. I would also recommend an inflatable floor. A plywood floor is very difficult to assemble aboard the boat. If you are going with a smaller unit say 9 ft., a 4 stroke 5hp engine is great. Port supply is only selling Merc's so once again I do not think that this is the best 4 stroke available. Honda, Yamaha and Tohatsu/Nissan are better choices. PS: Shop around before you decide on Port Supply. There are dealers that some times have older models (still new) of these hypalon units for $1400-1600. Are you sorry you asked?
Wholesale division of West Marine
Joe: Port Supply is the wholesale arm of West Marine. You have to have a marine business to get hooked up with them.
Joe: Port Supply is the wholesale arm of West Marine. You have to have a marine business to get hooked up with them.
Port supply URL
This is the URl for Port Supply, though it is true that you must have a marine related business to get membership. I recieved a temporary card with the purchase of my boat. The prices are so good, I'm thinking of starting a marine division of my current business... http://www.portsupply.com/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/logon.d2w/report Cheers! Matt
This is the URl for Port Supply, though it is true that you must have a marine related business to get membership. I recieved a temporary card with the purchase of my boat. The prices are so good, I'm thinking of starting a marine division of my current business... http://www.portsupply.com/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/logon.d2w/report Cheers! Matt
Inflateable choices
I've had a West Marine 10.2' wooden floor inflatable for about 7or 8 yrs. It's PVC and has been OK. But at least 2 trips ashore daily for the dog has caused it's share of rock and barnicle cuts and scrapes on the bottom. They've resulted in several patches. So, my next one will probably have a fiberglass bottom. It won't be easy to bring it on board (a Hunter 35.5) but in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands you end up towing it most of the time anyway. As for the motor. I have a bad back, so weight is an issue for me. I started out with a 3 HP 2 Cycle Johnson but all you can do is putt around. I upgraded to a 6 hp and it does fine for 2 people. It planes and zips around pretty good. (Let's face it, even us sailors have to have a blast fix now and then, even if it's just to upset the power boaters in the anchorages). If you have 4 on board though your back to putting. When I get the hard bottom inflatable I'll probably go to a larger motor and a Nova Lift.
I've had a West Marine 10.2' wooden floor inflatable for about 7or 8 yrs. It's PVC and has been OK. But at least 2 trips ashore daily for the dog has caused it's share of rock and barnicle cuts and scrapes on the bottom. They've resulted in several patches. So, my next one will probably have a fiberglass bottom. It won't be easy to bring it on board (a Hunter 35.5) but in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands you end up towing it most of the time anyway. As for the motor. I have a bad back, so weight is an issue for me. I started out with a 3 HP 2 Cycle Johnson but all you can do is putt around. I upgraded to a 6 hp and it does fine for 2 people. It planes and zips around pretty good. (Let's face it, even us sailors have to have a blast fix now and then, even if it's just to upset the power boaters in the anchorages). If you have 4 on board though your back to putting. When I get the hard bottom inflatable I'll probably go to a larger motor and a Nova Lift.
Quicksilver 310
I have a Quicksilver 310 with a 15hp Johnson 2 stroke. Does about 27mph and would not trade it for the world. I also have a mercury 2.2 hp to hang off the rail of our 27 catalina perfect for the overniters.
I have a Quicksilver 310 with a 15hp Johnson 2 stroke. Does about 27mph and would not trade it for the world. I also have a mercury 2.2 hp to hang off the rail of our 27 catalina perfect for the overniters.
West Marine
I have a couple of quick silvers and my dock neighbor has a achilles and a newish west marine. My quicksilver is an air deck and we have used it hard! No problems at all. We beach it without caution, never a problem... (knock on wood) my neighbor has to baby his west marine jobber and still ends up with abraided holes in the fabric... my conclusion is that their made out of crate paper! His achillies is about 10 years old and going strong! I am satisfied with quick silver and will buy another! We did have a weird brown residue on the fittings and quicksillver just sent me a new boat under warranty! They stand behind the product... I'm looking to sell these other 2 first though!!!! Scott
I have a couple of quick silvers and my dock neighbor has a achilles and a newish west marine. My quicksilver is an air deck and we have used it hard! No problems at all. We beach it without caution, never a problem... (knock on wood) my neighbor has to baby his west marine jobber and still ends up with abraided holes in the fabric... my conclusion is that their made out of crate paper! His achillies is about 10 years old and going strong! I am satisfied with quick silver and will buy another! We did have a weird brown residue on the fittings and quicksillver just sent me a new boat under warranty! They stand behind the product... I'm looking to sell these other 2 first though!!!! Scott
Avon and Honda and a motor lift
While several people have written about the wieght difference between the 2 stroke and 4 stroke, the question for me was not "if I were to drop it overboard", but "when I drop it overboard." So I put on a Forespar motor lift that I like so well I leave it up all the time. I had a Vision 32 so I know that the lift would work well on your boat. I also use a Honda 2 hrs, 4 stroke engine on my Avon inflateable floor By the way the motor lift probably could be use to haul someone out of the water too.
While several people have written about the wieght difference between the 2 stroke and 4 stroke, the question for me was not "if I were to drop it overboard", but "when I drop it overboard." So I put on a Forespar motor lift that I like so well I leave it up all the time. I had a Vision 32 so I know that the lift would work well on your boat. I also use a Honda 2 hrs, 4 stroke engine on my Avon inflateable floor By the way the motor lift probably could be use to haul someone out of the water too.
Hypalon
I vote for Hypalon. I have a 1991 West Marine "Offshore" model 9'6" dinghy with a wooden floor and wooden keel. I think that it might have been made by Caribe. It doesn't get heavy use, but it's 10 years old and still like new. I have an 8 hp Nissan on it that's pretty well matched to the boat. I'd lean toward the 4 cycle motors since, even though they're heavier, 2 cycles are already outlawed in some locations of the country. Your choice is all a matter of trade-offs, just like all other boat-related purchases.
I vote for Hypalon. I have a 1991 West Marine "Offshore" model 9'6" dinghy with a wooden floor and wooden keel. I think that it might have been made by Caribe. It doesn't get heavy use, but it's 10 years old and still like new. I have an 8 hp Nissan on it that's pretty well matched to the boat. I'd lean toward the 4 cycle motors since, even though they're heavier, 2 cycles are already outlawed in some locations of the country. Your choice is all a matter of trade-offs, just like all other boat-related purchases.
Lasting or Light Weight
If you're going to lift the inflatable digny and launch it every time you go somewhere a heavy inflatable will be a lot of work. Also, if you stay near the US where you can buy another one when there is a major problem then how well it lasts isn't as important. In this case I'd recommend non-Hypalon because of the Hypalons heavier weight. Don't expect the non-Hypalon to last forever, though. Before buying our Avon I talked to many long-time boaters about what to get and invariably the ones that had an Avon started with something else and got tired of problems. Many of these boaters were cruisers that went from Puget Sound to Mexico and the South Pacific. At the time they recommended Hypalon and Avon in particular. Consequently, I bought an Avon too and it's 11 years old now, and holding up fine. I stow it on the coach roof, folded up, on our 35 footer. It's the 3.15 roll-up and weighs in at around 115 lbs, dry. I use the preventer off the main haylyard to launch and retrieve it but it's still heavy. I also use an 8hp outboard and it really scoots with one person but loaded with two people it's marginal to get on a plane. For putzin around I'd go with a small, lightweight 10-something footer and a small outboard. Otherwise, the 3.15 with a 9.9 would be a blast! Good luck in your decision. It's only money.
If you're going to lift the inflatable digny and launch it every time you go somewhere a heavy inflatable will be a lot of work. Also, if you stay near the US where you can buy another one when there is a major problem then how well it lasts isn't as important. In this case I'd recommend non-Hypalon because of the Hypalons heavier weight. Don't expect the non-Hypalon to last forever, though. Before buying our Avon I talked to many long-time boaters about what to get and invariably the ones that had an Avon started with something else and got tired of problems. Many of these boaters were cruisers that went from Puget Sound to Mexico and the South Pacific. At the time they recommended Hypalon and Avon in particular. Consequently, I bought an Avon too and it's 11 years old now, and holding up fine. I stow it on the coach roof, folded up, on our 35 footer. It's the 3.15 roll-up and weighs in at around 115 lbs, dry. I use the preventer off the main haylyard to launch and retrieve it but it's still heavy. I also use an 8hp outboard and it really scoots with one person but loaded with two people it's marginal to get on a plane. For putzin around I'd go with a small, lightweight 10-something footer and a small outboard. Otherwise, the 3.15 with a 9.9 would be a blast! Good luck in your decision. It's only money.
Zodiac / Avon connection
For the identical situation we selected a 9'6" Zodiac Air Roller and 8 horse Nissan 2 cycle for our Hunter 460. The 8 horse weighs a bit more than a 5 HP but it planes with 2 people and is a lot of fun. Avon (Hypalon) and Zodiac (PVC) are made by the same company. Avon, which is Hypalon, now uses a PVC air floor taken from Zodiac. As a result, it must be protected, covered or turned over to protect the floor from UV. I was told by an Zodiac/Avon dealer that Avon went to the PVC floor because the PVC "air floor" can hold more pressure than a hypalon "air floor" and is less prone to mechanical seam failure and is easier to repair than hypalon. We store the dingy in the shower, and use a Garhauer Motor lift. We like the light weight of the Zodiac compared to Hypalon boats of the same size. Also, check Defender Industries for very good prices on a wide variety of inflatables and engines. Also, I compared and concluded that the real Avons are a lot nicer than the West Marines by Avon brand. When we become full time cruisers, I think we will get an Avon RIB (Hard bottom) for performance, servicability and longevity.
For the identical situation we selected a 9'6" Zodiac Air Roller and 8 horse Nissan 2 cycle for our Hunter 460. The 8 horse weighs a bit more than a 5 HP but it planes with 2 people and is a lot of fun. Avon (Hypalon) and Zodiac (PVC) are made by the same company. Avon, which is Hypalon, now uses a PVC air floor taken from Zodiac. As a result, it must be protected, covered or turned over to protect the floor from UV. I was told by an Zodiac/Avon dealer that Avon went to the PVC floor because the PVC "air floor" can hold more pressure than a hypalon "air floor" and is less prone to mechanical seam failure and is easier to repair than hypalon. We store the dingy in the shower, and use a Garhauer Motor lift. We like the light weight of the Zodiac compared to Hypalon boats of the same size. Also, check Defender Industries for very good prices on a wide variety of inflatables and engines. Also, I compared and concluded that the real Avons are a lot nicer than the West Marines by Avon brand. When we become full time cruisers, I think we will get an Avon RIB (Hard bottom) for performance, servicability and longevity.
Inflatable
Last year I bought an Apex 8.5' with a Yamaha 4HP 4 stroke. The dinghy is way too small, 4 adults better know each other really well. The engine is just fine it weighs 56lbs and i really don't have much trouble lifting it on and off unless the water is too rough. I would recommend at least a 9.5 ft with a seat. Hope that helps.
Last year I bought an Apex 8.5' with a Yamaha 4HP 4 stroke. The dinghy is way too small, 4 adults better know each other really well. The engine is just fine it weighs 56lbs and i really don't have much trouble lifting it on and off unless the water is too rough. I would recommend at least a 9.5 ft with a seat. Hope that helps.
Inflatable
Last year I bought an Apex 8.5' with a Yamaha 4HP 4 stroke. The dinghy is way too small, 4 adults better know each other really well. The engine is just fine it weighs 56lbs and i really don't have much trouble lifting it on and off unless the water is too rough. I would recommend at least a 9.5 ft with a seat. Hope that helps.
Last year I bought an Apex 8.5' with a Yamaha 4HP 4 stroke. The dinghy is way too small, 4 adults better know each other really well. The engine is just fine it weighs 56lbs and i really don't have much trouble lifting it on and off unless the water is too rough. I would recommend at least a 9.5 ft with a seat. Hope that helps.
Ever look at a "Sea Eagle"??
When I decided to buy a dinghy for our boat I looked around at just about everything available. Personally....I found many of them to be overpriced. I went and looked at the "Sea Eagle" site and found a 9.5 foot inflatable for less than $1000.00 and I added a Nissan 5HP 4stroke to it. Pretty happy with it. Its made of PVC and its doing quite well here in the Florida sun. Have a look.
When I decided to buy a dinghy for our boat I looked around at just about everything available. Personally....I found many of them to be overpriced. I went and looked at the "Sea Eagle" site and found a 9.5 foot inflatable for less than $1000.00 and I added a Nissan 5HP 4stroke to it. Pretty happy with it. Its made of PVC and its doing quite well here in the Florida sun. Have a look.
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