Dinghy reviews

Gunni

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
Ted said:
If you are talking about inflatable dinghies, I would recommend not buying PVC no matter who manufactured it. PVC breaks down in UV pretty quickly. You can buy a pretty nice used inflatable made with Hypalon for $1000 but probably not with a fiberglass transom. The downside of Hypalon is that it will weigh more then PVC and that can be considerable difference considering you want to buy and 11 foot dinghy.
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Here is a picture of my 2003 Zodiac PVC (WestMarine branded) folding transom RIB. This boat has been hanging off my davits in the Maryland sun, without "chaps", cover or anything other than my annual ritual of extreme cleaning and bathing with 303 Protectant. It is 12 years old. It loves acetone. Wooden folding transom (gotta keep it sealed). It weights 30 pounds less than a similar hypalon RIB; easier to plane, easier to carry. You take care of your RIB, it will take care of you.:)
 

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Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Nice boat Gunni and thanks for attesting to PVC quality. You dont't think our stuff lasts so long because we take care of it like we were taught in the military do you? Chief
 
Gunni

Gunni

.
Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
Chief RA said:
Nice boat Gunni and thanks for attesting to PVC quality. You dont't think our stuff lasts so long because we take care of it like we were taught in the military do you? Chief
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Ha! You bet. And when you are born mil, your training begins when you get on two feet. :)
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

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Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
Hard shell dinks are pretty stable if you get a flat bottom one. Round bottom boats of all sizes are tender. Course you can't stand on the "gunnel" like an inflatable but then it is only 3/8 wide so why would you want to?
 
F

Fore Sail

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Oct 2, 2011
27
Catalina 22 Folsom
I've own many Inflatables through the years that I used for diving in Northern California and I got to say stay away from PVC! They just don't stand the test of time. PVC doesn't do well in the sun and if gas gets spilled on the tubes it will help break down the PVC! I have found the hypalon boat to be much better for what I think you want. Achilles, AB, Caribes and Novurania I feel are the best on the market. If you keep your eye on Craigslist, you can pick one up for a great price! I don't buy any that have patches. I hope this helps. All the best, Monte
 
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