Dinghy - tender: affordable option?

[capta]

This is why I was mentioning it will be used in the ocean for a live aboard situation in the Bahamas
The thing needs to be heavy enough to sustain bad weather forming when we have to go back to the boat

I liked having a Zodiac that had the power to get up on top of the chop and we could stay dry. It can pound some, but sitting on the inflatable tubes absorbs most of the shock, so your body doesn't get too beat up.
I've tried numerous times to get back to the boat, picking my way through the rain drops, but I have yet to succeed in staying dry in the rain.

 

[heritage]

If I were to cruise the Caribbean again on a 42' boat with davits with a $3000 budget, I would look for a used AB rib such as the one linked below and a dependable 9.9 or 15.

2003 AB Dinghy 10.5" Hypalon RIB, LOCAL PICK UP ONLY! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2003 AB Dinghy 10.5" Hypalon RIB, LOCAL PICK UP ONLY! at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[baycloud]

davits would be nice. I bought a bris kaboat for $700 and a new 3.5 outboard for 1150. It planes at 10kn with 2 people in it, however we do spend time at the gym each week Portabote also probably would plane with a small motor. Normal width inflatable dinghies require probably 2x the power for planing.

folds and inflates very easily, davits might require retrofitting. no comments yet about longevity, but i did pole a hole in it already after just 1 year

 

[MikeHoncho]

A friend has one of these and he & his wife use it a lot. Sez the quality is good. I have not (yet) had a ride in it. Anyhow, view this as a second hand recommendation.

Seen them at the boat show. They look like your going to get wet in any rough water from the front.

 

[JohnShannon]

your most cost effective solution is to steal one, if it doesn't work out, what are you out?