I own a 27' Hunter and need a new tender. Smaller boat, smaller tender. I have done my research and I think I have narrowed it down to the Achilles LS4-RU, (8'-8") vs. SeaEagle 8.10, (8'-10"). Aesthetically I prefer the Achilles, but I am willing to sacrifice some looks for durability and stability. The major difference I see is the SeaEagle has an inflatable floor and the Achilles a slat floor. The cost is close enough where that is not a consideration. In either case I would probably get a 5 HP motor. How durable is an inflatable floor? This dingy will not stay in the water, it will be inflated only when needed, although it will be stored (deflated) down below, of a 27’ sailboat. I look forward to reading your experiences and suggestions regarding my query. Smooth Sailing!
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Airdeck
I have a Mercury inflatable with the Airdeck inflatable floor. I am very happy with it. It is amazing how solid it is...I stand on it and mount the 9.8hp motor on the back with no problems. I like the fact that it is easy to store on deck deflated and when you want to use it you just blow it up. This is the only brand I have ever owned so I can't speak about how it compares to the other brands. I did buy it online at Buster's marine (they were half the price)after checking them out at the boat show
I have a Mercury inflatable with the Airdeck inflatable floor. I am very happy with it. It is amazing how solid it is...I stand on it and mount the 9.8hp motor on the back with no problems. I like the fact that it is easy to store on deck deflated and when you want to use it you just blow it up. This is the only brand I have ever owned so I can't speak about how it compares to the other brands. I did buy it online at Buster's marine (they were half the price)after checking them out at the boat show
Inflatable floor
Go with the inflatable floor. I have an Achilles LSI104 and am very happy with it. For portability, storage room, overall weight plus ease of getting it ready to use, the inflatable floor is the way to go. Check Defender's website for left overs. They sell them at a very nice discount.
Go with the inflatable floor. I have an Achilles LSI104 and am very happy with it. For portability, storage room, overall weight plus ease of getting it ready to use, the inflatable floor is the way to go. Check Defender's website for left overs. They sell them at a very nice discount.
I am very happy with my SeaEagle 8.10 yacht tender
I have had it about a year. Very stable. I am 6'3" 220lbs and can stand in the center to get in or out of boat. Quality vs price is good. Inflates easy with included pump. It tows straight and rows easy. When I found out how little drag it adds, I started towing it most everywhere I go. Because it is light, it encourages spontanious beach explorations. I anticipated putting on an engine but I have enjoyed rowing it so much that I think I'll keep it simple and stick to oars.
I have had it about a year. Very stable. I am 6'3" 220lbs and can stand in the center to get in or out of boat. Quality vs price is good. Inflates easy with included pump. It tows straight and rows easy. When I found out how little drag it adds, I started towing it most everywhere I go. Because it is light, it encourages spontanious beach explorations. I anticipated putting on an engine but I have enjoyed rowing it so much that I think I'll keep it simple and stick to oars.
By all means
Go with the inflatable floor. I have a slat floor Mercury dinghy, and just don't like it. Friend of mine has an inflatable floor, inflatable keel Achiles, and there is no comparison. Sea Eagles used to be very cheap, and cheaply made, but in recent years they have come a long way, and are equal or close to equal with anything now.
Go with the inflatable floor. I have a slat floor Mercury dinghy, and just don't like it. Friend of mine has an inflatable floor, inflatable keel Achiles, and there is no comparison. Sea Eagles used to be very cheap, and cheaply made, but in recent years they have come a long way, and are equal or close to equal with anything now.
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