Inflatables

[Stu Jackson]

PVC

Really depends what the use is going to be. For protected waters with oars, sure, why not. Also depends on the model, since some of them are pretty flimsy.

 

[Sumner]

Not to change the subject, but this is discussing inflatables. For only occassional use, would an inflatable like a Sevyloor FT325 be suitable? I know its PVC but it would not be out in sun except when being used for maybe a week or two per season. It would be used for really only 2-3 people. What do you think?

Where would you be using it? If you need to possibly use the dinghy in different weather conditions just remember that it is almost impossible to row these in much wind, or at least that has been the case with me.

If I have to take say a shore line ashore...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/MacgregorTrips-3-Powell09/09-10-5-Powell-09.html

...like above at Lake Powell in 20+ mph winds I have myself connected with a line to the sailboat going and coming. If I don't I could easily be blown a couple miles down the lake with no way to return if I don't have the outboard on the dinghy.

The same can be said if you are dealing with currents. By Indian Key Pass going into Everglades City a month or so ago we were running along with the dinghy at 3 mph according to the GPS against the tide coming in. We turned to go back and with the same throttle setting were over 6 mph over ground. You would again have a hard time rowing in a situation like that.

The point I'm making is that I feel you really need to have an outboard attached most of the time if you will be needing the dink in different conditions. That one says you can run a 3 hp with a separate bracket. I'd see how good the bracket looks and how easy it would be to get an outboard on and off of it.

I'd recommend that you maybe look at a used better dinghy. At 46 lbs. I can't believe there is much to that one. We found a nice....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/zodiac-index.html

....Zodiac Zoom for $600 that we have used for well over 100 days on the water that for your usage should last a long time. It has been perfect for us and still seems to be in very good shape. When it dies though I believe that our next one will be a Hypalon dinghy.

I'd also like to have one with a little larger diameter tubes than what we have. What size are the tubes on the one you are looking at?

Good luck,

Sum

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

 

[lehighsail]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to look into a Avon Rover. Weighs 80 lb. Does that sound a little better?

 

[Sumner]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to look into a Avon Rover. Weighs 80 lb. Does that sound a little better?

Personally I think in the long run you would be a lot happier. The inflatable keel is nice and I would want that for sure. You would also have a lot wider range of outboards you could use and they would go on quicker and more securely.

Good luck,

Sum

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

 

[AXEL]

I've owned the same Bombard (Zodic) PVC inflatable for over 15 years now. It has the inflatable floor. No complaints. I've done a couple of repairs myself over the years which we're very simple and effective using a good quality PVC patch kit. Granted I do not leave it out in the sun, it gets rolloed up at the end of every weekend and stashed away. I would not hesatate for a second to buy another PVC inflatable. In fact , based on my experience with this dink, when the time comes I will definately buy another PVC.

 

[Maine Sail]

I am always amazed at how well our Hylpalon AB has held up. She is about 9 years old now and I clean her once per year before launch and if she gets real dirty maybe once in August or so.

She is not discernible from a new dinghy except for the marks in the aluminum plate from the outboard screws, a couple of dock rash scars, from a freak un-predicted storm, and some gelcoat chips from beachings.. The tubes still look brand new. I have not added air since last June and will not need to add any before launch tomorrow....

I use Mary-Kate Inflatable Boat Cleaner or Amazon Inflatable Boat Cleaner...

PVC can work fine but won't go nearly as long as Hypalon or the generics if constantly exposed. Up front it can be the better "budget buy" though..

 

[redhead78]

Is it better to keep these inflatables filled, say for winter storeage at home? Red

 

[JustDucky]

A Zodiac dealer once told me to keep it stored inflated. He explained that mice have a more difficult time finding a surface to get their teeth into.

 

[Mark Maulden]

I just bought an RU 260 in March and inflated it for the first time. It was flat inside 8 hrs...I noticed they don't have the little quarter turn poppet vales. They cheapened up the valves with the same ones that would be used in a K-mart boat. Mark