North Atlantic Inflatables

[Bob J.]

I know there are a bunch of different manufacturers out there but was wondering if anyone has any experience with these? I've seen them at the local shows here in the northeast last couple of years. PVC with air floor. They seemed ok when compared to the other brands but frankly I don't squat about inflatables except being pricey.
I need to purchase one & like the idea of supporting a company from our neck of the woods.

TIA,
Bob

 

[Chief RA]

Defender sells dinghys w/ inflatable floor, PVC,9', for 1000 to 1500 dollars. Hypalon twice as much money. If you buy locally you may well get hosed. I have owned 7 dinghys both Hypalon and PVC. My current one is 13 yrs old and a Maxxon 9', PVC, inf floor 4 person, 15hp rated,. Keep PVC covered and it will last as Hypalon costs too much. Gunni also has one about the same age and condition as mine. Chief

 

[Gunni]

Yep my PVC (Decitex) WM branded Zodiac 310 Cadet (folding transom RIB) served well for 13 years when a rotted wood transom doomed the thing. She now rests at the landfill. Replaced by an Achilles CSM of the same configuration. PVC is easier to patch quickly and effectively.

 

[Chief RA]

Gunni: I had better reseal my transom before my dinghy reaches the same fate. Chief

 

[Gunni]

Yeah Chief, the transom went from good in the spring to rotted in the lower corners in the fall. Even though the tubes were in decent shape and holding air just fine I decided that the work of cutting away and replacing the transom was not worth the effort. FYI, the Achilles puts a fiberglass shell on the transom. Walker Bay makes theirs from anodized aluminum.

 

[Chief RA]

Yeah Gunni, I think it is best to get out of the wood transom concept on the next one. I only paid 800 for her so think I got my moneys worth, plus it is still good! Mine also shows everything made in China ain't bad!ha Chief

 

[Bob J.]

Thanks for the input guys.
Definitely some sound reasoning.