I used to use a trolling motor but eventually found that lugging it around was more hassle than its worth. It's a lot of fun zipping around the marina and I keep it on board just for enjoyment. My dinghy doesn't row very nicely and is rather unstable but it still takes very little effort to move it by oar. If your mooring isn't far, don't put too much emphasis on getting a motor
Shore Tender
- Thread starter jpiombo67
- Start date
Interesting, it was only $329 when I looked at it on Amazon.
It is far better than the first on you looked at. It should be easier to row with the Aluminum floor and the ride should be drier. If your mooring is relatively close to the dock, it should be fine. Just don't believe the marketing. For instance they claim it is stable at 40-60 kph, which sort of implies the boat will go that fast. It may feel like it going that fast but there is no way that boat with a 3 hp motor is going to do 25 mph. Some of the other claims seemed to be a bit overstated. With that said and understanding that it is PVC and probably not built to the same standards as Achilles, Zodiac, Highfield and the other major brands, it should work for you, especially on a budget.
It is far better than the first on you looked at. It should be easier to row with the Aluminum floor and the ride should be drier. If your mooring is relatively close to the dock, it should be fine. Just don't believe the marketing. For instance they claim it is stable at 40-60 kph, which sort of implies the boat will go that fast. It may feel like it going that fast but there is no way that boat with a 3 hp motor is going to do 25 mph. Some of the other claims seemed to be a bit overstated. With that said and understanding that it is PVC and probably not built to the same standards as Achilles, Zodiac, Highfield and the other major brands, it should work for you, especially on a budget.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,258
Looks like a better option than what you first proposed.
"Thoughts?" was your query.
You really need to identify the parameters for which you are willing to spend $350 plus dollars.
Think critically about:
anchor.travel
I have a Hypalon inflatable. It spends a lot of time inside my boat deflated until I want to use it. This keeps it out of the UV, extending its life. It is not perfect, but it has proven to be a reasonable compromise for my boat.
"Thoughts?" was your query.
You really need to identify the parameters for which you are willing to spend $350 plus dollars.
Think critically about:
- What you want to do?
- How long you want to do it?
- How do you want to spend money on the problem?
- Will the solution you favor accomplish the "what" for the expense you are willing to pay?
Hypalon vs. PVC: Is Hypalon Better Than PVC?
What is the best material for inflatable boats? You may have heard that Hypalon is a lot better than PVC. In fact, some people swear upon this. Is it true?
anchor.travel
I have a Hypalon inflatable. It spends a lot of time inside my boat deflated until I want to use it. This keeps it out of the UV, extending its life. It is not perfect, but it has proven to be a reasonable compromise for my boat.
I have that very one used it for several years.
It does not tow well, pulling the bow up on the boat and dragging the stern in the water works OK
No complaints for the price.
I would not get in and not expect to get wet. Again, for the price an acceptable alternative.
It does not tow well, pulling the bow up on the boat and dragging the stern in the water works OK
No complaints for the price.
I would not get in and not expect to get wet. Again, for the price an acceptable alternative.
PVC is a good choice in northern climes where the UV and heat is not as intense and, more importantly, the boat is out of the weather for half the year. My 3 year old PVC RIB is in great shape, no sign of UV degradation at all.
That Amazon boat is much better than the one in the original post. It will be more stable, likely last longer, and will row better. If you want, you could put a small trolling motor or 2hp outboard on it which I would not do on the other one. The aluminum floor is a great addition for stepping on as well as putting gear and groceries on.
Edit:
That's a slat floor which is not the same as an aluminum floor. Still better than the bare PVC for stepping on. An aluminum floor with inflatable keel will help the boat track better and would be a bit dyer. Still, that CO-Z is better than the pool toy. My aunt has an old Avon dinghy with slat floor at her cottage that the kids play in with a 2hp outboard and it moves along ok.
That Amazon boat is much better than the one in the original post. It will be more stable, likely last longer, and will row better. If you want, you could put a small trolling motor or 2hp outboard on it which I would not do on the other one. The aluminum floor is a great addition for stepping on as well as putting gear and groceries on.
Edit:
That's a slat floor which is not the same as an aluminum floor. Still better than the bare PVC for stepping on. An aluminum floor with inflatable keel will help the boat track better and would be a bit dyer. Still, that CO-Z is better than the pool toy. My aunt has an old Avon dinghy with slat floor at her cottage that the kids play in with a 2hp outboard and it moves along ok.
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