Silver Marine dinghy, thumbs up or thumbs down?

[Mike8245]

removehtml]I am considering a Silver Marine inflatable dinghy, does anyone have any experience with them? It would only be in the sun when used and stored in my boat at all other times. Probably get used less than 6 weekends a year. Just wondering if they are reasonable quality and could expect reasonable life. Thanks a bunch, MikeError: Error: expected [/URL], but found [/removehtml] instead[/removehtml]

 

[paj637]

I like my Silver Marine 275SD.

I have had a Silver Marine 275SD for a year and I have had good service so far. It's been in light usage. I paid $399 shipping included for an internet closeout. I run a old 4hp johnson seahorse and it won't plane but it gets me where I need to go. I like it because it's relatively light and fits really nice on the bow of my Mac 26M. My wife says it's a little flimsy and small but she's not the one hauling it up to the bow or launching and retrieving it. I have put a Johnson 8 hp 2 stroke on it and it hauled but seemed a little heavy on the stern.

 

[mamkt001]

Sam's Club Special

I've used a 9'6" one for only one season but it's served us well so far. We use a 4 Stroke 4hp and it moves ok. For the price I think it'll serve us well. We also tow it behind our H34 and have had no D-rings break-off or any other quality issues.

 

[paj637]

correction; a 250SD

I have a 250SD. I bought it specifically for the minimal weight. Good quality construction overall. I did not intend to leave it out at a marina or outside storage. Either topside on a transit or folded up stored below. The only thing I don't like about it is the tube size is a couple of inches smaller in diameter than most inflatables. It is definitely not a dinghy I would take on a blue water cruiser, but serves a niche market for coastal cruising.