Dinghys, pro/con?

R

rommer

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The current dinghy, 9.5' PVC air floor with 15hp 2 stroke.

Problem, sudden loss of air every few weeks. Front tube which has an over pressure relief valve. I suspect the valve but doesn't look replaceable with a lot of work. We use a Hurly davit system. (Sudden loss means everything is fine for 2 or 3 weeks with the dink solid each weekend and then the next weekend it is very soft.)

Wife says a bigger, more reliable one would be nice before we leave on vacation in July and we are trying to decide between a slightly bigger air floor or slightly bigger RIB. Already decided on Hypalon over PVC.

We are looking at the 10' 2" Avon (lighter 94 v 112lbs or Merc Dynamic (lower cost).

So whats your vote?

Hard bottom or air floor?

Avon or Merc?

Thanks
 
The RIBS are very nice but also VERY expensive & still have the relatively short life just like the full inflatable. Here is a hard dinghy that is durable, stable & moves easily with little hp

http://www.livingstonboats.com/boats.asp

A 10' one of these with a 3hp & single adult flies.
 
I spent the last 3 seasons putting around in my 10' hypalon air floor Achilles with a 8 horse 2 stroke Johnson, just moved up to a 10' hard bottom (and a bigger 4 stroke). No comparison, the thing's a ton of fun, much more stable, performs better, carries more people/cargo, added d-rings to the hull so can be towed with motor on, put the keel guard on for beaching..... Ok, you got my opinion. :-)

e9842636.jpg


Edit-Avon over Merc, only because I had BIG problems with a Quicksilver 10 years ago (and those problems were severe enough to necessitate the renaming from Quicksilver to Merc). Also look at Achilles, Caribe, and AB RIB's.
 
DinghyUS makes a hard fiberglass dinghy that looks like an RIB; should give you most of the advantages without the disadvantages. I don't own one though so can't recommend it one way or the other.
 
John, what about Dan's?

Is yours still under warranty?
 
I would go for the Avon, AB, Caribe or Achilles over the Merc only because the Merc boat have not had the best track record. They might be better now but I wouldn't take the chance.

One other thing I would consider is that the interior floor be flat. Some of the lighter RIBS have a V bottom floor that is not flat. IMHO this is not a good option, especially with your current ankle/foot issue. The V floors are tough to jump into, and are not comfortable to sit in. This would be one of the big points I would look at when comparing all the models/brands.

Don't skimp out on this purchase, if you buy the right one you will have if for many many years.

Jonathan
 
I have an 11' APEX RIB, it is very stable and being hypalon very durable. No experience with the air floors, but if you can handle the weight of the RIB as Grady said they are very good dinks.
 
quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

John, what about Dan's?

Is yours still under warranty?



Click to expand...


Dan's is too large for our swimplatform. 13' IIRC

Not sure on the warranty for mine Mike, it might be just outside it. (But of course right!)

I'm betting I could solve my problem by just putting a patch over the overinflation valve but don't tell Pattie ;)
 
Go for the Hypalon RIB. I don't have any idea what "short lived" is, but I have owned Avon's for 15 years and they were still in as good shape as when new--if cared for properly. In fact I have a 15 year old Avon currently. If you keep the same boat and dinghy for 15 years this is far beyond the national average! The RIB will wear better. Although I have seen RIB's worn thru--you can always put a sacrificial strip of glass on the bottom of the keel. I consider the better hypalon boats to be worth the increased cost.
 
Hogan

Just received an email back from the dinghy distributor. While the PVC material and seams are covered for 5 years the valves and accessories are only 1 year. The over inflation valve is available for $29.99 & $8.99 shipping so I may replace it and offer the dink up for sale. As long as Pattie feels we need a larger dink who am I to disagree.

So who wants a decent shape, less than 2 year old 9.5 foot PVC airfloor. New ones are going for $850-900...
 
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