Inflatabale Dinghy Reviews

[floridaskater]

Looking for a new Dinghy (inflatable). I think I'd like something in the 11' range (4-5 people capacity). Hypalon seems to be the material of choice. Who's got what? And any good recommendations?

I like the layout of the Zodiac Classic sport boat as we'd be using it for snorkeling primarily. The Avon style with the oars on the top edge would get in they way of divers sliding into the boat like a trained seal. Zodiac is PVC, Avon is Hypalon. The reviews say PVC is hard to patch and will deteriorate more in the sun than Hypalon. Plus the black edge on the Zodiac would be prone to leaving black marks on the side of my boat.

Any other manufacturers you like? Thanks for the feedback.

[Jim]

What is the type and size of the boat you will be using it as a dinghy for? Size does matter! Also, how will you transport it? On boat davits? storing on bow? deflating to store or storing blown up? soft bottom vs. hard bottom? Towing? Does size and type of motor matter 2 cycle vs. 4 cycle? How about weight? Can you lift 75 lbs? 125 lbs? Any cost limitations? The sky is the limit with inflatable dinghines. Will it be used to just get ahshore to party and pick up supplies or for extensive diving at remote sites on the outer reefs? Do you want it to plane or just content to putter along? If you are in the water, how do you intend on getting in and out? How will you store it when you get back home? There is a lot to consider before purchasing a dinghy. I know as I have made ALL of the mistakes in the past.

[silentfaith]

I have a used 12' caribe 4sale

[Hooked]

How about a small Whaler...I'm always repairing leaks in my inflatabale..The weight issue is the consideration with this approach...but the constant banging around docks seems to put small or not so small leaks in these type of dingys

[pelicanpete]

Here goes the one question, hundred opinions scenario... but, IMHO, Avon are the best all round inflatable. The Hypalon material will last longer than the alternatives; it's pretty well abrasive proof and easily repaired. If you get 'pinholes leaks' (usually through age rather than use, you can pour a white rubberized liquid into the inflated tube(s) which seal leaks from the inside. I'd choose one of the white hypalon models (which look nice and stay cool) with an inflatable floor, rater than a rigid (RIB) version. Less weight, too. The sales pitch is that they plane and track as well as a RIB but can be deflated and stored away in the lazarette. Hypalon is, however, more costly than PVC or other materials. Avon tend to hold their value better than most other makes so you can recoup some of your initial outlay if/when you sell. Zodiac (French) bought the Avon (British) brand some years ago but all now are made in the Far East!

[Hooked]

The inflatable floor is lighter...on the other hand when and if you drag the thing up on a beach now you can get a hole in the bottom... also if you ruin the inflatable floor by maybe puncturing it ( I had a fish come off the hook and land on my inflatable floor and put 20 holes in it with his dorsal fin) you can toss the thing away the floor costs. There is no way a lighter boat rides better (not faster) then a heavier boat, I had both and a RIB rides better in waves. If it just back and forth to shore get the inflatable floor but if you go exploring get a RIB Again weight is an issue

[Joecam]

I have the 11' Mercury Airdeck series with a 9.9 hp Mercury engine, and it works out very well. The boat and Engine are about 95lbs each. I just drag it along the beach and it it fine. I bit tough for a one man operation, but fine for 2 people. It is also very stable (for an inflatable).

[Alan Brown]

I've owned an 8 ft. Achilles airfloor for the past several years. I chose it for its light weight and its hypalon fabric. Pete is right about hypalon's durability and cost. It's the best fabric to have in a tropical environment. My model was made in Japan and I got a great internet price on it from a dealer out in CA.

I have been quite satisfied with my Achilles. I like the fact that it can easily be deflated for storage and fits nicely into its own storage bag. Its light weight makes it easier to deploy and doesn't overload my dinghy davits.

Jim raises many important questions in his post. Whatever inflatable you choose must meet your particular needs, circumstances, and budget. Although I would much rather own a hard bottom, it would be too heavy for my davits and would be very difficult to store during hurricane season.

Hooked correctly points out one of the major weaknesses of the airfloor; its fragility. I felt a lot more comfortable with my old Seaworthy inflatable. It had wooden floor panels (which rotted out over time) and could handle anything you dropped on it. The downside was trying to get those water-swollen panels apart when you wanted to deflate and store it.

If the comments I've read about Zodiaks on some of the cruising webs is correct, I'd think twice about purchasing one. Lots of problems with materials and durability. Avon and Carribe enjoy good reputations and deserve a close look.

Good luck with your purchase decision.

[capran]

Practical Sailor has reviewed inflatables several times over the years. We went with the achillies 10.4 (halapon)with an 8 hp yamaha. Has a wood floor. Many years ago we had a dingy that we picked up in the Keys called a Dynous, which planed alittle faster than the achillies. A few years back we did get a tear in the bottom of the achillies when we hit some rocks by Manjack, heading into a low sun. Patched it and it's still holding. If I didn't mind the weight, and storage, a RIB would be nice.

Our main consideration was size, price, the ability to plane so as to get out and back from the reef quickly, ease of in and out of the water while on the reef, stowage on deck for off shore legs.

[SeaKing]

I am interested in the aluminum hulled inflatables. I currently have a 10' and a 14' fiberglass dingy. I have seen the aluminum ones online and they are much lighter and very strong. Take a look at those too!

[Hooked]

Once I tried one of the aluminum hulled inflatables and for some reason when making a sharp turn the hull dug in a whipped you around at a dangerous clip....I don't know if it was because it had a deep V bottom or what...as far a planing goes almost all of the boats will plane...with enough hp...but then the weight of the engine...this dingy thing is fun but what a pain to carry and store...hard bottom I leave on the bow of the boat ....soft bottom you can roll up to store..soft bottom not near as stable as a hard bottom...all are a compromise

[Summerbums]

I had an aluminum bottom inflatable made for West by Avon. It was very light, only 96 lbs and easy to store. But the bottom buckled - don't know why. It actaully bend down just ahead of the seat. It took it back and got the Avon fiberglass bottom. It is very nice, but much heavier (150 lbs). While I liked the aluminum bottom, it was apparently too light for even minimal use.

[Capt. Tom]

Skater
I have used a Zodiac air-floor boat for quite a few years. Bought it because of it's light weight, ease of stowage, and performance. Just bought a second inflatable so we will have two dinks for the summer, what with a bunch of teenagers on board an all. Have tried all of the other options (Whaler, wood floor inflatable, RIB, aluminum hull inflatable, even an Albury sail dink) like the air floor best. Just my two cents worth.
See you all in june and july
Capt. Tom
S/V Chardonnay