3D superlight tender advice

[Chris Wood]

Hi all

I've been researching the best tender for my Merry Fisher 755 as we would like to spend nights at anchor whilst being able to get to shore. It needs to fold away as small as possible to fit in the lazerette and be light enough to easily manhandle in and out of the water..

My plan would be to use an electric 'trolling' motor or row it.

This forum seems to have lots of useful information about these tenders but I have some specific questions if I may...

1. Can anyone give an opinion over the roundtail vs transom option? The round tail packs down a fair bit smaller and is lighter for the same size (70 cm X 45 cm X 32 cm and 11.8kg for the 2.35m roundtail vs 98 cm X 48 cm X 28 cm and 13.8kg for the 2.3m with transom)

2. This would be for ocassional use only and would be mostly stored packed away - I am aware they will not be as robust as heavier alternatives but does anyone else use them in this manner?

3. Black vs white - does the black get too hot in summer - does this cause over-inflation issues and damage to seams?

4. The 250 isn't much heavier and apparently packs down to the same size. I'm a big chap and would need to get at least my wife in also - would I regret going for something too small?

5. Has anyone used them with a trolling motor - I'm thinking of the 68" Bison electric outboard. It doesn't need to be fast or travel for too long..

Many thanks for any help and advice that you can give!

Chris

 

[dpb]

We have owned our black 3D for at least five years now.
We use it pretty much as you intend to, always stored rolled up in bag, but used most week ends in the season.
Cant recall if it is the 180 or the 200.
So your questions.
1) No opinion, ours is transom.
2) Yes, electric pump to fill and empty makes it easy enough to use and for it to roll up small when packing away.
3) No issues for us....yet (including some use in the French Med.
4) See pic. (I am over 6ft and 15st) Remember ours is smaller than your intended 250

5) Oars only for me....

No problems with it so far.

Hope this helps.

 

[BruceK]

Our yottie pontoon neighbour has one for the same reasons you want one. Incredibly light and a perfect fit for him. What I noticed though bearing in mind we are in a fast flowing estuary that gets a few small waves in it is they are always in their water proof sailing gear when in it - could be nothing but I suspect with the small diameter tubes wet backside is a issue with any wave splash against the tubes. They always tie it down on top the pontoon when in transition. The rest of us just make fast to an available cleat with the painter. - could be nothing but could be a water issue again or could be they are worried it will blow away if not tied down in our strong SW'ers, it really is that light. I have never actually asked them the whys, just made the presumptions but I have felt it and it is remarkably light and does indeed fold away very easily to fit into their cockpit locker. I'd label it swings and roundabouts. Perfect for them. I dont think I'd get on with it.

 

[Chris Wood]

We have owned our black 3D for at least five years now.
We use it pretty much as you intend to, always stored rolled up in bag, but used most week ends in the season.
Cant recall if it is the 180 or the 200.
So your questions.
1) No opinion, ours is transom.
2) Yes, electric pump to fill and empty makes it easy enough to use and for it to roll up small when packing away.
3) No issues for us....yet (including some use in the French Med.
4) See pic. (I am over 6ft and 15st) Remember ours is smaller than your intended 250
View attachment 77967
5) Oars only for me....

No problems with it so far.

Hope this helps.

That very reassuring - thank you. They actually seem quite spacious!

Our yottie pontoon neighbour has one for the same reasons you want one. Incredibly light and a perfect fit for him. What I noticed though bearing in mind we are in a fast flowing estuary that gets a few small waves in it is they are always in their water proof sailing gear when in it - could be nothing but I suspect with the small diameter tubes wet backside is a issue with any wave splash against the tubes. They always tie it down on top the pontoon when in transition. The rest of us just make fast to an available cleat with the painter. - could be nothing but could be a water issue again or could be they are worried it will blow away if not tied down in our strong SW'ers, it really is that light. I have never actually asked them the whys, just made the presumptions but I have felt it and it is remarkably light and does indeed fold away very easily to fit into their cockpit locker. I'd label it swings and roundabouts. Perfect for them. I dont think I'd get on with it.

Thank you for your reply - I've read elsewhere that they can be a wetter ride but I guess you can't have it both ways. Sound like it would suit rather well for my purposes!