Anyone have any experience with a Europa V320 Sport?

[duncan_macd]

Hi All,

I have recently been looking around for an inflatable dinghy/rib that I would buy in replace of a 11 foot GRP fishing boat I am selling.

After looking around, my eyes are set on a Europa V320 sport - the link to it is Europa Sport Air V Deck Inflatable Boats

I have a Suzuki DF6 outboard that I would like to use it with. The reason why I have chosen this dinghy is it is lighter weight than others I have found, and features a Deep V Air floor which would suit the Irish Sea better.

Does anyone else have any experience with this dinghy? How do you think this will run with a 6hp, I’ve seen videos online of lightweight dinghies like this reaching up to 20 knots, would it be worth downsizing to the 2.7m? Finally, there are quite a few submerged rocks around the area, do you think these rocks would burst an inflatable hull?

Thanks in advance

 

[Seastoke]

Yes it would burst the floor , the ribs are good but 20k don’t think so .

 

[duncan_macd]

Yes it would burst the floor , the ribs are good but 20k don’t think so .

Thanks for the help, I did think 20 knots on a 6hp was a bit optimistic!

 

[ianduff]

I have a Europa 2.7 Airdeck with a Tohatsu badge and rated to take a Tohatsu 2 stroke 9.8 (26kg) outboard. It is a very poor inflatable and a 9.8 is much too powerful. I also used it with a 6HP 4 stroke Suzuki. With the Suzuki maximum speed was about 10 knots with 1 person (70kg) but the noise and vibration from the motor at full throttle was awful. The weight of the boat is greater than the specified mass. I also have a Mercury 2.9m Airdeck rated to 15HP. This is altogether superior. With the Tohatsu 9.8 and 1 person it will do about 17 knots! With the 6HP Suzuki and 1 person about 10 knots. The Mercury inflatable is about 5kg heavier than the Europa.

 

[duncan_macd]

I have a Europa 2.7 Airdeck with a Tohatsu badge and rated to take a Tohatsu 2 stroke 9.8 (26kg) outboard. It is a very poor inflatable and a 9.8 is much too powerful. I also used it with a 6HP 4 stroke Suzuki. With the Suzuki maximum speed was about 10 knots with 1 person (70kg) but the noise and vibration from the motor at full throttle was awful. The weight of the boat is greater than the specified mass. I also have a Mercury 2.9m Airdeck rated to 15HP. This is altogether superior. With the Tohatsu 9.8 and 1 person it will do about 17 knots! With the 6HP Suzuki and 1 person about 10 knots. The Mercury inflatable is about 5kg heavier than the Europa.

Ian, thanks a lot for your help here. I was unsure about the Europa as there hasn’t been many reviews/comments about them however now I know! I suppose I’ll look at the mercury range, they seem to be a lot more popular! It’s surprising how a 5kg weight difference doesn’t really effect the speed! Eventually I’ll be looking into swapping my 6hp for a 15 ish so this is much appreciated. Thanks again

 

[Seastoke]

Ian, thanks a lot for your help here. I was unsure about the Europa as there hasn’t been many reviews/comments about them however now I know! I suppose I’ll look at the mercury range, they seem to be a lot more popular! It’s surprising how a 5kg weight difference doesn’t really effect the speed! Eventually I’ll be looking into swapping my 6hp for a 15 ish so this is much appreciated. Thanks again

Had look today a two recently new ones in our marina , and neither seem to hold pressure

 

[Happy-boating]

I've had a Europa Sport inflatable for 12 years and been very pleased. No issues to report.

270 with 6hp 4 stroke does 18mph with one person - on GPS. It is very lively with a 9.8 but needs to be 2 stroke for the weight. I don't consider a 4 stroke above 6hp to be portable for one person - particularly if the tide is out.

We have used it on inland and coastal waters around the UK and France. You notice a particular brand when you own one and Europa Sport is becoming the dominant brand in more and more places.

Appreciate that this thread is over a year old but thought this first hand owner information may be useful for anyone currently considering a Europa Sport inflatable boat. Great value.