Aquaglide inflatable dinghy/windsurfer/kayak thingy - any good?

[MissFitz]

A friend of mine is thinking of buying one of these for use in Brighton & wants to know if they're any good. I see they have come up for sale a few times on the forum so was hoping someone might have some feedback - any thoughts on how well they do or might work, & whether they would be suitable for mostly unsheltered water, would be much appreciated, thanks.

http://www.aquaglide.net/categories/multisport.cfm

 

[TrailerSailer]

NO - had one once. Used it a couple of times and the wooden support platform broke as did the ribbing inside the inflatable section. Got a replacement and it was no better. Save your money and possibly go for an inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard with a windsurfing rig??

 

[landlockedpirate]

We bought the 4.1m version a couple of years ago, Nautorious still has it out in Gib.

They are a bit of a faff to put together and rigging it for sailing takes time and experimentation to get it to work. The rig is a windsurfer complete with flexi mast foot so you have to use shrouds to turn it into a dinghy, these need a lot of adjusting to work.

What are they like ? As a windsurfer - not very good, as a kayak - not very good, as a dinghy - not very good, as a ringo for towing behind a powerboat - great If you are over 12 stone ish, you wont be able to make it sail without falling in or becoming a contortionist.

We bought ours new for less than £400 on offer, and as an occasional beach toy or curiosity it was ok. These days I think they are over £800 and thats too much IMHO.

 

[RichardS]

We have the Aquaglide which is just a flat airbed and can be used as a dinghy or a windsurfer. I think the kayak design is more of a sit-in rather that sit-on. We use it in the Med each year but in needs to be fairly flat sea and wind below 10 - 15 knots. It's lasted 4 years so far so seems to be well made but it's not great as a dinghy or a sailboard compared to the real thing. However, good for sub-teens and better as a windsurfer for the reasons given by landlockedpirate.

Richard

 

[seumask]

Look at Inflatable SUP's is my suggestion, our kids enjoy mucking around on one ( 7 and 11) and they are much morre serious bit of kit and pretty indestructable. Just looking at the pictures the sailing expereince on one of those looks terrible, beach toy springs to mind!

 

[KevB]

I got one for fathers day at least 6 years ago and it's never been out of the bag. Doesn't help you much does it...

 

[MissFitz]

Thanks guys, that's very helpful, confirms my suspicions both about the Aquaglide & that an inflatable SUP could be a good alternative.