Buying a new tender. A little help please.

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cmedsailor

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I need to buy a new tender (inflatable), around 2,40-2,50 meters (not bigger). Anything to take into account, any models recommended, any models to avoid etc?
Thanks
PS: I prefer PVC. Hypalon is much better but too expensive.
 
I have a Zodiac 210 fast roller with inflatable floor. Think they also do a 260 and 310.

I'm happy with it. Planes with my in it running a 4hp!!

Only negative comment would be the tube valves are fairly deep and can get broken when you are rolling it up. They are cheap, couple of quid, and easy to replace. So if you get a Zodiac get a few of these when you buy it.

Cheers
 
I'm sure they're "much of a muchness" and each competes within certain price banding. I have a low cost Plastimo which, when deflated, fits snuggly into the port side cockpit locker of my 361. It's adequate for 2 people, easy to handle in and out of the water and just perfect for my needs (we don't do a great deal of anchoring or mooring, though).

Hope this helps.
 
Depending on what you want try the Aquapro - aluminium hull with hypalon sponsoms. http://www.aquapro.co.nz/boats_superlight.cfm

2.40m only 30Kg planes with a 6hp designed for 9hp, SWMBO can launch/recover it on her own no problem.
Carries 4 people and a full shop-dry with no problem.

Should be around about £1K but a good boat - you can even tow the kids on a small donut with it!
 
Have unused Avon Redstart with oars, o/b bracket and 10-year guarantee purchased in error. Location S Coast, asking £650.
 
Just to add that living in the med under the hot sun, two things I have learnt is first that the tender must be covered when not used and second avoid deflating it because PVC may crack when gets old. This is what I intend to do. During the winter I could take it home and during the summer on the deck covered.
 
I read through a couple of old magazine reports comparing tenders a while back. The Lodestar scored very high in both tests and seems like a quality product. We bought a Zodiac 230 when we came across a good special offer, but can't comment on it yet as havn't used it !
 
Unless you have room for a small RIB, get an inflatable with large tubes (for dryness), an inflatable keel (for directional stability), a solid thwart (for comfort and control), a solid stern (for use with an outboard) and an inflatable floor (for dry feet).

You will note that the dear old Avons qualify on none of the above counts.
 
I have had excellent service (30 years) out of an Avon. However I do not think I would buy one now. I have a Plastimo in the Med. They seem to last 5-7 years if they are looked after. However, they are hideously expensive out there - twice the price as in the UK. So if you you can find a way of getting one out there, buy it at a discount chandlers here. (a240 is £330 here and 800 Euros in Corfu)
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have had excellent service (30 years) out of an Avon. However I do not think I would buy one now. I have a Plastimo in the Med. They seem to last 5-7 years if they are looked after. However, they are hideously expensive out there - twice the price as in the UK. So if you you can find a way of getting one out there, buy it at a discount chandlers here. (a240 is £330 here and 800 Euros in Corfu)

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the trouble with the old Avon - it was 40 years out-of-date when made and lasts for ever. I've still got a Redstart, kept for when global warming inundates the village and I want to get down to the shop!!

I too had a Plastimo - I'd put them firmly in the lower quartile of inflatables in terms of quality. But then they're also in that same quartile for price-comparison. They do, however, meet all the performance criteria set out.

When you start discussing manufacturers (comparisons are invidious and many posters appear to lack critical faculties), you do tend to get what you pay for. The only observation I'd make is that Hypalon appears to have better abrasion and UV resistance than plastic.

Finally ALL yachtie products, in Greece, are more unrealistically highly priced than in the rest of Europe. Without exception I've found it cheaper to buy in UK and air-freight to Greece. (Don't know about inflatables though) Mainly, I suspect, due to the oligarchic nature of the Greek economic scene.
 
I've owned two Zodiacs where the floor has had to be extensively repaired. Seems the pressure floor is too large and exerts undue strain on the rest of the structure.

Other thing to bear in mind is avoid buying something so large and heavy two of you can't carry it up the beach.
 
Avon do make modern style boats with keels, inflatable floors etc using Hypalon. They are, however hideously expensive. Personally I still prefer my Redcrest to the transom style, but then I also prefer my oars and Seagull!

When all the non-hypalon boats were rubbish the Avon/Zodiac was the way to go, but PVC has improved such that it is now functionally as well as economically viable. And now you have a range of PVC quality where as you say, generally the more you pay the better the product (but not always)
 
In every edition of PBO and YM there are extensive advertisements from about 5 or 6 mail order chandleries all of whom sell a range of inflatables. That would be a good starting point.
 
I bought one recently and decided that weight was the main criteria for me. I got a Yamaha by Zodiac, it was 6 kg lighter than the next nearest. I can manhandle this on my own into locker, out, over the side etc, Never could do that with my old Avon or Tinker.
 
Much good (mixed) advice in these threads. So mine is a warning - do not, under any circumstances, buy a Seago, unless you want to buy another one next year. Mine fell to pieces in year two.
 
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