Buying inflatable boats - Excel Marine?

[tim_bowyer]

Anyone any experience of these boats? I'm looking for a family inflatable to potter around the Lakes and inland coasts .... preferably with an air-deck. Read advice on Hypalon vs PVC but Hypalons we've found (Henshaw and Avon) are outwith the budget. Excel seem to have a good guarantee and spec but I've not heard of them before. Any advice welcome.

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[andy_wilson]

Hypalon is great if you plan to leave it inflated year round in the tropics.

Couple of years ago I did the legwork and bought a Suzumar 265. It's still the best value around, Suzuki make profit on motors not dinghies so it's cheap for the spec., has big tubes and v.well made.

Subsequently came out top in a magazine comparitive test.

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[tim_bowyer]

Thanks Andy, that's really interesting, we are still awaiting the Suzumar catalogue ... I take it that the construction is PVC/polyester?

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[jonjo]

I was all set to buy a Suzumar 265 following the favourable YM review then Suzumar changed to a new flash light grey and white two tone colour scheme.

Assume you got one of the earlier smart ones in a serious looking grey colour?

I am still debating whether a 2.65m tender is too large for a 35 foot yacht.

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