CE ratings for dinghies: do they matter much for a tender?

[chal]

I'm looking at buying a new tender this season and, as I am prone to back problems, one of my main criteria is that it should be lightweight. The Excel SL (superlight - website at http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/inflatable-boats/inflatable-boat-sl260.php) looks ideal in terms of size and etc, and weighs only 19kg. It's a lot cheaper than something like a Lodestar. Pretty much the only thing that makes me hesitate is that it has a CE rating of D, which allegedly makes it suitable only for very sheltered waters. I don't plan to row across the Atlantic in it but I do use the tender in winter to get out to a mooring on the Tamar and it can be quite lively at times. Excel do a similarly sized dinghy with an additional inflatable keel that has the more usual C rating, but almost double the weight - not something I'd actually buy because at that weight there's not enough advantage to me to spend so much money and I'd probably get something 2nd hand.

A test report available on the Excel website reckons the SL boat is very stiff, and it has the same sized tubes as the heavier one, but the fabric is thinner to save weight. I wonder if that's something that would affect its rating but not make any "real life" difference? To be completely honest, it's not something I've ever paid any attention to before: I only really noticed it because it would be the first time I'd ever paid full price for a dinghy, so I read all the specs.

Anyone know anything about this? Or even have experience of the actual dinghy?

 

[Tranona]

Can't comment on the specific model, but all dinghies will be Cat D. This logical as C requirements could not be met by such designs.

Important things to look for are tube size, fabric weight and rowing capability. Obviously there are compromises and low weight usually means not so robust. Have you looked at 3D which seem to offer a good tradeoff of weight against functionality.

 

[Stork_III]

Can't comment on the specific model, but all dinghies will be Cat D. This logical as C requirements could not be met by such designs.

Important things to look for are tube size, fabric weight and rowing capability. Obviously there are compromises and low weight usually means not so robust. Have you looked at 3D which seem to offer a good tradeoff of weight against functionality.

Excel dinghies >2.5m are Cat C. http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/index.php I expect others are as well. I think Cat C & D are self certify though.

 

[pvb]

Excel dinghies >2.5m are Cat C. http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/index.phpIexpect others are as well. I think Cat C & D are self certify though.

I suspect that claim predates their introduction of the Ventura 2600, as it also says they're made of Hytex 1100 fabric, which the Ventura 2600 isn't.

 

[pvb]

A test report available on the Excel website reckons the SL boat is very stiff, and it has the same sized tubes as the heavier one, but the fabric is thinner to save weight. I wonder if that's something that would affect its rating but not make any "real life" difference? To be completely honest, it's not something I've ever paid any attention to before: I only really noticed it because it would be the first time I'd ever paid full price for a dinghy, so I read all the specs.

I looked at lightweight dinghies last year. They save weight primarily by using thinner fabric; this is OK if you're very careful using it, but you'd obviously want to avoid rubbing up against harbour walls or dragging on pebbly beaches. They generally don't have inflatable keels, so can get blown around a bit.

I was looking at the 3D Tender 250 Superlight. Same sort of size and price as the Ventura 2600 you mentioned, but slightly bigger tubes, more chambers, higher load rating and even lighter at only 14.5kg - http://www.seamarknunn.com/acatalog/3D-Tender-250-Superlight-Twin-Air-Inflatable-Boat-SEASL250.html

In the end, I was a bit concerned by the fabric, and bought a conventional Zodiac Cadet Aero instead.

 

[Greenheart]

I don't know the inflatable in question, but it doesn't seem significantly lighter than that old indestructible, the slightly longer Avon Redcrest.

Although, I daresay the Redcrest wouldn't get a high rating for use in open water either - the issue is mainly how long you expect whatever boat you buy, to last in regular use...

...tougher fabric (which may or may not be heavier, but is certain to be costlier) will just mean longer service before repair is needed.

 

[Concerto]

In the end, I was a bit concerned by the fabric, and bought a conventional Zodiac Cadet Aero instead.

That was what I decided to buy at the London Boat Show. Still light weight, but not super light. The main reason was the seams were welded rather than glued. Also I needed an aero deck as I usually have a labrador with me and I wanted to make sure her claws would do minimal damage and she felt stable underfoot.

 

[chal]

Thanks for all the comments - I hadn't come across the 3D dinghy before and that is certainly very light indeed. Lots to think about!

 

[pvb]

Thanks for all the comments - I hadn't come across the 3D dinghy before and that is certainly very light indeed. Lots to think about!

I'd urge you to feel one before deciding.