Compact folding rib?

[Tim Good]

We want to upgrade our mercury 3.5hp and Avon tender to a lightweight Susuki 6hp and a tender with a rigid floor. We understand they plane much more easily and cope with chop a lot better at speed.

Anyway we also like to fold down our Avon on longer passages rather than leave it on the davits.

I once saw a small rib where the rigid transom folded flat enabling it to be deflated and stowed no larger than the rigid floor of the rib.

Does anyone know what brands and models do this and any feedback if you have one?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Arimar used to have a model that had a vee-shaped floor-tray that was tucked under the tubes. When these were inflated the tray would be caught and held firmly against the fabric floor by the inflated tubes. This had the effect of changing an 'ordinary' inflatable into a virtual RIB.
I was interested in buying one but then I made myself a proper GRP 'pseudo-clinker' dink that I still use after all these years; ten, I think. Rows better, motors better and also sails better.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Zodiac Compact 300

 

[prv]

Might be worth asking on the mobo forum; I believe the original idea of the folding transom is to let it slide into a low tender-garage tucked under the back patio of a motor boat, and I think someone over there might even have one.

Pete

 

[Goldie]

Avon Rib-lite 260 and 310 (we have the 260). I think the design was carried on under the Zodiac name but I don’t know if they’re still made in Hypalon. We fold ours for on passage and it stows in the provided bag on the foredeck looking rather like a large windsurfer. Google Avon Rib-lite and you’ll find pics.

 

[pij27]

Nestaway sell a foldable rib called F-Rib 330. Might suit your needs