Dinghy Recommendations

trapezeartist

trapezeartist

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I need to buy a small inflatable and outboard. The smaller the better really for reasons of cost, weight and bulk.

The choice comes down to 2.3 or 2.6m and 2.5 or 5 hp, in some combination. Will a 2.5 hp be man enough for the job of propelling either of these dinghies? The dinghy will only be used for going ashore when we anchor (say, Lundy or Minehead) so I don't expect to use it often or in bad conditions. However I don't want to find myself going downtide backwards with the motor screaming its nuts off. Would 4 hp be significantly better?

I appreciate that a 2.3 m dinghy might restrict us to two people at a time. The three man capacity of a 2.6 would be nice, but I'm not sure if it's worth the trade-off against the extra weight and bulk for the rare occasions it will be used. Even more so if the 2.6 obliges me to go to a bigger motor.

What are the opinions of experienced Bristol Channelers?
 
I have a 2.3m Zodiac which I power with a 4hp outboard. We have had 3 in it a few times and not had a problem and I weigh 105kg! Friends of mine use 3.3hp Mariner engines for similar dingies which seem to work fine. They have the advantage that the engines are much lighter.
Allan
 
We have a small Zodiac, I dont know the exact size as it came with the boat but I guess it is around 2.4 metres, we also have a Honda 2.3 Air cooled 4 stroke, its an excellent package, there is plenty of speed with it even with the 2 of us and 2 dogs, we have used it a few times already and it has plenty of power even against very strong tides on the haven.

Ian.
 
Both the engine and the dinghy came with the boat so we didnt choose them.

First time we tried to start it just wouldnt fire, I think I had put it on its side and flooded it with oil, took it to an excellent company in Swansea and they sorted it out in a day and charged very little.

Since then, touch wood, we have had no problems with it although not owned it very long.

After having it run for a while my ears are drumming but then we had a water cooled and it kept blocking with seaweed and over heating! Pros and cons to both types.

When we had the rib we bought a brand new Johnson, problem after problem and the after sales with the dealer was awful.

I dont know what I would choose if it was my choice lol!

Ian.
 
Just from ones i have had, Tohatsu or Mariner seem the best.
As for dinghy Avon or apparently the Honda dinghys are good.
 
I've got the honda 2.3 on waveline 2.6, we have had 3 people in it ferrying to and from shore and even been out fishing from it. Not going to break any speed records but works fine. I traded down from a mercury 2.5 cos the honda is less than half the weight and fits in my locker. Lifting the mercury on and off the back was seriously risky. I have had no problems with mine at all, probably done 8-10 hours with it since July.
 
I would go for a small Avon with the 4Hp yamaha(not sure of yamaha do one) or honda with a 2.6m, not a mercury because i have heard that the new ones are unreliable but the older ones are great(personal experience). My Avon is the best rib i have ever had and would never have a different make, the seams are good and the handling is brilliant.
Hope that helps a bit.
Ash
 
We have Yam 2.5HP 4 stroke. Plenty of power, even against an strong ebb in the river in Milford. It's about 5kg heavier than the equivalent Suzuki though, which looks to be quite qimilar, otherwise, in terms of power. I'd guess a 4hp 4 stroke would be very heavy to handle lifting on and off the boat.

If you could get a 2 stroke 4hp, it would be lighter, but I'm still thinking it is probably overpowered for your needs.
 
I have just re-read my previous post and decided to add to it. My 4hp is a Johnson 2 stroke and it can be a pain to put on to the dingy. Because of this, I often row. I assume a 4 stroke would be even heavier. If I were to buy a replacement it would be something like 2.5-3hp.
Allan
 
Full Dinghy buyers guide in this months MBM.

A good write up, compares 14 different makes.

For value the Waveline 260ECO came out best value £350 or Waveline 260AD £600 or the Loadstar NSA260 for the overall all rounder £749.
 
2.3 OR 2.6

Theres a big difference in the rolled up size and weight of a 2.6 compared to a 2.3.

For most boats under 30 ft stowing a 2.6 is difficult unless you have davits or lash it on the foredeck which is putting weight exactly where you dont want it on a yacht.
 
True. Mine is the 260 eco and it definitely needs the snap davits to stow it. They reckon it folds up pretty small too but I suspect there is a knack to it. I can't get it back in its bag.

Don't suppose anyone knows if you can get the seat separatey - I notice in the review it has a seat but mine doesn't have it.
 
Have alook at these, this is what I would buy nex time.

http://www.lodestarinflatables.com/Ultra-light.html

I dont use the one we have now enough to justify the change right now. We have a XM 230 with a 3.5hp Tohatsu on and it moves at good pace.

DSC_0157.jpg
 
Who is that cool looking dude in the tender?

Got mine back now, 'bout that size with a Mariner 3.3HP 2 stroke if anyone is interested in buying it?
 
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