Excel SD260 inflatable - any good for the Med?

[Tradewinds]

As per title really.

My med-based friend needs a new dinghy & has come across this make.

It comes with a 5 year warranty apparently.

Anybody on the forum using one in sunny climes?

How's it holding up?

Is there a better inflatable for the Med around the 2.6m mark (not hypalon - too expensive for him)?

TIA

 

[Andy Bav]

I wouldnt say that Torquay is a sunny clime but we have one and have been very pleased with it. I think it has a special air release valve that reduces the pressure if it gets too hot. So far we have had no issues with it at all - but as I say Torquay is not always hot and sunny !

 

[Tranona]

There are virtually no hypalon inflatables on the market now. Just about all the inflatables are made in one of 3 factories in China and in a particular price bracket the material is all the same, except that some are thinner than others, and some designs have smaller diameter tubes than others. So the choice is usually on features - slatted or aideck are two main choices. They should all be similarly durable - not as long as hypalon, but there are thousands in use in the Med. The brand you mention is well established. Probably better to buy in UK and ship out as prices tend to be lower, even allowing for shipping.

 

[Tradewinds]

I wouldnt say that Torquay is a sunny clime but we have one and have been very pleased with it. I think it has a special air release valve that reduces the pressure if it gets too hot. So far we have had no issues with it at all - but as I say Torquay is not always hot and sunny !

There are virtually no hypalon inflatables on the market now. Just about all the inflatables are made in one of 3 factories in China and in a particular price bracket the material is all the same, except that some are thinner than others, and some designs have smaller diameter tubes than others. So the choice is usually on features - slatted or aideck are two main choices. They should all be similarly durable - not as long as hypalon, but there are thousands in use in the Med. The brand you mention is well established. Probably better to buy in UK and ship out as prices tend to be lower, even allowing for shipping.

Thanks for both comments.

I don't know his intentions re country of purchase - he lives 6 months of the year on a steel ketch in NZ the other 6 months on his Bene 36cc in the Med with bi-annual visits to the UK between location switches.

Not a bad life!!