Has anyone used a 3D tender

[PTB]

We've had the large 2.9m 3D for 3 hard seasons use. We sometimes have 5 in it. With our 2 stroke outboard it still weighs less than our previous dinghy with no engine. Dinghy weighs about 15kg and even this big one packs up small and light enough to actually get in and out of the cockpit locker. Ours is still in excellent condition ... thing is to treat the lightweight material with some respect .. no dragging up the shingle ... lift it , it's so easy. So, my verdict is an excellent bit of kit but understand the limitations. They are not a rough and tumble work horse.

 

[maby]

Thinking of getting one of these.
Could any owners update this thread with there use / opinions?
Thank you.

Having had one (and seriously mistreated it) for several years, I would say that they are decent tenders which don't take too kindly to abuse. We used it for a couple of years, inflating and deflating it at each use and storing it in its bag - it was fine. Then, following a change to our lifestyle, we left the tender inflated and afloat for more than a year - it seriously disliked that! The rubber in the tubes began to become sticky and stain anything it touched and the rope handgrips all degraded to the point where they broke as we tried to lift it out of the water. It still pumps up and holds the pressure, but it looks terrible and is uncomfortable to use because it is sticky all over.

Now, I know that all inflatable manufacturers will tell you that their products are not designed to be exposed to the elements 24x7, but you can wander round any marina or harbour and see tenders that have been left afloat for years without degrading to that extent. If you need something that is very light and will pack down small, then the 3D Tender has little competition, but don't treat is like it is a Zodiac - it isn't!

 

[cpedw]

We have used a 235 round tail for 2 seasons now. When not strapped to the transom or being rowed to and from shore, it spends the summer on the beach. No sign of deterioration of the fabric or the glueing. Light enough to carry on my own (well past my prime). So I can't fault it.

Derek

 

[emandvee44]

Yes, we have one of these.
http://www.3dtender.com/files/26/twin_fast_cat_8.jpg
It was received Summer 2017 and we have used it a lot in the Algarve. We use our existing 2 hp outboard and one up it does 6 knots in flat water. With four up probably about 4 knots. Very happy with it, but as above treat it carefully!

M.