Inflatable advice needed

[boybeck]

Hi

I want to buy an inflatable dinghy for leisure use.

I have been looking at the Seago 2.6m - do you have an opinion on it? How does it compare with the Bombard Ax3?

I am also looking at a Mariner 3.3HP outboard.

The best price (for both items) I have found so far is £804 from www.seamarknunn.co.uk, does that sound reasonable?




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[moodycruiser]

Hi - I was tempted by the Seago as well, but not knowing the brand very well I opted for the Bombard AX3 (bought in france , under a cloud of claret, but very pleased with it), and haave just bought the Honda 4stroke, air cooled (so no water jacket corrosion problems) 2.3Hp - would have been nice if they had done a 4Hp, but you can't have everything. To sum up, the AX3 is very well built and are a part of Zodiac, so you can't go far wrong.
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<hr width=100% size=1>Tony

 

[samwise]

Seamark Nunn are very competitive. The real issue about inflatables is how long you intend to keep them and in what conditions. In both cases the controlling factor is the material from which they are made. Top of the heap has to be the Avon made from Hypalon, which is much more durable and less sensitive to damage from UV / petrol etc. than PVC which covers most of the others, but of course they cost a bit more money. Looked after, either of your choices should do the business. An inflatable keel is worth the extra, flat bottomed inflatables are horrible to row, wet in a chop and suffer badly in side winds.

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[Althorne]

I have had an AX3 with inflatable bottom with Mercury 4 2 stroke for 2 years and find it adequate for my needs. I have played with the kids in it but find the front rises a bit too much and have to have some weight in the front. I have tried various ways to counter this and the suppliers Barnet Marine have no aswer either and just say that's how it is!!!!! If I had my chance again I would make sure I bought one with a rigid rib type bottom which seem to go a lot faster and afford a lot more fun. Having said all that it's pretty stable and can carry a lot of weight.
Hope you find what you want.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://colvicownersclub.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

 

[ex-Gladys]

NB... Mariner/Mercury 3.3 = rebadged Tohatsu 3.3 Mine cost £339 in January vs £400-500 for Mariner/Merc

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[awyatybw]

I have much the same question. I am pondering what to get to replace our 25+ year old Avon Redcrest. It has given great service but is up for its second set of valve renewals and needs quite a few patches renewing or worn areas reinforcing - it is time for a change. I'm sure that a new Avon is the "best" solution but, at less than a quarter the price for a Seago, one has to wonder what would be the real drawbacks of the cheaper solution.

Weight is high on the list of priorities, plus how easy it is to deflate & stow (I tend not to tow the dinghy at sea). I am attracted by an inflatable floor but this is not essential. Any further opinions or experiences to add to this thread would be appreciated.