Inflatable advice

[dartmoor]

Hi, Looking for a good quality inflatable for estuary use, able to be stored in dinghy 'toast' rack, comfortable for three people, able to be powered by 2.5-3.5hp outboard. So much choice out there - I suspect most are Chinese - not to say that is necessarily bad, just highly variable! So any recommendations for something durable, strong and fitting above criteria. Not necessarily new, but looking at adverts peeps are asking stupid prices for 10 year old plus PVC ones! Thanks in expectation!

 

[KompetentKrew]

Last year I got a Honwave T27 for about £400 from these forums - I'm so pleased with it that I'd go out and look for another the same if I had to replace it (although I'd rather pay secondhand prices than new).

The Honwave T27 is rated for 8hp, and flies with 10hp, but I'm sure you could power it with the smaller engines you mentioned.

I have been complimented (by spectators) on how well it rows, and rowed it at least once a week for several months to get my groceries when I was in Plymouth over the winter (about 1km each way).

Used 2.4m inflatables a couple of times in 2018, on each occasion with 3 people. IMO 2.4m is too small.

 

[dartmoor]

Many thanks - that's really helpful. I have heard that Honwave's are really good. New ones are around £900-£950. The Chinese Heinz 57 brand ones are around £400-£500 new. But I guess you pay for what you get!

 

[johnalison]

I don't know how many second-hand Avons are around but if you can find one, they last for ever, almost.

 

[Praxinoscope]

I don't know how many second-hand Avons are around but if you can find one, they last for ever, almost.

If you can find a good second hand Avon you won't regret it, These would have been made when Avon manufactured in Llanelli and were proud of their product, which IMHO was the best inflatable around.