Inflatable tender size

[stoursailor]

I’ve just bought a Westerly Centaur which is moored on a swinging mooring, and am looking for an inflatable tender. We are a family of four (children aged 6 and 4). Any guidance on what size inflatable I should be looking at please? I see quite a lot of 2.3m dinghies for sale second hand but wonder if that would be big enough for us.

Thanks in anticipation of your help!

 

[Poignard]

A 2.3m should be fine. My Achilles is rated to carry up to 605lb 275kg .

It is not too heavy to lift on board easily and doesn't take up much room when in its valise on the coachroof.

 

[RichardS]

We have a 260 which about the minimum for 2 adults and two adult-sized children. 230 sounds a bit on the small size if you are carrying shopping etc as well as the four of you.

Richard

 

[pvb]

A 230 is too small, really. I have a Zodiac Cadet 240 and it's OK for 2 people, no more.

 

[stoursailor]

Thanks! Will look at something like a Seago 260 or larger.

 

[doug748]

Yes, I think you need something more towards 2.7 or 9. Because, even in poor conditions, you have to fit everybody in, you cant leave kids that age alone whilst you make another trip.

 

[James_Calvert]

Don't just check the overall length, check the internal dimensions. (Overlong projecting sponsons for supporting a heavy outboard cut down internal space.) And the tube diameter (bigger generally better).

 

[Concerto]

Try and find an inflatable with larger diameter tubes as this will keep you drier in a chop.

 

[Davy_S]

We had a Bombard AX2 with inflatable floor, easy to pack and carry, only big enough for 2 people, 11 knots with a 4hp Suzuki, but very unstable at speed, only for flat water and a bit tippy, it did the job, but it was too small really, should have bought bigger. would recommend the inflatable floor though.

 

[Concerto]

Agree an inflatable floor is worth having. Forgot to mention larger tubes make it easier for kids and adults to get on board. Not much of a problem with a Centaur, but may be worth knowing for your next boat with higher freeboard.

 

[ctva]

We initially had a 2.3 Yam with small tubes like you for a family of 4. Swapped to a Seago 270 Airdeck which has inflatable floor, big tubes and is good for 4 adults in a chop. The Yamaha 2.5HP moves it fairly quickly too.

Which ever you go for, get big tubes, inflatable floor and about the 2.5-2.7 size and that will do as the kids grow.

 

[johnalison]

It was so much simpler in the past. You only had to choose between an Redcrest or Redstart.

 

[Hacker]

We bought a SeaGo 290 air deck on the basis that we might need to carry 4. Personally I wouldn’t go any smaller. Obviously weighs more so if you are planning to hoist/carry the that would be a consideration.

 

[stoursailor]

Thanks for all your advice! I've found a decent second hand Seago 320, but for around the same I can get a new new Seago 270 (both airdeck) so will ponder which is the best buy.

 

[Corribee Boy]

Where are you going to keep it?

 

[stoursailor]

We bought a SeaGo 290 air deck on the basis that we might need to carry 4. Personally I wouldn’t go any smaller. Obviously weighs more so if you are planning to hoist/carry the that would be a consideration.

A new 290 is more than the second hand 320 I've found so maybe the second hand 320 is the one...

 

[stoursailor]

Where are you going to keep it?

I think we might be neighbours in which case you'll understand this - underneath or next to my hut!

 

[Adios]

I've got a 2.90 which is Cat C rated for 4 adults or half a ton at sea. Actually its a bit heavy and big when folded and I'm not sure you need that much for getting to a mooring and back in a river with 2 adults and 2 small kids, but depends how far and if taking people one trip and supplies/gear separately or really only want to do one trip. There are lighter versions now which weigh about 30kg instead of 40. I forget is it waveco or something? Lighter duty, not such big tubes but enough. 2.70 should be fine 3.20 is overkill.

If you might want to use the dinghy in its own right for exploring the estuary and aren't planning to try and fit it into a locker then get the 3.20

 

[VicS]

I’ve just bought a Westerly Centaur which is moored on a swinging mooring, and am looking for an inflatable tender. We are a family of four (children aged 6 and 4). Any guidance on what size inflatable I should be looking at please? I see quite a lot of 2.3m dinghies for sale second hand but wonder if that would be big enough for us.

Thanks in anticipation of your help!

It'll be Ok while the children are small but not once they become bigger. Then you will be needing a 2.8 m dinghy with the capacity for 4 persons .

.

 

[tidclacy]

Excell are good all rounders with big diameter tubes and get an inflatable keel which will keep you drier