inflatable tender

[lionelz]

Well with 2016 now in my next purchase for my 30 ft boat is a small tender. I would prefer one that can easily be deflated when not in use. It needs to be big and stable enough for at least 2 people but would like to be able to get 3 in it. I don't particularly want to fit davits to the swim platform and it makes the access a bit more difficult and like to keep it clear. Also would like to get small outboard but not necessarily straight away. Plan to have a look at them at libs. My budget is not much. Don't really want to spend too much as it's just an extra and won't be used all the time, hence needs to be easily deflated. Any recommendations or suggestion are appreciated. I also would consider second hand

 

[Avalon]

You could do a lot worse than a secondhand Avon Redstart. They will tolerate all sorts of abuse and last (almost) forever - mine is at least 30 years old! Quick to inflate and deflate. And you can fit a bracket for a small outboard if you want.

 

[Seastoke]

we have just changed to a honwave second hand and dont use it a lot so deflate ,so no davits but when we use it i was thinking of fitting them thing that glue to the tender and bolt on the bathing platform but dont know what they are called

 

[BruceK]

Snap davits.

 

[steve930]

I bought one of these 5 yrs ago http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jilong-In...970692?hash=item5b1dfa5bc4:g:ZCoAAOSwZ1lWc-0J

Its still going strong, came with a spare valve, repair patch & half decent pump. With the inflatable floor/keel she handles great and with my trusty old Yamaha 4hp on the back she even gets on the plane!

 

[prv]

If you don't want to spend too much, and you buy new, then you'll probably end up with one of the standard PVC dinghies that are sold under many names but are probably all made in the same factory in China and are all basically identical. Not bad boats for the money, mind you.

The important number for small inflatables is tube diameter - the bigger the better, as that's basically the distance between your arse and the oggin

Pete

 

[gjgm]

You might get a small discount while boat show is on.
Prices almost double on brand name.,we found excel tenders to be a fair compromise last year at Southampton. The larger tubes are more bulky of course and the square bow ended boats have slightly more space than pointy ones.
Just remember sub 2"3m is tiny once two of you are sitting in it!!

 

[RogerRat]

No arguments with all above.
2.3 is pretty small. I would suggest minimum of 260-270 and definitely go for an air deck. Very stable, more likely to plane and they steer so much better.

Inflation every use will become a pain but ifnecesary, get a rechargeable air pump. Only go for low pressure high volume for about £25-30. Then fill the last bit only with the foot pump. (about 10-12 pumps)

I tried always and on the smaller boats around 30' , snap davits are extremely good if mounted correctly. It is then possible to get in the dinghy while still secured to the swim platform before releasing the dinghy. While at sea, the dinghy can be tied up close to your cockpit and on a line or tie bar can be released further away to give swim platform walking access when moored.

As stated above, they are all pretty similar if pvc but for general use, all good value. Some are much heavier than others though. I don't think you have to be extremely fussy on brands as with a Rib but Loadstar keep it simple and present lightweight and value air decks.

RR

 

[lionelz]

Thanks for your comments with just a few days to it will use libs to do some window shopping. It looks like the brand names may not necessarily do the job any better than less well known

 

[Plum]

Well with 2016 now in my next purchase for my 30 ft boat is a small tender. I would prefer one that can easily be deflated when not in use. It needs to be big and stable enough for at least 2 people but would like to be able to get 3 in it. I don't particularly want to fit davits to the swim platform and it makes the access a bit more difficult and like to keep it clear. Also would like to get small outboard but not necessarily straight away. Plan to have a look at them at libs. My budget is not much. Don't really want to spend too much as it's just an extra and won't be used all the time, hence needs to be easily deflated. Any recommendations or suggestion are appreciated. I also would consider second hand

Unless you always go ashore where there is a floating pontoon you need to consider either some wheels or the weight of the tender if you and the crew need to lift it up the beech/slip.

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