Inflatable

Bought a Bombard AX2 aerodeck which rolls up small enough to fit in the locker. It's a 2 person plus i.e 3 people with possiblity of wet bum. Sometimes wish it had a thwart but then it becomes bigger and heavier when deflated.

As ever, life's a compromise!
 
I bought a Waveline 2.7 mtr a few months ago. ITS the inflatable floor and keel type.
The inflatable floor is great, as you I can have a few gals of rain water in the bottom but still have dry feet.
As for the inflatable keel, I find it a waste of time, infact I have stopped inflating it anymore as it makes the it very unstable while I am in it alone using a 2.5hp 4stk o,b weighing about 17kgs, btw I am 10stone.
You can buy the waveline without the inflatable keel, not sure if it can be got with an inflatable floor and not keel.
Mone cost aprox £400.
The other thing I dont like about it is the valves diameter is smaller tham the avons, which makes it harder to pump.
 
Seems to me it depends on whether you want to pay 'bottom end' prices .... in which case simply take your pick and find the best deal. They are all made in far east (and many probably in the same factory). Alternative is pay at least double for a big brand name. Personally I am in the former camp but many will differ.

Vic
 
I recently bought a little 1.8m. Wetline dinghy and I think it is brilliant for singlehanded use, although it can take two crew, and it is not at all wet, despite the name.

It is almost circular in shape (it wont accept an outboard), but it rows well, and seems to be well put together (albeit in China....)

It cost GBP 259 - we also have an old (approx 1990 vintage) Avon Redcrest which is brilliant, but a bit too heavy for me to get on to the car roof rack (or on board) by myself. I enquired re the cost of a new Redcrest at SBS - I think they are about GBP 1200 plus vat....
 
Just bought a 2.9 Bombard Airdeck & Keel off e-bay; v good value & great boat; lighter than our 2.6 slatted Zodiac & much faster & more stable - SWMBO very pleased & almost enjoys using it!!
Not sure if you can get a 2.4 version but 2.6 available - definately go for the airdeck & keel.
 
I got fed up with cheap inflatables (too many wet backsides) so I bought a Quicksilver 270 Aerodeck (which has an inflatable keel). The increased weight over the 240 has not been a problem. It seems well made, rows well and carries three people with their luggage easily. So far I haven't regretted paying the extra.
 
The cheapies tend to have small tube diameter - hence the wet bums ... but they have their uses and we have one on board. I wouldn't use it all the time because it is too small and wet for everyday use (ok in a flat calm, but start getting a little wave action and you'll need a drysuit!!).
 
Sorry to disagree with everyone on the cheapies, but the waveline 2.7mtr is an excellent dingy on smooth or quite choppy water, and I have carried 4 adults and some light gear without one wet bum. as I said above the stability is better without the keel inflated while I am in it alone as I have to sit at the o,b tiller, so not inflating the keel allows the bow to sit lower in the water reducing lift that would otherwise be caused by inflating the keel.
Whoever says that a £1200 inflateble for the purpose of getting a couple of hundred yards or so to and back from their boat, is going to do a better job than a £400 either has too much money, or is just kidding themselves on.
Incidently the tubes on my waveline are 400mm dia, as compared to about 250-300 on my avon redstart.
 
Take another £100 off ... and you've still paid more than me! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Mind you - I can't get 4 adults in mine ... 3 at a push - although I suppose it would be possible - just not advisable!!
 
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