Lightest tender

I have a 2.5m 3D tender - there's very little out there that weighs in at 14.5kg for a 2.5 and can be stowed in a 25 footer's locker, can be inflated on the coach roof and and lifted off and on the boat single handedly. The honeycombed air floor gets quite rigid, through there is no air keel. I will hope not to have to report on its longevity for a long while yet!
 
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Neil said:
I have a 2.5m 3D tender - there's very little out there that weighs in at 14.5kg for a 2.5 and can be stowed in a 25 footer's locker, can be inflated on the coach roof and and lifted off and on the boat single handedly. The honeycombed air floor gets quite rigid, through there is no air keel. I will hope not to have to report on its longevity for a long while yet!
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I have the 2.3m 3D tender which is in its second season of light (pun not intended) use. I used it today to get out to my mooring and easily lifted it on board. In fact, it's so light I only have to lift the bows a little and the wind does the rest. I am slightly worried how I will cope lifting it when the wind's a bit stronger because it almost flies on board (literally). I do remove the seat first in case it slides off - and the outboard obviously :)
 
Neil said:
I have a 2.5m 3D tender - there's very little out there that weighs in at 14.5kg for a 2.5 and can be stowed in a 25 footer's locker, can be inflated on the coach roof and and lifted off and on the boat single handedly. The honeycombed air floor gets quite rigid, through there is no air keel. I will hope not to have to report on its longevity for a long while yet!
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I have a max 10 berth boat with small cockpit lockers and until recently could only fit a ring tail inflatable (max3!) in the locker. Bought the biggest lightweight 3D inflatable this year intending to accept storing it on coachroof. I bought the 2.9m one (takes 4/5 people) can easily lift it onto coachroof but to my surprise it folded back down (even with a solid transom) into the backpack it came in and fits in the cockpit locker.

Only time will tell on durability.

Note 3D tenders > 2.9m become heavyweight fabric.

I was also concerned whether 2.3 Honda would be powerful enough for it but it was fine.

So far a very happy bunny!
 
I have an XM240 that I regularly hoist up the harbour wall in Caernarfon. I also launch it by throwing off the top of the quay (don't forget to keep hold of the painter - and make sure it is long enough!) Incidentally, I am a pensioner & not exactly in my prime any more.

I carry it across the car park to the dinghy store (about 70mtrs) on my back & have put it on top of the car where necessary. No idea of the weight, but it's more cumbersome than heavy. The floor is about 50% wooden slats in pockets which allow me (& SWMBO who has some balance problems) to stand safely in it. I bought it several years ago because it was the cheapest one I could find with reasonable quality. I have not been disappointed with any aspect of it, it even rows well enough that I haven't bothered with an OB on it for 3 or 4 years..
 
We purchased a 3D tender a couple of years ago.

Needed something I could carry as part of my kit and I have to say it has been perfect!

Occasionally, I have a bit of a trek from the van to the current boat I'm working on. Negotiating through marina car parks and along pontoons can be a problem with an inflated craft balanced on your head and if it's windy, forget it!

I carry the 3D on my back by the rucksack it came in, pump it up on scene, takes about 5 minutes to inflate and deflate properly.

The 3D is much tougher than it looks, daughter and I regularly take it down the coast for a row in the surf. I'm no rowing expert, but we have fun and it's very easy to control.
Just to add, daughter can carry the 3D inflated on her own, she's only 13.

Complete confidence in it grounding out on the beach with sharp stones etc. Not sure I would want to drag anything though, wouldn't even drag my board on wet sand, yet alone a brick wall, certainly if I didn't need to.

Very happy 3D owner.
 
Neil said:
I have a 2.5m 3D tender - there's very little out there that weighs in at 14.5kg for a 2.5 and can be stowed in a 25 footer's locker, can be inflated on the coach roof and and lifted off and on the boat single handedly. The honeycombed air floor gets quite rigid, through there is no air keel. I will hope not to have to report on its longevity for a long while yet!
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+1 have same one. 3rd season now and all ok. Bought it as it's small and light to haul on and off the boat. Tubes are a bit small IMO and let waves splash in a bit easily, but for the ease of handling we put up with that.
 
Surely there is a simple solution that involves mechanics. Why not just run a rope from a fixed point on the quayside through the loop or whatever fixing you have on the tender and back up to you on the quayside. Pulling on the rope gives a 2 to 1 advantage. Even better if you run the rope (ok warp) through a turning block.
 
Porta note

For years we have used a Portabote as our tender. They are indestructible, light, fold to go on deck, and very stable. We have the 12' version which weighs 57 pounds. The 10' and 8' version of course weigh less. We love the boat and will not go back to an inflatable. The max horsepower is six which means it is much cheaper to buy and operate and it planes easily.
 
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