Lightweight inflatable about 2.7m. 3D alternatives?

[Sticky Fingers]

I'm after a lightweight inflatable tender (ideally well under 20kg so I can hoik it out of my lazarette) for use with an electric OB (Torqeedo / e-Propulsion), it has got to carry 2 adults in relative comfort, or 4 adults short distances occasionally, so probably about 2.7m or so would be ideal. Airdeck, wide, fat tubes and packs down small(ish). Won't be exposed to UV as will be packed away after use so PVC probably OK, and will be occasional use only so no need for major robustness.

3D the obvious choice.

Any others recommendable?

 

[Stemar]

I had an Excel Ventura 230. I don't recommend it. Within a couple of years, the central towing eye tore off - nearly lost the damned thing, and the port & starboard eyes were coming unglued. After a few more years, re-glueing the rowlocks and other bits became a regular job.

It finally died from a spit seam, and I got a 3D. Very light, does what it says on the tin, can be rowed as well as any inflatable and my 3.5 4T will get it on the plane one up. No complaints so far, but it's only been a month or two.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Think 3D seem to have the lightweight market to themselves. I had one about 7 years ago, was ok but never felt very stable as it was relatively narrow.

 

[Tranona]

Maybe this force4.co.uk/item/Windward/O2Lite-Lightweight-Inflatable-Boat/E1Y Very similar spec to 3D and look OK in the flesh

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I saw that but the O2Lite 290 is 13kg more than the 3D Twin 290, so not such a lightweight option although has fatter tubes and there may be other spec differences. There's a few different 3D designs / models, not all are 'lightweight'.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Anyone heard of TrueKit Navigator tenders? New Zealand manufacturer.
The Navigator: Inflatable Yacht Tender Boat | True Kit

Not 3D light, but better than some and claims to be exceptionally stable. Packs small which is useful.

 

[gavin400]

Check out ashtonmarineservices.co.uk - they have a range of lightweight tenders

 

[youen]

I had a 3D tender 2.40 it was a disaster the fabric was very light ,very fragile, and the worst was the stability ,I had to take the outboard engine from the transom and immediatly the dinghy flip over and I was thrown in the water

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I had a 3D tender 2.40 it was a disaster the fabric was very light ,very fragile, and the worst was the stability ,I had to take the outboard engine from the transom and immediatly the dinghy flip over and I was thrown in the water

Wow. Ok.

 

[Cspirit]

I had a 3D tender. It lasted about a year in the Med. while it lasted it was OK

 

[colhel]

We've had our 3D over 4 years, only kept indoors in the depths of Winter, never capsized it and it doesn't lose any air all season. Yes of course it's not as robust as the heavier built ones, but it's so much easier to manage so it doesn't have to be.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Looking at the 3D specs, one range is only 1.3m wide with 34cm tubes, that’s the very lightweight one. All their others, plus other tenders from other manufacturers, are about 1.55m wide with 40+cm wide tubes. That probably explains how they get the weight down but also why they might not feel as stable.

 

[GunfleetSand]

Avon Redstart is 2.5M and 16KG give or take

Hyperlon tough as old boots/is actually old boots? Repairable/stowable

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I was hoping to buy something made in the 21st century

 

[Frogmogman]

I had a 3D tender. It lasted about a year in the Med. while it lasted it was OK

Got one in Brittany. Seems just fine

 

[Tranona]

Avon Redstart is 2.5M and 16KG give or take

Hyperlon tough as old boots/is actually old boots? Repairable/stowable

Very big give or take! Closer to 26kgs. Hypalon is very heavy

 

[DangerousPirate]

I am interested in this topic, don't mind me.

 

[GunfleetSand]

Very big give or take! Closer to 26kgs. Hypalon is very heavy

Correct I used this table as a guide for the Redstart but only read the boat part - didn’t include floor. 16kg tender + 8kg floor = 24kg

 

[Scubadoo]

Have a look at the seago lite range, I bought the 230 model last year and so far no complaints, it stays on my snap davits with a cover to protect from UV. I also considered Crewsaver but not so easy to fit on snap davits.

You might find this dinghy review useful: Best inflatable boat: 9 compact tenders put to the test

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Have a look at the seago lite range, I bought the 230 model last year and so far no complaints, it stays on my snap davits with a cover to protect from UV. I also a considered Crewsaver but not so easy to fit on snap davits.

You might find this dinghy review useful: Best inflatable boat: 9 compact tenders put to the test

Thanks, that’s a new one I’d not spotted. Definitely an option