Rib or Inflable floor

[John_d_Smith]

It's time to invest in a new dinghy but should i go fo a rib or inflatable floor? My outboard is only 4hp so i guess i'm not going to get the most from the rib but would value any comments and advice with regards to makes and good suppliers.

<hr width=100% size=1>John

 

[duncan]

Normally comes down to cost, stowage (folded) and weight but there are some nice aluminum rib floors that give similar weights to inflatable floors and don't cost the earth.
A 270 and a 4 hp will run better with the rib than the inflatable floor and of course you don't get that flexing floor when planning. You can also run it up the beach with a little less consideration than it's PVC counterpart.
(For reference I have a Quicksilver with an inflatable floor/keel and a 4 hp Mariner).

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[mjf]

I have recommended my Avon rib lite 2.6 several times now here.

Its a nice bit of kit (I have a 5hp) and the whole thing folds into a bag that looks like a short but fat surfboard. Goes in a 4x4 ok.


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[hlb]

So are you selling it then. Might be interested. Not bothered about the bag thing, it would be going on davits. Send me a pm if so.

<hr width=100% size=1> Flags Solly MFBR</font color=red>
Haydn

 

[Roy]

I use a Zodiac 2.85 Cadet S and highly recommend it. It is strongly made with inflateable keel and wood and metal panelled floor which makes it rigid. Power from Merc 4 stroke 6 hp motor gives 15 knots WOT and planing ok at about 10 knots - seems faster when you are so close to the oggin!!! No flexing at all due to the metal side bars which hold in the floor panels. Great for davits but a real hassle when deflating inflating at start/end of season. Not practical for putting up and down every time you go to the boat though. Roy

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?

 

[mjf]

No - its certainly not for sale I like it too much and would replace it with another.

It is just that it appears to be a good rib tender (that sits on the chocks on the swim platform) which can be stowed in its bag and is much more portable than you would believe of such a craft.

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[Nautorius]

I went for a Suzamar with Inflatable Floor. Looked at loads of Ribs but the fact I can take it off the boat and put it in the boot just makes it that much more practical. I did however get one with a deep inflatable keel to help cornering at speed, well as much speed as a 4HP will push a Suzamar 230 with a 16 stone (ish) bloke in it!

At the end of the day go with your first thought, it will probably be right.

Good luck

Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>Will I ever find the perfect boat?

 

[mainshiptom]

I would go for a rib every time !

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[SparklyBlueThing]

> Not practical for putting up and down every time you go to the boat

I dont have room for an inflated tender on board. Are there dinghys that _are_ practical to put up and down when you want to use them but aren't a danger in the sea?

-Stuart

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[hlb]

Depends what you call danger and what sort of sea!!

<hr width=100% size=1> Flags Solly MFBR</font color=red>
Haydn

 

[duncan]

Geoffs is the undoubted expert on this - the tender he produces from his pocket in no time flat every time someone mentions the pub is brilliant............
Over to Geoff............

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[SparklyBlueThing]

Now that's what I need! With a drawstring and self-renewing gas bottle to inflate it.

Back in the real world: I was thinking of picking up a secondhand inflatable with a little outboard, using the outboard as an auxhiliary for my powerboat and occasionally folding up the inflatable and taking it on the boat as a tender.

Anyone got something suitable they'd like to sell?

-Stuart

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[duncan]

try <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F42186/>http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F42186/</A> but will be sold by midday tommorrow I suspect (posted today)

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[SparklyBlueThing]

Hmmmm... sounds great. But I was hoping for something rather cheaper and nastier. I dont mind scratches and patches so long as it works ok.

Mind if I ask what yours cost new? How long does it take you to inflate by hand (foot)? ... and how long is it?

Cheers
Stuart

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[SparklyBlueThing]

I want to anchor up places and land on beaches. Imagine: isolated cove, with no road access, rock pools for the kids to explore, beach for a low-key, private bbq. How do I get from boat to shore? I wouldn't be out it in rough conditions... so do I need a proper tender, or could I get away with something designed more as a toy, perhaps roped to the boat at all times?

What do other forum members do?

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[hlb]

M Farters Avon Tender is up for renewal. Only a few patches but there there as davit protection. Might need a new ply wood floor.

<hr width=100% size=1> Flags Solly MFBR</font color=red>
Haydn

 

[hlb]

Get a proper one, even second hand. You will be glad that you did. And no I'm not trying to push one on you.

<hr width=100% size=1> Flags Solly MFBR</font color=red>
Haydn