Rubber trouble indecision

[billyfish]

Might look into getting a new inflatable dingy, but so much choice , my last two have been Avon reds, is there a replacement for such a thing , i row a lot but would like something that takes proper oars and has a more solid floor , possibly inflated, I guess it would have to weigh more and maybe not pack up so tight.

 

[vyv_cox]

Airdeck and an inflatable keel make a dinghy that rows fairly well. I used to row my Quicksilver 2.60 almost always using oars that are bolted to the rowlocks, unlike the dreadful things Avon use. Not sure the aluminium ones qualify as 'proper' but mine were still good after 10 years.

 

[Yngmar]

Might be worth considering a Portabote/Banana-Boot/Quickbote. Our Portabote rows exceptionally well (and comes with oars suitable for that) and tracks straight due to having a keel. It's also pretty robust, as we found out blundering through some rocks in the twilight. Solid floor, I don't know, probably more solid than an inflatable, but still a bit wobbly. The flotation foam is crumbling a bit after 6 years in the Med, otherwise quite pleased with it (especially whenever we met people whose tenders unglued themselves in Greek sun).

 

[KompetentKrew]

Airdeck and an inflatable keel make a dinghy that rows fairly well. I used to row my Quicksilver 2.60 almost always using oars that are bolted to the rowlocks, unlike the dreadful things Avon use. Not sure the aluminium ones qualify as 'proper' but mine were still good after 10 years.

Agreed. I used to row my Honwave 2.7IE up the harbour and back to go to the supermarket each week. It was 1km each way. Absolutely no bother.