Seago 230, any good?

[dovekie]

We are looking for something a bit lighter and smaller than our aging Avon Redcrest. Only two of us, for pottering about anchorages etc. No outboard, so "roundtail" dinghies suit us much better than those with an outboard transom.

Has anyone any recommendations? We have seen the Seago 230, which is about the right size, PVC, slightly flimsy oars but I could sort that. Do they last 5 years or so?

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Matt341]

Hi There,

We bought a Seago 230 last summer, we went for this model as it looked pretty small and lightweight so could be inflated easily on the deck and could also store in the cockpit locker.

It also has the air deck which was excellent. We only used it a few times but it was very stable and it was very easy to row, however, we now have a Zodiac 280 which can be used with davits and a bigger engine as our requirements have changed.

Our Seago is for sale in the for sale section of this forum.

Hope this helps
Ian

 

[ghostlymoron]

I too have a Seago. The fabric is very thin and developed a leak probably due to abrasion when dragging up the slipway on it's first outing. I have repaired it but now carry not drag. I'd go for a more durable type next time!

 

[seadog30]

Seago 230

We have a Seago 240 with the inflatable floor it is now 2 years old and is used most weekends durring the summer. After having an expensive brand boat "knifed" by some holigans we purchased the Seago on the basis that if it happened again to the Seago at least we would not loose so much money.
The Seago is well made is lighter and in performance is just as good as one costing twice the price.

The secret is carry it dont drag it, keep it clean, don't leave it out in the weather / sunlight and keep it rolled up when not in use.

By the way if you use an inflatable a lot the best investment going is an electric pump.


Good luck go for it

 

[seumask]

We have had the similar wetline 230 r for five years, we look after it and its in good condition, I expect to get at least another 5+ years out of it. worth looking at the wet line as the oar system works better, although not as robust as one might like! for essentially the same dinghy.

 

[Kwik Decision]

We've had a Seago 230 R/T for 3 yrs, and have been generally happy with it. The air deck is great, as it reduces risk of wet feet / knees / bags. It is quick to inflate / deflate, and it fits in the "liferaft" locker, under the cockpit floor of our Sadler 29, which any dinghy with a transom wouldn't. You can fit 3 normal sized people in it, or 2 plus dog plus a couple of bags.

Donwsides are the bits stuck on the bow which tell the world it is a Seago have gone sticky after two seasons out in the dinghy rack, exposed to uv etc, and it doesn't row very well (we use a old 2 hp mariner, which drives it no problems).

Hope this helps

 

[reeac]

We've had a Seago 230 R/T for 3 yrs, and have been generally happy with it. The air deck is great, as it reduces risk of wet feet / knees / bags. It is quick to inflate / deflate, and it fits in the "liferaft" locker, under the cockpit floor of our Sadler 29, which any dinghy with a transom wouldn't. You can fit 3 normal sized people in it, or 2 plus dog plus a couple of bags.

Donwsides are the bits stuck on the bow which tell the world it is a Seago have gone sticky after two seasons out in the dinghy rack, exposed to uv etc, and it doesn't row very well (we use a old 2 hp mariner, which drives it no problems).

Hope this helps

Beg to differ - a Bombard AX2 will fit in the Sadler 29 under cockpit floor locker and it has a transom, and a pretty hefty one at that, and also a slatted floor. The AX2 is a bit narrow but suits us well.

 

[Fire99]

Just to throw a slight curve ball in, I have a slatted floor on one of my tenders and a solid ply one on the other. What's the benefits (or not) of an air deck? I've noticed they seem to be dearer than the slatted floor.