Smaller tender recommendations

[wipe_out]

Evening all..

Not often heard but I need a smaller boat..

I picked up a good outboard and inflatable deal a couple of months ago that came with a 2.6m WavEco boat.. I suspected it might be too big for our 26ft boat with a pretty small swim platform but decided to go for it anyway because the deal was very good.. As it happens it's too big and too heavy to man handle out on the water so I am looking for something more suitable.. I want to keep the outboard which is an Evenrude 3.5hp 4 Stroke..

So I am looking for suggestions for the smallest tenders around that can take the 3.5hp outboard and at least 2 people..

Also are slated decks lighter or heavier than air deck models because I would also like something lighter to carry from the car to the water when I need to use it..

Thanks..

 

[Simso]

3D SL230 - weighs 13kg they come in black or occasionally grey - you will need to wait for delivery as they seem to be slow in being supplied ( from France I believe).
I spent a long time looking and ordered one but 2 months later still no delivery, therefore, I cancelled the order and bought a second hand (heavier) dinghy to last me the next couple of years.
Good luck!

 

[landlockedpirate]

As Simso said, you cant beat 3D for weight. Slat decks can be slightly lighter (but it depends on the type of slats), but honestly an airdeck is a much better boat for the extra 2kg.

 

[wipe_out]

The 3D seems significantly lighter then anything else.. Not sure I like the idea of waiting months for one.. The season will be nearly over..

What's the next lightest option?

Are there any tenders around 2m that can take a 3.5hp engine?

 

[landlockedpirate]

Yep, a lot of the generic Chinese boat ranges do a 2m airdeck that takes up to 3.5kg, but they are nearly twice as heavy as the bigger 3D.

http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/inflatable-boats/inflatable-boat-sd200.php

 

[No Regrets]

Bombard AX2. Excellent!

 

[wipe_out]

Yep, a lot of the generic Chinese boat ranges do a 2m airdeck that takes up to 3.5kg, but they are nearly twice as heavy as the bigger 3D.

http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/inflatable-boats/inflatable-boat-sd200.php

Was just looking at the Excel site and seems they have an SD200 and an SL200 with the "SL" version being roughly the same weight as the 3D with the same size tubes and a flat bottom..

The heavier "SD" version has larger tubes and an inflatable keel.. Also made from thicker material which is probably where the weight comes from..

 

[NoviceRod]

We went for Lodestar UL 220, 18kg with air floor 220x145cm

 

[matt13]

I have the 3d tender extremely light, I bought mine from Piplers marine last year no waiting maybe see if they have stock.