Tender advice please!

M

mikeG

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1 Feb 2002
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Wakefield, Yorkshire.
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Just in process of buying first boat and would really appreciate advice on what people feel is the ideal inflatable tender / outboard combination to carry 4 adults. N.B. budget considerations apply so please don't tell me I've got to sell my arse to raise too many pennies !! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Cheers. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
You want an Avon Redcrest and a Seagull Forty Plus.

Both easy to come by secondhand; you should have change from £500.

For advice on the Seagull end of things, go to:

Saving old Seagulls

So far as the Avon is concerned, get one with a pump, paddles and an outboard bracket if you can, but the main thing is to get one without too many patches. The older grey Hypalon ones are the best, I'm told.
 
Dangerous to ask this question on the Classic Boat Forum; I'm amazed Mirelle didn't recommend a clinker-hulled dinghy to go with the Seagull. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My recommendation would be a Bombard AX3 (about £375.00, new) and an entry-level Mariner (2-stroke: get it while you can). I freely admit that the Bombard isn't as much of a quality item as the Avon, but it was best value buy at the cheaper end of the inflatable market in a YM feature a couple of years ago and I'm prepared to bet that a new one will last you as long as a manky second-hand Avon.

Seagulls make excellent anchors, and will hold on most surfaces. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Clinker dinghies are not now at the cheap end of the spectrum!

My Avon came with the boat, 22 years ago, and was no spring chicken even then. I was thinking of ditching it, but was very firmly advised by the local specialists to have the valves changed and keep it, as they said the newer ones are not as good!

I picked up a good 1972 Forty Plus last year for £120.

(I do also have a clinker stem dinghy!)
 
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