Very small dinghy purchase advice please

[mont]

Hi,

We have just sold our 2.6m zodiac & outboard (fair price and english buyer !) as it was simply too big for our boat / davits and too heavy / big to haul around on deck.

We would like learned advice on choice for a new one please ...

Must be small & light, for 2 persons is fine, perhaps none slatted floor / no engine mount really needed (will row it usually) folds into small valise. Durable & must stand med sun & temps ok.
Budget - well cheap is good but open to choice / value / quality.

Ideas on maker and rough cost or best buy dealer / source.

Owners views also welcome.

Thanks

 

[tico]

Bombard ax2 airdeck. (2.4m x 1.15m)
very light 18kg so easily handled
perfect for 2

just so happens that mine is for sale...PM me if interested

 

[Nick_H]

Lodestar ultralight series, probably the 2.2m or 1.95m would be ideal (£500 ish), or as you only want to use the outboard occasionally then a round tail would be a good option, ranging in quality from an Avon Redstart at about £1k, down to lots of branded Chinese jobbies from around £300 (or I have a Wetline 230RT you can have for £100). On a compromise of price/quality/load capacity i'd defo go for the Lodestar, and it's less hassle to mount the outboard when you do want to use it. They usually do deals at boat shows.

 

[MedDreamer]

Hi Rich,

I bought the Seago 2.4 airdeck from Martin at A1 and it ticks all your boxes

Hope all is well in Alcudia

Martyn

 

[kcrane]

On a compromise of price/quality/load capacity i'd defo go for the Lodestar.

Those are the reasons we chose Lodestar for our last tender and we were more than happy with it. It was a 260 if I remember.

 

[mont]

Thanks for response folks, much appreciated.
Alcudia is fine - just pity I've not been for far too long .....

 

[stelican]

Bombard ax2 airdeck. (2.4m x 1.15m)
very light 18kg so easily handled
perfect for 2

just so happens that mine is for sale...PM me if interested

I have one very pleased packs down so small

 

[Divemaster1]

Avon 7, Avon Redseal, Avon Redcrest

 

[whisper]

Those are the reasons we chose Lodestar for our last tender and we were more than happy with it. It was a 260 if I remember.

We've got a Lodestar 220 Ultralight - had it for 3 yrs+, kept on snap davits on the bathing platform and it is lasting well. Admittedly this is in the UK climate and not the Med.

 

[tangerine]

What ever you do,dont take your inflateable for repair to a certain RibShop in Swanwick.I dont feel easy about posting this message,I dont make a habit of complaining ,in fact I have never in my life publically slammed anyone or any company for less than acceptable service,but after receiving what amounts to the very worst treatment I have ever experienced from a retailer, the least I can do is warn others to be wary. Its not necessary for me to go into the full details here,but if anyone wants to know ,send me a private message