What dinghy has the biggest tubes?

[prv]

My quest continues for a dinghy that can get three large people (well, two large and one average-sized) ashore with dry bums, yet fit into a small locker. In the last thread, the realisation dawned that the key factor is not the length or size of the overall dinghy, but the diameter of the tubes. In small inflatables the only place to sit is on the sides, so more diameter hoists yer bum further above the waves. The ideal would be almost all tube, with just a small well in the middle for feet.

Who makes a dinghy closest to this?

Pete

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Generally, inflatables of 2.9 m length and above have large diameter tubes, but naturally are heavier; the inflatable which are advertised as lightweight have smaller tubes; I have a waveline 2.9 with v hull and large tube; has been good for the last 8 years and will carry 4 people easily.

 

[pvb]

Zodiacs have fairly chunky tubes. The Cadet 260 Aero has 45cm diameter tubes. They're well-made inflatables too - I just bought a 240 Aero this morning.

 

[prv]

Generally, inflatables of 2.9 m length and above have large diameter tubes, but naturally are heavier

I'm not bothered about weight, it's deflated volume that's the problem (though obviously the two correlate).

What I'm after is a short dinghy (to reduce overall volume) with oversized tubes.

Pete

 

[pvb]

What I'm after is a short dinghy (to reduce overall volume) with oversized tubes.

I think you'll find it hard to beat the Cadet 260 Aero then.

 

[Sailingsaves]

My quest continues for a dinghy that can get three large people (well, two large and one average-sized) ashore with dry bums, yet fit into a small locker. In the last thread, the realisation dawned that the key factor is not the length or size of the overall dinghy, but the diameter of the tubes. In small inflatables the only place to sit is on the sides, so more diameter hoists yer bum further above the waves. The ideal would be almost all tube, with just a small well in the middle for feet.

Who makes a dinghy closest to this?

Pete

Is it possibly for you to make thwarts that go across your current dinghy so people do not need to sit on tubes?

Bit like the yellow avon thwarts that slot into place on tubes.

Or would thwarts be too bulky for locker?

 

[Mistroma]

We bought a small Lodestar about 10 years ago on basis of quality and size of the tubes plus airdeck floor. Our previous dinghies had always been too big and too heavy. It still looks pretty new and is used a lot as we love on the boat for about 6-7 months each year.

I think that tube size is the same throughout their entire range. The 195 model is closest to your description as it is tiny but has huge tubes (but only designed for 2 people).

195 was just too small and we found the 220 suits us perfectly. Normally 2 people with heavy shopping (or 2x25litres diesel cans), so total load about 150kgs. 3 people a few times and 4 just once (very crowded).

I believe that they now do a 230 model and that's the smallest worthwhile version for 3 (friendly) people. Worth looking at Lodestar but no idea which model would suit you best (amount of use, how rough water in area etc.).

 

[pvb]

I think that tube size is the same throughout their entire range.

Yes, Lodestar use 41cm diameter tubes.

 

[KellysEye]

Small AB's have large tubes.

 

[pvb]

Small AB's have large tubes.

They're only 40cm diameter, and hugely expensive!

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Well, to be honest, my friends on the way back from the pub would be hard to beat.

 

[Monique]

I just bought this...

http://www.3dtender.com/ALUMINIUM-SEMI-RIGID-ANNEXES-147-82-0-1.html

Light, plenty of HP possibility... will work for me.

GL

 

[charles_reed]

If you choose a dinghy with an inflatable keel, it will tend to ride higher and drier than one with similar size tubes with just an inflatable floor. I have reservations about you being able to find a large-tube inflatable which can be folded small.
When I was looking for a replacement for my current dinghy (which has 45cm tubes) the best I could find was the Excel SD235 at a budget price and reasonable length.

 

[pvb]

I have reservations about you being able to find a large-tube inflatable which can be folded small.

I've just been through the buying exercise, and have compared most reasonably-priced small inflatable tenders. As I suggested earlier, the Zodiac Cadet 260 Aero would be about the best compromise of size and tube diameter. It has 45cm diameter tubes and packs down to 100x55x30 cm - just 5cm longer than your Excel when packed

 

[jerrytug]

Yamaha 2.2m, 2.2 metres long. Gigantic tubes, big weight carrying capacity for 2.2 m LOA. Also has quality build, made in France not China. I am very pleased with this boat. Planes very well with one person and a couple of jerrycans on Tohatsu 3.5. Also carries big loads at displacement speeds.
The trouble with big tubes is, they contain more fabric, whick takes up locker space.

 

[prv]

Normally 2 people with heavy shopping (or 2x25litres diesel cans), so total load about 150kgs.

Hah. Look, I weigh just over 120kg. My mate is if anything bigger. The third regular member of crew is rather less, but she's still a healthy outdoorsy sort of person, not an anorexia case.

(Thanks to everyone for the suggestions though.)

Pete

 

[Hadenough]

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?400069-Zodiac-260-Roll-Up&p=4808174#post4808174

Have you seen this? No connection and all that.

 

[pvb]

Yamaha 2.2m, 2.2 metres long. Gigantic tubes,

Err.. well they're 36cm diameter, hardly gigantic.

 

[jerrytug]

Err.. well they're 36cm diameter, hardly gigantic.

Whatever, but when you actually look at, or use, the boat, they are gigantic for a 2.2m, and it also has a very wide beam, FOR A 2.2 METRE LONG BOAT. You can verify this since you have the information at your fingertips.
The OP was asking for short inflatables with fat tubes, and my Yam 2.2 is a prime example. Is your period due by any chance?

 

[pvb]

Is your period due by any chance?

No, I just get cheesed off when people misrepresent the facts. It's not helpful to the OP or to other interested readers.