What is the best Small 2.3m dinghy with air floor and keel

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sailingrbg

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Can anyone advise on what is the best dinghy to buy for a small yacht. I bought a Waveline 270 last year which is first class with inflatable floor and keel the only problem is it is far too heavy and I am looking for something smaller again with an inflatable floor / keel but one that will be better for launching and retrieving from on deck. any suggestions or personal recomendations gratefully received (I am thinking of about 2.3m lenght)
 
Honda 2.4m Airdeck

My cheap dinghy is a bit knackered, so I was thinking of a new one and kept coming back to the Honda range. Not cheap, but they look the business.
 
I too am looking for a replacement for my Plastimo (2.6 ish) it is starting to get very sticky, but am looking for a similar length, so waveline looks like a good option for me, what is the weight problem with it.

For recovery I just use the main uphaul, winch it up and flip it over the guard rails. Launching is some what easier, just hoik it over the side.

Over here West Marine have just opened new outlets in Istanbul and in Bodrum, but do not yet carry the companies full stock. Pitty as they have a 2.3 and a 2.7 (but not yet in Turkey)
So looks like I will have to import something.
Definately looking for the inflatable V floor this time.

Mike
 
I bought an Excel 230+ last year. Seems ok, the + means it has large diameter tubes. It has an aluminium thwart which is surviving much better than the Quicksilver painted plywood on our other tender.
 
I have a Waveline 2.9 m with a V airdeck; it is an excellent dinghy; the Waveline 2.3 will be same design and quality
 
If it is quality you are after

then you should go for a Zodiac Cadet Fast thing. I have a 2.8m and it is superb. Mkaes all others look crappy by comparison, i looked at the Honda and whilst it is good value it isn't a patch on the Zodiac
 
Thanks to all those that replied however my main, I have a waveline 2.7m but find @ 38kgs it is too heavy on a small yacht. The lodestar UL looks a good option but as there is only one UK distributor and they are miles away it is difficult to get a comparision. What other dinghies around the 2.3 / 2.4m have an air deck and inflated keel, anyone give another suggestion
 
Trade off with size/weight/features. If you want inflatable floor and keel it will inevitably be heavier. The lightest are the Plastime (and cheapest) but slatted floor no keel. The magazines regularly do comparison "test" on inflatables and there is a bewildering choice. The main mail order houses all stock a wide range so a bit of surfing there will get you basic information.

This topic comes up regularly here and you find recommendations for all the main brands!

Personally I have had good service from a Plastimo and outstanding service from an Avon - complete opposites on the price and features scale.
 
sailingrbg said:
The lodestar UL looks a good option but as there is only one UK distributor and they are miles away it is difficult to get a comparision.
Click to expand...

We have a Lodestar 220 UL, and are very pleased with it, it only weighs 20kg and is very comfortable for 2 but can take 3 persons. There is the 195 which is even lighter - 17kg - but is definitely a 2 person dinghy.

As you say it is difficult to see one unless you go to a show. We bought ours at the SBS last year, perhaps wait until then before choosing/buying?
 
It's very clear that you get what you pay for - I bought a 2.3 Bayside Sport in Siracusa, not the lightest, but infinitely more dry than most (big tubes), better manufacture quality than most (especially Plastimo), and far, far cheaper than any Zodiac brands.

Planes, 1-up on a 3.5hp 2-stroke OB and apart from requiring the floor to be mended (punctures) has done good service for 4 seasons (8 months each in the Med, mainly at anchor).

Having had a Plastimo I wouldn't repeat the experience and Avons are terribly wet.
 
what best small dinghy ?

I have just noticed that Platismo have brought out a new dinghy where the transome is only have the width of normal and the tubes of the dinghy extend at right angles both port and starboard to form half the transome. As this is being advertised as a new dinghy and from the picture in the magazines it is certainly a new concept can any one advise if the have bought one and make comment on their thoughts. It imagine it will store easily as the wooden transome appears only to be slightly bigger than the bracket for an outboard any advice on this greatly received
 
I saw this too.
However it would prevent me from my usual method of mounting the OB.
When dangling off the sugar scoop holding the OB I like to drop it straight on the nearest bit of dinghy transome. I will then climb in the dinghy and centre it. This looks like it would increse the reach a bit.
( I could however make a davit and pulley, but not got around to that yet)
 
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