What tender, zodiac rib alu 270 or higfield ultralite 260

Both are good suitable tenders, I would be more tempted for the Zodiac with less volume in the tubes.

Let your kids have some fun though and get an outboard (4-6hp). They'll learn plenty about boating from it too. You'll be lucky to get a couple of knots out of that with you all in it.
 
Micke_W said:
thanks, i have one of these Spirit 1.0 Plus Electric Outboard Motor that I will use
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That outboard is excellent, but zero chance of getting the RIB tender to plane so speed will be less than 4 knots.
Didn’t see any prices, but are the aluminium RIBs any better than a standard airdeck tenders of similar size if just pootling gently?
 
Is there a difference in the material used for the tubes? The zodiac refers to Mehler so how does compare with Highfield. For reasons I don’t know you seem to see a lot of Highfields with liveabords so you might also put question on a cruisers website.
 
ashtead said:
Is there a difference in the material used for the tubes? The zodiac refers to Mehler so how does compare with Highfield. For reasons I don’t know you seem to see a lot of Highfields with liveabords so you might also put question on a cruisers website.
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Highfield offer either PVC or Hypalon tubes - the latter being a bit more expensive but harder wearing and UV resistant - the one to go for in my view. Don’t recognise the Zodiac material and confusingly it says on the first page that it is available in two fabrics, Strongan and NEO, and then mentions Mehler on a different page. Perhaps one is a Hypalon equivalent?
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Not sure what the budget is but I'd also take a look at the AB range....

I have an AB8 and was chosen for the following:
  • Relatively deep v hull at the bows - better ride at speed.
  • Hypalon (equivalent) tubes - last longer, more durable/hardy.
  • Level deck - the deck is level with a void underneath it. This means that your not trying to stand-up at a vaiable 15 degree slant to start with. It also means that any water (up to a point) will run under the deck and not get the 'top deck' wet, which means bags and kit tend to stay drier.
  • Deck has non-slip material that is also padded - this might seem like a small point but when you kneel down on the deck to sort engine / children out it's quite nice not to have to put aged knees on a hard surface!
  • Lightweight - 36 kgs.

Lammina 8 AL - AB Inflatables

He's a 10 min video of a new 9.5m -
 
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Hambleite said:
Not sure what the budget is but I'd also take a look at the AB range....

I have an AB8 and was chosen for the following:
  • Relatively deep v hull at the bows - better ride at speed.
  • Hypalon (equivalent) tubes - last longer, more durable/hardy.
  • Level deck - the deck is level with a void underneath it. This means that your not trying to stand-up at a vaiable 15 degree slant to start with. It also means that any water (up to a point) will run under the deck and not get the 'top deck' wet, which means bags and kit tend to stay drier.
  • Deck has non-slip material that is also padded - this might seem like a small point but when you kneel down on the deck to sort engine / children out it's quite nice not to have to put aged knees on a hard surface!
  • Lightweight - 36 kgs.

Lammina 8 AL - AB Inflatables

He's a 10 min video of a new 9.5m -
Click to expand...

+1 for AB
We have one languishing in the garage - we used it as the tender for our Broom 41 and it was excellent. Too big for our Hardy unfortunately.
 
If I was paying out for a solid base as opposed to inflatable air deck it would seem wise to invest in better quality tubes in hypathlon as said plus add on and some chaps to cover them up . I assume you propose to keep on davits ?
 
Micke_W said:
i Checked with zodiac agent that said that Hypalon was discontinued
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There will be much said about Hypalon......... Years ago it was the best but more modern fabrics are now better and ware far better. Hard core Rib Guys will still wax on about Hypalon being the best because that is what they knew years ago and wont change their view
 
Bigplumbs said:
There will be much said about Hypalon......... Years ago it was the best but more modern fabrics are now better and ware far better. Hard core Rib Guys will still wax on about Hypalon being the best because that is what they knew years ago and wont change their view
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That may be the case but Hypalon was/is still very good as it is hard wearing and withstands UV very well. When we sailed in the BVI virtually every RIB/tender was an AB with Hypalon tubes and we didn’t see any sign of UV degradation.
 
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JUSTINHALEWOOD said:
Hi Greg - would you be interested in selling?
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In short yes, I guess………

The long version is that every time we have sold a RIB/tender we have regretted it so having spent a bit on the AB and liking it I have hung on to it in case things change and it is something that we will want to use again. Reality is that it wouldn’t work that well as a tender for our Hardy and we don’t plan to change our big boat again. My good lady has been pestering me to get it sold but I have been dragging my feet! ?

Drop me a PM if it is of any interest.
 
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