Which inflatable tender?

[Anita]

Our second hand, 20 year old Tinker Tramp is about to give up, and we want to replace it with a 4 man inflatable tender, preferably with an inflatable floor. We can't afford a new Tramp, but would like something that will last. Any recommendations?

 

[pragmatist]

Not exactly what you're looking for but we hav just bought a 2nd hand nearly new Tinker RIB for half new price via Henshaw Owners Association - worth a look since you plainly like Henshaw (our Tramp is nearly as old as yours and still a great little tender but the RIB seems lighter and really good)

 

[Anita]

Thanks, will have a look!

 

[m1taylor]

Are you sure your Tinker is beyond repair? Almost every part on a Tinker Tramp is repairable - could be worth contacting Henshaws to get a quote.

 

[Anita]

Yes, we've been thinking about doing that. The tubes are fine but we have water leaking in around the seals. The other problem is that it's too big to stow on our Moody 27, so we have to tow it everywhere.

 

[davidbains]

I've had several makes of inflatable tender over the years.
I currently have a Suzumar which is fairly good quality with very fat tubes
and robust fendering. The inflatable floor is fairly steady to stand on although
jerry cans tend to fall over. On the other hand at the end of the season it can
be rolled up and posted down below.
If I had money to burn I'd get a Carib.
David

 

[Bladerunner]

Don't forget to list the Tinker on ebay.

You'll probably get enough cash to buy a very nice inflatable ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pessimist]

The water leaks can be cured by most dinghy repair shops - we had our traveller sorted out last year. Doesn't help you stow it though /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[chubby]

we swapped an elderly tinker for a plastimo: cheap but not so robust if you drag it over the beach ( to lazy to lift it) or easy to row/motor and the plastimo has fat tubes which don`t easily fit in the racks at Wicor. I did think it it gets nicked may as well be a cheapie than a tinker ( iam sure the insurance company would find a reason not too pay!)

 

[andy_wilson]

Suzumar, they are great, built strong enough to take large engines, and priced to reflect the fact that Suzuki see them mainly as a way to sell horsepower!.

I have a 265 and have had 4 adults (2 old enough to know better in thier 70s) and a daft springer spaniel.

Bags of freeboard and stability, bit unweildy to handle.

 

[Piere]

From my own sour experience whatever you buy get in it and see if you are able fully use the swept arc of the oars. I got a new xm two years ago and the seat is so positioned that it is imposible to row effectively . Threw that away and sit on the floor /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[Anita]

Thanks for your advice. I went for a Suzumar in the end. Used it over the bank holiday weekend and very impressed, although yes, it is HEAVY! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Also got a good deal on Suzuki 2.2 outboard at £299.