Good deal on a Dinghy?

[beene]

Hello fellow Mac'ers.

I am looking for a good deal on a dinghy that will hold 4 adults and has the potential to take a small OB in the future, plan on rowing at first with no tides or much current to contend with around here.

It's boxing week, so I thought I'd ask if anyones seen anything that matches what I am looking for.

Tks

G

[beene]

I am looking at THIS ONE for example.



G

[Alex]

Beene, dingy must be:
1. Achilles /made in Japan / Best in the world
2. Fabric : Hypalon !!!
3.Rigid plastic hull...

Cost to much money ? Yes , but ...

???? Call

[hvolkhart]

I just bought the 8’ one used from Scott (board member). It looks very nice and has a inflatable floor. It can be powered with an up to 10hp OB. Very nice boat and enough room for 4 adults. The 8’ one even fits on the fore deck for transportation.

[James V]

My Portland Pudgy is holding up very nicely. Hard body. Here is the site -
http://www.portlandpudgy.com/index.html

Some of the pics I took.

[Alex]

$1,895.00 USD

OK, Thank you, next time........

[James V]

Yea, a little up there but if you look at the other hard bottom dinks that will last more than 2 years full time use and require little maintance. This is a good price. Bump it against anything, nails, splinters, etc... and keep on going. Try that with an inflatable.

It also tows very well.

Anyway, you buy a dink to fit your present needs.

[Tahoe Jack]

James V.....keep the messages up re your adventure. I have spent some time in the Bahamas....but on a big Pearson out of Key Largo.
BTW, can you get the Pudgy on deck for high speed runs with the Mac?
Also curious if you are seeing many jellies this season.
Did the snowshoe thing above Tahoe today...warm...if you climb. Scenic as hull ...but likely in the 20F range I'd guess.

[socalmacer]

Keep in mind that most of these inflatable dingies do not row worth a crap! Unless you're only rowing very short distances with one other adult than you will probably want to add an outboard. Most of the paddles included with the dingies don't work well and the dingies themselves don't seem to want to track well (go straight) under "human" power.

I've been happy with the last two inflatables I purchased from West Marine. These were made by Zodiac and never gave me any problems. The last one I was considering the hard bottom but determined I didn't have the storage space for it. I settled for the inflatable floor and keel style as it was faster to assemble (fewer pieces) than the wood floor.

Anyway, good luck with your purchase and happy sailing.

[NiceAft]

I have owned a 9'6"Achilles inflatable for three years, and have put a lot of miles on it. It is the LSI series. Achilles!

In the first season I had it, there was a two week period in which I did ten miles a day with it. The recommended size motor for it is 8HP, but my 6 HP Mecr 4s does well. When it gets up on plane (with both the Admiral and me in it) it really hauls aft . As for rowing it, it does very well. The inflatable keel does it job. The oars are terrific. They are strong, and secured really well with Achilles system.

I bought it because I needed to have something which breaks down into a compact unit. It weighs 75lbs. I thought about the hard bottom version, but it would not fit my needs. When I haul Nice Aft from state to state, I wanted a dinghy that would be compact for storage, and light enough to carry from a parking lot to a dock. I have been extremely pleased with the quality construction of it. I have bumped into piers with nails protruding (I was concerned) and survived. It's a tough little boat.


Ray

[NiceAft]

This may be going on a tangent, but I just received a pamphlet from PRACTICAL SAILOR. It is a list of their recommended top ten products. Number six is "BEST DINGHY PROPUSLION". I will quote them; "If you anticipate using your dinghy a great deal, we think the Mercury 9.9 is your best choice. It was the most user friendly engine in our test, provides peppy performance, runs quietly and stores easily. And it's $400 cheaper than its rival."

Anything over 8HP is too much for my dinghy, but I can attest about the dependability of my Mercury. I had heard bad things about Mercury, and intended to avoid that brand, but the dealer who sold me the Achilles had great faith in it, so, I bought it. It's been great.


Ray

[James V]

Tahoe Jack - I can put the Portland Pudgy on deck but I cannot see over it so it is there striclky during storage mast up. I tow it everywhere.

I see air pumps on dinghy's everwhere here. When using one full time the requirements are different. The ruff usage at the docks and on shore makes this a great little dinghy for what I need for the next 2 or 3 years and I hope that I do not have to buy another.

I am seeing sime jellyfish. It is still warm so I expect them to go away as soon as it cools off.

[Harrison]

I own the 8.5’ dinghy by Baltic boats. We put a Merc 2.5 on it. The airfloor is very rigid. I weigh 180 and can stand in it with no problems. The boat seems very durable. Its empty weight is 78 lbs. It tows well. I think it’s rated at 770 lbs. The hardware and mounts are good and strong. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat if needed.

---Harrison

[ChrisP and Pam]

Beene,
We have a 10'4" Zodiac HP310 made for West Marine. I bought it at a closeout so the price isn't relevant. But it's a high pressure (11 psi) bottom and weighs in at 67 lbs! If you do get an inflatable floor, you will definitely want a high pressure pump and that will add $250 to your purchase price. As far as a motor, I think I dug up the last 2s Mercuty 3.3 hp motor West Marine had. It only weighs 29 lbs! So, motor and dinghy weigh in less than 100 pounds!
Chris

[Tahoe Jack]

Harrison and Chris/Pam......any guess on what speed you get with your dingy using those motors mentioned? I have a new Tohatsu 4s/3.5hp and am looking at the Baltic 8.5 vs 9.5. Sure agree on keeping the total weight down....my most common heavy load would be a couple people, and shuttling some gas/water etc......say 500lbs max, so either should work. Anyone using the 9.5? Jack