Best brand of inflatable dinghys?
 

Hello, Im looking to purchase an inflatable dinghy around an 8-9 footer or so. Just wondering which brands seem to be the best. I don't want something overly expensive, but I dont want the bottom of the line inflatable either. Im looking for something that is good quality and will last me a long time. Thanks

Novurania is prob one of the best. My dad has an AB inflatable which is pretty nice, not as expensive.

Novurania are nice and have a great ride. but I have been having quality problems with mine. all of the issues were because of the transom and were covered under warranty, I still selling it to buy a zodiac yacht line mostly because I want a steering wheel . all and all I think that they build them to only last like 5-10 years or so. if you decide to get one with a glass bottom make sure that you get one with the gas tank molded into the bow. the red tanks for the will slide all over the place, plus if you kick that tank it hurts like hell.

. Great info. Thanks I have been looking for one for awhile. Thanks

I just purchased an AB 19' this fall and it seems well made.

What's an AB 19'?

What type of motor should you use on a dinghy as far as horsepower is concerned?

Also, is there a noticeable difference between the plank floor and the rigid fiberglass bottom? I'm assuming the fiberglass bottom is more stable and makes for a more comfortable ride in somewhat rougher waters?

Where are you located? I have a nice 9' Zodiac zoom for sale that is in very good condition.

It's much larger than you want, but they make all sizes and make great tenders.

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I see. I looked up AB it seems like they are well made. Is there one brand that stands above the rest as far as quality goes? Between AB, zodiac, defender, mercury, etc is there one that is better than the others?

Any of the big names are good. Ab, norvinia, zodiac. West marine is mid quality, mercury i feel is lower quality. I've got a 14 year old zodiac rib that still has another season or two in it.

my next will be an AB hypalon rib. Pvc is more budget friendly but not as durable or heavy duty.

This is really not the right forum for rib talk. Join a cruiser forum you'll get some serious feedback on all brands. Hypalon vs pvc. Rib vs inflatable keels vs slat floors, etc....

Think I have it narrowed down to the zodiac compact cadet, but either the 250 or the 300. I'm just worried about getting on plane. Will I be able to cruise pretty well in either of these. Was thinking of going with the maximum sized motor I could put on it. So 8hp for the 250 or 10hp for the 300. What kind of speed would I be seeing with these. I don't want something that will be too slow, I want to be able to get up on plane and cruise decently.

I've got a 9' hard bottom. Not sure which model it is called but it has a 2003 merc 9.9 two stroke and it screws. Probably 25 mph or so. It'll plane with 3 people and some gear.

I've had as little as a 4 hp four stroke on it and it would still, but barely plane with me (210 lbs) in it. Anything more weight wise and it wouldn't come up on top, just plow.

Hope that helps

this is a performance boating forum. Dux only!!!

I have a Achilles 8 1/2' wooden floor inflatable. With my son and I aboard and a tired 6hp 2 stroke, it ran 17mph on gps. With a 9.9 2 stroke it ran 21 mph on gps. I converted the 9.9 to a 15hp without reproping and it ran 23 almost 500rpm over the max rpm. I just reproped it and think it will run 25-26ish mph. Granted these speeds can only be achieved in smooth water. The take apart wooden floor is not sturdy enough in chop. I am thinking about getting a 8-10' RIB.

Check out Achilles. They make a nice long lasting product. Mine in a 1986 that is still in great shape, other than a few self inflicted patches(not by me :) )

DISCLAIMER: I don't recommend anyone putting a 15hp engine on a raft that is only rated for 6hp!

Speed addiction is a bad thing to have. LOL