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Best brand of inflatable dinghys?

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Old 12-30-2014 | 08:26 PM
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Default 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
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Old 12-30-2014 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by boaterforlife
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.
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Old 12-31-2014 | 01:02 AM
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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.
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Old 01-01-2015 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Starr Marine
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
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Old 01-01-2015 | 10:35 AM
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I just purchased an AB 19' this fall and it seems well made.
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Old 01-01-2015 | 11:55 PM
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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?

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Old 01-02-2015 | 09:39 AM
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Where are you located? I have a nice 9' Zodiac zoom for sale that is in very good condition.
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Old 01-02-2015 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by boaterforlife
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?
It's much larger than you want, but they make all sizes and make great tenders.

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Old 01-04-2015 | 01:49 PM
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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?
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Old 01-04-2015 | 02:52 PM
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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....

Last edited by scarab63; 01-04-2015 at 02:54 PM.
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