I currently use a Polycraft to get to and from work and it has given me excellent service, very stable and virtually indestructible. unfortunately it wont fit on my deck which I knew from the outset and always intended to sell and that time is nearing.

I want to replace it with an inflatable which will handle a 3hp outboard and fit between my hood and mast which is a maximum of 1.9 meters. I am aware that there are heaps on the market but would like some advice from folk with experience what to stay away from.

I brought this one 2 years ago.....I get 18 knots alone and 10 knots with 2 people running a 5 hp ...it's really wide and always looks the best hull shape when parked along others....the only downside is the grab handles have both pulled of as well as the oar mount pads....maybe due to the QLD sun!

Southace, I've got an Aakron too, about three years old, but I couldn't recommend them. I'll be lucky to get another year out of mine - grab handles are coming unglued, seat straps have perished completely, some of the ply is delaminating, and it now only holds air for 2-3 days.

Thanks guys. I have considered a big SUP but discarded the idea. I guess you are going to have trouble with any inflatable as regards UV damage. I know Annie Hill had the plans for a Plywood tender. I might have a look at that as an option.

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QLDCruiser said..

Southace, I've got an Aakron too, about three years old, but I couldn't recommend them. I'll be lucky to get another year out of mine - grab handles are coming unglued, seat straps have perished completely, some of the ply is delaminating, and it now only holds air for 2-3 days.

Mine is a. Aluminium V bottom.... No rib will last a year in the QLD sun without constant or permeant coverings. I'm still happy with mine it's got the best hull shape in the tender range.

Used to have an Aquila slat floor, which was on loan from my Dad. Recently got an Islander, which is an inflateable keel. It's a bit lighter than the Aquila and seems to be OK for the money.

If you're leaving it out in the sun for weeks or months, nothing will keep it from going off apart from a good sun cover made out of Brella UV cloth.

I push mine with a really old Johnson 3.5 and its good enough to go ashore or get to the mooring for two or three and fits on the foredeck of my 25' Top Hat.

If you could use a 2m tender maybe the ripple would be the go, especially if you like the stability of the polycraft
www.spiriteddesigns.com.au/ripple_tenders1

Of course rubber will last forever but more expensive than PVC.
My friend made a styrene epoxy dingy that's 10ft long and only weighs 26 kg but he put way to much resin and heavy cloth on and I think it could of been shaved down to 16 kg.
I would never bother with ply now and foam is very easy to work.
I also think those fold away boat are good if not ugly!

If buying an inflatable I reckon Zodiac is the only way to go. Welded seams and they will last in the tropical sun. They are only marginally more expensive than the best of the rest and worth it.

Hypalon (rubber) is only used on the larger boats these days.

The Cadet C200 should be ideal for you.

marinesafe.com.au/

I have Zodiac 2.6 fold up. You can't fault it. Cisco is spot on.
My reason to pay extra , miles ahead with quality and they have one of the largest diameter.
Even when passing power boat you still dry.
Not sure if I feel OK in FNQ, crocks might find it tasty. Maybe solid would be better option?

My last Zodiac roll up lasted me 20 years it finally gave up the ghost when the floor broke through but still lasted a few more days with half the floor still glued!

Hypalon has more benefits than PVC. I run a 4.1 m Thundercat on the side and most of the name brands run Hypalon right down to their smaller models.
Smaller manufacturers in this area run PVC but just to keep the cost down. Not sure on a tender basis who, if anyone manufacturers in Hypalon but I have seen
a small Thundercat on davits in the Manly Marina, so may be an option for you.

The big thing I have learnt with these boats is to keep it in the shade or keep the pressures down to the manufacturers recommendations.
I lost a cat due to leaving it with racing pressures in the hot sun. Hope this helps.

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southace said..

I brought this one 2 years ago.....I get 18 knots alone and 10 knots with 2 people running a 5 hp ...it's really wide and always looks the best hull shape when parked along others....the only downside is the grab handles have both pulled of as well as the oar mount pads....maybe due to the QLD sun!

For what it's worth I was told to steer clear of the Zodiac's now as they are being made in China and they're build quality has gone downhill dramatically, I recently purchased a Highfeild made by Swift, yes, it is PVC but the build quality is very good (welded seems)and they give a 5yr warranty.
They also are a lot liter than the Zodiac's and Mercury's which for me is a big bonus when I'm trying to throw the thing onboard.

Chariot, if your up here in a small dinghy and putting past a croc, he isn't going to check whether your dinghy is hard or soft. He's going to have a bit anyway. lol. Seriously though, the biggest problem up here with inflatables is the large tides. When you beach your dinghy and the tide goes out the fabric is much more vulnerable than glass, aluminum or timber when dragging it back to the water or when its getting rubbed on the bottom by the waves before it's high and dry.
Having said that, I have had both glass and inflatables up here and would always go for the inflatable for its convenience and carrying capacity.
Cheers

Well, still happy with Zodiac, Just for a week in Tin Can Bay, talking to few
Ocean kayakers, they reckon a plastic is even better than fiberglass.
Sustain far less damage on rocky shores.