Dinghys again 2

[dave]

We have never had a dinghy before, so this is new territory for us. We are looking for a small inflatable dinghy to explore and take the dogs to shore. The three I was looking at were

Achilles LSI-230
Alaska Series 240-TDS
Mercury 240 Air Deck

While reading past threads I saw that Saturn has a couple of boats and prices that interested me. They are the

Kaboat SK396
SD230

I also noticed that some have the transom recessed and some like the Alaska series 240-TDS are oval shaped. How does that difference change the handling?

I was also thinking of the 2HP Honda, because it is air cooled and our main is a Honda. The previous threads talked me out of that. I think the 3.5HP Tohastu might be the best choice for a motor.

Any insights, comments, contrast and comparisons, and other observations will be appreciated. We will keep it deflated when not in use.

[thataway]

There may be some advantages of each of the boats. You are looking at air floors, and I consider that wise, especially with dogs. The Kayak is going to be too large to put on the top of the cabin (I think)--unless you put a rack aft over the cockpit. But it will easier to row or paddle.

Of the bunch I would go with the Achillies. This is avery well established brand, which uses Hypalon, a more UV resistant and perhaps more abrasive resistant coating on the fabric. I prefer a transom boat, in that it is easier to use the outboard. My last oval boat was in the 60's--but the Alaska Boats do have a number of followers and are of good quality.

I agree with your choice of engine.

[NewMoon]

I'd go for the lighter but also tougher models, like the Alaska or the hypalon Avon Redcrest (our dinghy). But - I've never had a flat transom dinghy.

If I were doing it over again, I might choose the 3.5 Tohatsu rather than our 22lb 2hp Yamaha. The Yamaha sure is light and easy to rig, but occasionally it seems we could use a tad more power. I guess we still wouldn't ever hit much more than about 4 knots, however.

[hardee]

Basic shapes ---roundboat or donut vs V-shape, transom or flatback.

V - shape, better in directional control and use with an outboard.

Round boat, advantage, if in rough water, your have flotation all around, meaning less chance of getting turned sideways or down hill and getting "Pooped" wave coming over the transom . Maybe more functional as a "life boat" but harder to propel in a desired direction, even with an outboard, (not a planning shape or hull bottom.

Other info above is good info.

Harvey
SleepyC

[journey on]

Since you're in Florida, think about a Hypalon dinghy. The sun is hard on polyester dinghys.

I have an Achilles and have found it to be an excellent quality dinghy. Previously, I've owned Avons but they got too expensive. Get a small one with a flat/hard transome if you're going to run an outboard. A round transome requires a special outboard bracket, which is just another thing to buy and carry.

Defender has some good deals on a lot of different dinghies, so you can compare sizes, features and cost as well a outboard weights and costs. Lighter is better (from a good brand.). Select "Boats and Motors" under Categories. Remember: Hypalon.

As to a motor size, 2 hp doesn't cut it. I know they're lighter, but against swells or a wind, you will need more power than a 2 hp will have. Save yourself the upgrade later and get a 3-5 hp now. I had a 3 hp Johnson 2-stroke. Great motor, but not enough power at times. Got a 6, and it was wonderful.

Boris

[dave]

I have narrowed the search to 2 boats From A to Z

Achilles LSI-260
Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260

Any further observations or suggestions?

[centerisland]

[hardee]

Air floor is lighter, by several (10 -25) lbs, , depending on the size. Hard floor is good for dogs, if you don't mind the extra weight. Ontheair floor, cover it with some good carpet for extendede wear and protection.

Harvey
SleepyC

[centerisland]

[Spike38]

I had a Zodiac Cadet and liked it fine except that at that time the Zodiacs were not Hypalon. Neither the seams nor the material withstood the FL sun well. Later I had an Achilles and considered it a much better boat. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[thataway]

I just sold a Avon Vinly articulating floor and it works fine for dogs. I agree--too heavy--in fact ours had wheels for transporting it, with the 15 hp motor. The air floors are tough enough to withstand the dog's claws with hypalon material. We have had labs, a chow shepard mix and a border collie which are been fine with air floor boats. The dogs claws will make some marks on the floor, but not damage it to the extent that it has been an issue.

[dave]

Thanks All

I told my wife about the selection. She asked what was the approximate cost for the boat and motor? I told her. She said "Merry Christmas".


I'll be going to see some tomorrow. I'll let you know.

[breausaw]

2hp or 3.5hp nether will get you up on plain I think. Once you start pushing a bow wake you have reached your max speed. We have the Alaska Series 240-TDS, nothing but praise for this dink. We push it with a 2hp Honda and it gets the job done. Sure the Honda it a little peculiar because it has a clutch that engages the prop once give it enough throttle, but other than that it’s a bullet proof motor. You never have to flush this motor because its air cooled, just stow it and forget about it. Three of use in the dink be speed along at 4.5 to 5 mph at 1/3 throttle, more throttle and maybe a tad more but waist of fuel.
Three season on Prince William Sound, no complaints for either.

[hardee]

Jay,

I sure like to hear that about the Alaskan and the 2HP Honda. I have a "sort of"alaskan, and have thought all along that the Honda 2 would be a good match. Just trying to avoid paddling, not waterskiing.

Harvey
SleepyC

[matt_unique]

I can plane off in my Mercury Roll-up 200 with my Mercury 3.5 engine in the right conditions with careful balancing. Ha ha - but it's really just better to put along celebrating the fact you don't have to row against the wind and current!