New Tender Recommendations, Please

[James S]

The 11.5fter is 425lbs without motor...10fter is 225lbs...thats a lot to drag up on the beach!
But they're good looking boats.

[fishwife]

Originally Posted by James S

The 11.5fter is 425lbs without motor...10fter is 225lbs...thats a lot to drag up on the beach!
But they're good looking boats.

You're right on the weight James, and practicality dictates that the 10' tender is what I'd go for. There will be six of us so we may need two of them but if we all went ashore then we'd easily be able to manage the weight between us. The jury is still out but a side trip to try one out will be fun

P.

[Lodesman]

The bullfrog's no lightweight, that's certain. It's funny that it's so hard to find a good-sized lightweight non-inflateable dinghy.
I once saw an all-aluminum zodiac-type boat - even the tubes were welded alloy. Didn't see a label so figured it was a custom job. It was in Ladysmith, and there are lots of alloy boat-builders in BC. Does anyone know of a production boat like that?

[downunder]

Naiad Rigid Inflatable Boats - Pleasure Craft

The Naiad range of alloyhull rigid inflatables are hard to beat.

Made in New Zealand and Australia. I have see them operated on and larger ones as charter boats all over the Great Barrier Reef . As good as you get.

There larger range of allow inflatables are extensivelly used by Govt and sesrch and rescue in Aust and NZ.

Quality is good as you can get. Price? Havn't priced them recently.

cheers

[downunder]

Niad 2.5m - 45kg
3.0m - 60kg
3.5m - 80kg

I would imagine there will be distributers in UK & USA somewhere.

http://www.naiadnewport.com/recreational.asp

[highseas]

There is a revolutionary new RIB coming on the market this year,makes me wish;"why didn't I think of that".Its called the CRIB and its put out by Portabote.It folds flat!It will come in 4 sizes and is virtually indestructable.If I was purchasing a new tender there would be no other choice.Check it out.

[sv-Mystique]

What are your thoughts on the Portland Pudgy? A proactive lifeboat/tender, I like the thought of being proactive.......

[fishwife]

Originally Posted by sv-Mystique

What are your thoughts on the Portland Pudgy? A proactive lifeboat/tender, I like the thought of being proactive.......

It's a great little boat but with a crew of six on board, it's too small for our needs.

P.

[hummingway]

NAIAD Inflatables of Newport

$60,000 used?

[downunder]

One of their larger powerboat range.

Check out their tenders from 2.5 to 5.8 meters.

I have no idea of their price competetivesness in USA but know from experience in AUS to be durable and quality for RIB and with Al hull can take abuse.

regards