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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

302.0. "Dinghy Data Wanted" by USMRW6::RNICOLAZZO () Tue May 13 1986 12:20

     I'm in the market for a dinghy and think that i've narrowed it
    down to an inflatable. I've been looking in the WANT ADS and have
    seen some in the $200 range (some with small motors). My question
    is, What should i look for? Any good brand names (I'm not looking
    to spend $1000 for an Avon)? How good are inflatables as dinghys?
    
     Any info will help.    
    
        Rich

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302.1WE HAVE AN ACHILESADS::MACKINNONTue May 13 1986 13:3918
    WE HAVE HAD AN ACHILES INFLATABLE SINCE 1979. THE FIRST ONE WAS
    THE SMALLER ONE  DT-2 WE HAD THIS ONE FOR 3 SEASONS THEN SOLD IT
    FOR $400.  WE BOUGHT A SPD-4FL TO REPLACE THE SMALLER ONE(OUR FAMILY
    GOT BIGGER). BOTH BOAT NEVER GAVE US ANY TROUBLE. THE SECOND ONE
    WE PURCHASED AT A DISCOUNT BECAUSE IT WAS A PREVIOUS YEARS MODEL
    (SAVED A LITTLE MONEY). THE SPD-4FL COST US 600.00 WE PUT AN EVINRUDE
    2 HP MOTOR ON IT. IN MY OPINION FOR THE MONEY ACHILES IS ABOUT THE
    BEST BUY. I KNOW WHEN I SOLD OUR FIRST ONE FOR 400.00 IT WAS A GOOD
    DEAL, YOU MIGHT TRY TO FIND A USED ONE. ALSO, E&B MARINE CARRIES
    SOME IN THEIR CATOLOG AT A REASONABLE PRICE. IN HINDSIGHT I THINK
    THE GUY THAT BOUGHT MY DT-2 GOT A PRETTY GOOD DEAL. I HAD A LESS
    EXPENSIVE (CHEAP) INFLATABLE THAT LASTED ONE SEASON. IT DEVELOPED
    A LEAK ON THE WAY OUT TO MY MOORING(UNREPAIRABLE "BIG" LEAK)
    AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON MY MOORING.(FOOD FOR THOUGHT) MY ACHILES
    HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN
                                DON MACKINNON
    

302.2InflatablesBPOV09::TMOORETue May 13 1986 13:469
    I think if you look back in this notes file you'll find some 
    good discussion on this topic IE good vs bad for both wooden 
    skiff (tow well) vs inflatable (stable).
    
    
    Tom
    
    

302.3Practically speaking...CYBORG::CORKUMTue May 13 1986 14:0615
    Rich,
    
    There was a good article in Practical Sailor a while back. I'll
    check my library and see if I can't forward you some info.
    
    I have had 2 from Achilles. Good for the $, but not best quality. What
    really will influence your decision should be how much you plan
    on using it. I paid about $125 for a used one a few years ago, 
    used it maybe a dozen times.
                
    good luck.
    
    Bill Corkum