dinghy

[drob]

I am looking for a dinghy for the upcoming season. Is it best to go new or can you get something decent used?

 

[Sorrento 25]

I purchased a 8' '99 Zodiac that was a "spare" dinghy and in great condition for $300, and a 2006 2HP Honda for another $300 - both off Craigslist. Works great for us and I can't go any bigger on my boat.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I've seen very nice looking used ones for a fraction of new. Heck, even if it lasted a year, you could buy 5 or so of them for the price of a new one.

 

[timinfla2]

I bought a cheap Baltik on Ebay and it's awesome.

 

[dgrumm]

sfergson727 - do you tow the whaler behind your 340? I'd love to get rid of the rib and pick up a whaler, but I'm not sure how to get it around. I don't have a hydraulic platform.

 

[Sundancer]

Bought a used Maxxon for $300 last season. It was dirty and needed some cleaning but it holds air, has an air floor and can handle a 5hp motor. I can't see spending $1,000 for new! I'm sure it will last a long time since we only use it about two weeks a year. I think someone could rent these in popular locations, like the San Juans and make some money. Add a GPS with the San Juan chart as package deal with the GPS and inflatable.... Wait a minute, I'm giving away my new business model!

 

[skolbe]

Bought a leftover Mercury one at Defender.

 

[JYurgo]

I got a brand new Zodiac on ebay for $300. It was abandon at a freight/shipping company. Just watch Craigslist and ebay, they're out there... and don't be afraid to haggle with the seller.

 

[fwebster]

While several of you have gotten good deals on used/older inflatables, I notice that most mentioned are premium brands. Buying a used inflatable can be risky since not all brands age as well as others, and not all fabrics age as well as others.

Unless you see a used boat in person you have no idea how an inflatable was stored, used or cared for and you cannot see the condition of the fabric or determine the security of the seams, brackets, gussetts, and reinforcements.

Be careful............used inflatibles can bite you.

 

[Newbie]

While several of you have gotten good deals on used/older inflatables, I notice that most mentioned are premium brands. Buying a used inflatable can be risky since not all brands age as well as others, and not all fabrics age as well as others.

Unless you see a used boat in person you have no idea how an inflatable was stored, used or cared for and you cannot see the condition of the fabric or determine the security of the seams, brackets, gussetts, and reinforcements.

Be careful............used inflatibles can bite you.

Couldn't agree more. I bought a 2000 model Zodiac brand last spring for 400 bucks. Looked great, clean and didn't appear to be faded so I believe he wasn't lying when he said it was stored in his garage. But about 2 weeks later the seam at the floor to front tubes seperated. I couldn't use it all summer since its hard to find anyone local to make repairs and shipping it out for repairs is not worth the cost. I did eventually find some one local to repair and will pick it up finally in 2 weeks at a cost of 200 more. A typical floor repair would be in excess of 500 but my guy does repairs on the side so it was cheap. I'm still in for less than half of new, but lost the whole season of use. The extra money you spend for new is well worth it for the next 5 years of warranty when something happens. After buying my used one, I've seen NOS boats all over it seems for about a grand. Thats the route I'd go.

FWIW, I agree with Scott. I'm getting rid of the dingy and getting a 13' whaler. Alot more useful for fishing/tubing etc.
SB

 

[boatrboy]

I bought a left over Mercury 240 air deck from a local marina last year. They price matched defender and it had a $75 rebate from Mercury. I think I ended up paying $700 and bought a used 6 hp - 2-stroke merc. for $300. For a grand I have a nice set up.