tender is the night

FreeTrader · 04 March 2006, 08:57

Hi guys

Can I have some of recommendations for a good tender. I'm looking for something that won't bust my back, will ferry 5 of us (2 adults, 3 kids), and will take a 4HP outboard.

The Plastimos look great value, but will probably be knackered after a year?

Thanks in advance,

Phil

ADS · 04 March 2006, 13:40

I would go for something with an inflatble floor as these are alot more stable. The Quicksilver's aren't bad, I have an Avon 2.8m airdeck and I can't fault it, hypalon tubes, avon quality, but unfortunatly avon prices!
I believe Phil Davies has one of these new Avon Riblites, may be worth dropping him a PM, to see how he finds it.

Alex

Phil Chitty · 04 March 2006, 14:07

I used to have a Yam 280sti with a 4 hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard.

Went really well with just me on it and coped happily with 4 people.

Build quality was good and the engine is bullet proof.

Package prices are quite good too.

Nate · 04 March 2006, 14:09

Not quick and not pretty but bulletproof, infinitely repairable (Hypalon) and cheap as chips - Avon Redcrest.

Sold both my plastic tenders (Plastimo and Yam) last year and now have a small inflatable keel Achilles for tendering to and from my rib and a beautiful thirty year old Redcrest that stays on my yacht. Redcrest weighs bugger all, packs down to nothing (no solid transom - makes all the difference, believe me!), takes a 4hp motor and carries four big blokes with ease.

Had some floorboards made for the Redcrest from original drawings supplied by Avon and the chap I spoke to in their spares department reasured me that buying a 30 year old Avon was a sound proposition "Better made than the new ones..."

craig_c · 04 March 2006, 14:11

Tinker tramp or traveller is the safest tender.

My mother who gets scared if i go over 30 miles an hour in the car would tell you.

They put redcrests to shame (had both), and also cant beat henshaw tubes. our tinker is 13 year old and no problems

yoyo · 04 March 2006, 14:12

My kids have a Suzumar (Suzuki) 2.95m AL. with Tohatsu 9.8. 2stroke. Had it for 3 years now and its been brill, cant fault it.

pop · 04 March 2006, 17:55

Hi mate have a look at this or the next size up. i got one its good and cheap http://www.compass24.com/cgi-bin/ab...ernliste=753602

Nos4r2 · 04 March 2006, 21:08

However hard you try you won't find a better inflatable tender than a redcrest-or if you want a bit more room a redseal.

Dino · 05 March 2006, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTrader

Hi guys

Can I have some of recommendations for a good tender. I'm looking for something that won't bust my back, will ferry 5 of us (2 adults, 3 kids), and will take a 4HP outboard.

The Plastimos look great value, but will probably be knackered after a year?

Thanks in advance,

Phil

The Plastimo is great,still looks good after 3 years of abuse and it's made of the same stuff as topper dinghys so incredibly,if you did hole it you can (alledgedly)weld it with a hot knife!Also it's good having the built in wheel so you don't need a trolley.
I tried using a small inflatable for a tender and went back to a hard boat,don't need to keeping blowing it up and asking people for help carrying it.

craig_c · 05 March 2006, 21:17

Avons an that are good but you still get a wet arse....tinker is the way forward!!!!!!!!!!!

Millermob · 05 March 2006, 21:30

Just bought a zodiac zoom 240, not used it yet but quality seems fantastic and not a bad price.

Nate · 06 March 2006, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig_c

Avons an that are good but you still get a wet arse....tinker is the way forward!!!!!!!!!!!

No question - Tinkers are the dogs - but expect to pay about five times as much as you would for a comparable Avon. If the wet arse is a problem make some waterproof trollies out of bin bags and duct tape!