Hey has anyone owned a inflatable boat (not used for a tender) wpuld like a dingy that is not too much dollars and a decent engine to fish/dive/and whip ins on the surfboard this summer. How long does the inflatable sides last? Cost of replacong?? And any ither issues?? Cheers
I would definitely go one of the powercat types if you will spend any time towing/skurfing. Has the power to pull and the V hulls hold the boat in place on the turns better. Have not had one for a while, but you should be able to pick them up second hand. Condition of the motor will be the biggest risk. Also check the trailer for rust.
The material on these things last a long time, especially if you regularly put UV protectant on them. Fortunately visual condition of the material is a pretty good indicator of actual condition.
Watch the fishing....it can be done, but just remember sharp things and inflatable boats are not the best bedfellows, but as long as you are not chasing pelagics or using a gaff you can do it.
Good for diving. Thats about it.
Careful where you leave them, we had rats eat through a deflated one
Select to expand quoteJonopark said..
Hey has anyone owned a inflatable boat (not used for a tender) wpuld like a dingy that is not too much dollars and a decent engine to fish/dive/and whip ins on the surfboard this summer. How long does the inflatable sides last? Cost of replacong?? And any ither issues?? Cheers
Yes, bought one around 20 years ago and still have it. 4m Avon with 30 hp Evinrude, used mostly for diving of the west coast of South Australia. It spent the first 10 years or so with a hookah unit tied in the front. Very stable platform for a small boat. It has taken waves that would swap a regular boat and not been a problem (ie boat completely full of water, wave coming over bow and exiting over the transom).
Best kept out of the sun when not in use. As others have said, be careful with sharp objects, but you can still go fishing ok.
Used a bit for knee boarding and skurfing too.
One of the first things I did with mine was to install one-way drain valves in the transom under the floor (as the standard drain is above the floor).
I tried to find a good second hand one but couldn't, so bought new.
Good luck...
+1 For the thunder cat... had one for about 6 years used for tow ins, fishing etc..... ( just watch where you attach tow rope maybe beef up the attachment points )
I have been told to they split at seams in wa sun and very expensive to repair? And did you have to replace the pontoons in the 20 years??
They only split at the seams when people leave them fully inflated in the sun day in day out....... the trick is to let some air out of it at the end of each day..... not all of it but just enough take the stress off hulls. I have a compressor in the car and just top them up when heading out alternatively you can use the air at the servo...... (or foot pump but fark that ) takes 5 min max to top up.
Select to expand quoteharry potter said..
They only split at the seams when people leave them fully inflated in the sun day in day out....... the trick is to let some air out of it at the end of each day..... not all of it but just enough take the stress off hulls. I have a compressor in the car and just top them up when heading out alternatively you can use the air at the servo...... (or foot pump but fark that ) takes 5 min max to top up.
Ours was never in the sun, never left inflated but the glue holding all the attachments, handles, D-rings, transom etc fell off. It's the same across all brands up here in the tropics. The bladders are good but everything else gradually peels away. Similarly if you get a puncture in the tropics they are unrepairable. I'm told it's from humidity.
I don't know about build quality or longevity. What I do know though is I think their design is genius in terms if making a smooth ride. We always discuss fibreglass versus aliminium. And generally aside from weight fibre glass have the sharper vee bottom making them cut through swell or chop, but rock and roll once stopped and anchored up. The Ali boat generally has a flatter bottom with a higher gun whale . They bash and crash through chop hurting your back but very stable when fishing.
The rib has inflatable sides that seem to act like shock absorbers that absorb the blow of our wa doctor wind. Yet when they stop they seem stable.
Overall I don't know anything about build quality. Perhaps the rib isn't for every application. But I've seen ribs gliding through chop that has belted bigger boats
Select to expand quotecisco said..
Zodiac!! Only way to go.
WE have 3 (we will be selling 2 later next year)
and as I broke my back a few years back it is the
best thing since sliced bread for diving fishing and
general stuffing around as I can sit on the side and it does not jar my back
Just make sure what ever you get it is made from Hypalon and it will last forever
Cheers just got a 14 foot southern pacific with a 30 merc. Looks like fun and cant wait for nice weather!
used to own a 6 metre gemini rib . Safe as **** , they really are . smooth ride . We had a 150hp donk on it and on the flat water it would do 49 knots .
Coming back from rotto it was wet but smooth ride
Select to expand quoteGypsyDrifter said..cisco said..
Zodiac!! Only way to go.
WE have 3 (we will be selling 2 later next year)
and as I broke my back a few years back it is the
best thing since sliced bread for diving fishing and
general stuffing around as I can sit on the side and it does not jar my back
Just make sure what ever you get it is made from Hypalon and it will last forever
Yes. A good Hypalon (rubber/neoprene based material) boat will last a very long time, Avons being a prime example. Most Zodiacs are made from Strongan/Decitex (a PVC based material). I believe in manufacture, Hypalon may be vulcanized at the joints and can be glued for repairs. I know for sure that Strongan is heat welded at the joints in manufacture and can be glued for repairs.
Each material requires a different glue for repairs and different preparation. Strongan is nearly as tough as Hypalon, possibly more UV resistant and definitely lighter. I think Strongan is easier to work with and Zodiac have AMSA approval. They also build boats to military specs.
Zodiac are meeting the market against the cheap Chinese knock offs. So as I said:-
Zodiac!! Only way to go.
^^^ Cisco, when I was looking to buy my 'rubber ducky' I narrowed the search down to 3 brands; Zodiac, Achilles and Avon.
I ended up with an Avon. It is still going strong after about 20 years (15 of them in far north Queensland).
Having said that, the Zodiacs do have a good reputation and I would have been happy to own one. Just saying that Zodiac is not the only way to go 
I believe the Avon Redcrest is the best inflatable yacht tender ever built. They are the only inflatable that rows decently and the only inflatable that can be rowed with a standard pair of 6' oars.
But tell me where do I buy an Avon inflatable these days?? A Zodiac Shop as Zodiac bought the Avon inflatable boat business from Avon tyres a few years ago and I believe Achilles is now defunct.
Just saying, Zodiac!! Only way to go. 
Cisco, I haven't kept up with who owns who in the business, the Avon website lists 5 dealers in Oz (one of them being Zodiac).
Not sure on stock/availablity though. So, you may well be right that they are hard to get.
Cheers
I have had several enjoyable dealings with Marine Safe Australia at Slacks Creek.
The business owner/principal, Peter Campbell-Byrnes (spelling??) is a lovely guy and as honest as the day is long.
He will give you right information and right advice. With the equipment he has in the workshop I think he could even manufacture inflatable boats if he wanted to.
Marine Safe has been there a long time and I am sure will be there for a long time to come. The business is a Zodiac endorsed dealership so at least two of the Aus Avon outlets are Zodiac dealers.
Cheers
Jonopark- recently I was at the Mannheims auction yard near perth airport- they had 2 x zodiacs for sale, ex military [deflated and rolled up]
I am not sure of specifications or what they sold for though- but I remember at the time thinking "$*&# thats cheap!"
there was also a couple of zodiacs on trailers in the yard as well- along with other boats, cats and dinghies.
these might still be for sale!
stephen.
