Anybody have a lead on a used inflatable dinghy?

sfergson727

sfergson727

Well-Known Member
PLATINUM Sponsor
TECHNICAL Contributor
Oct 12, 2007
12,916
Washington Park Marina, Michigan City
Boat Info
'89 Sea Ray 390 Express
'00 Sea Ray 185 BR
Engines
mercruiser 7.4L inboards
Mercruiser 4.3L/Alpha 1
Hi guys, I was wondering if any of you knew of a good used inflatable dinghy available in the lower Lake Michigan area. I might be willing to travel a couple hours by car if need be.

I'm looking for a 3 to 4 person non-rigid model that I can pull up on my swim platform. Air deck would be best, but wood floor would work.

I'm trying to stay under $500-600, as I don't need it for more than the occasional trip up the lake.

Thanks
Scott
 
I might be of service here. I have a West Marine HPV-350 (12'6" length) Hypalon high-pressure floor inflatable with a Mercury 9.9 4-stroke. We use it a bit, but it spends more time in storage than on the water. I'd love to move to something smaller with an aluminum floor. Only issue is that I would want $800 for the dinghy without the motor, so might be out of your ideal price range. It's in tip-top shape except for some staining on the bottom and where it rested against our dock.
 
Z-Worthy said:
I might be of service here. I have a West Marine HPV-350 (12'6" length) Hypalon high-pressure floor inflatable with a Mercury 9.9 4-stroke. We use it a bit, but it spends more time in storage than on the water. I'd love to move to something smaller with an aluminum floor. Only issue is that I would want $800 for the dinghy without the motor, so might be out of your ideal price range. It's in tip-top shape except for some staining on the bottom and where it rested against our dock.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a great boat, but unfortunately a little large. I think something under 10 feet would be more appropriate for my boat. Thanks for the response though!
 
Have you tried craigslist in the Grand Rapids area? I see inflatables on there quite regularly. Some are pretty rough in the $500 range though.

I assume you're looking for something that rows vs motors. Over this past winter I invested in a Zodiac cadet 10' inflatable. If you can stretch your budget a bit you can get into one of these things that'll last forever (hopefully) in our non-salt 6 month boating season. Right around $900.

I have an inflatable I'd be willing to give you for a case of beer if you want something to haul mostly small people around with. I don't know the brand but I ran a true inflatable (not PVC, think toy grade) for two years to move my kids and wife back and forth to the beach. Still works great, I think I paid $100 new. It said "4 person" but it's really one adult with three kids max. Or two adults for a romantic cruise.
 
MonacoMike said:
A couple of guys on my dock tried these. They've been very happy so far

http://www.inmarinflatables.com/tender-boats-s/1.htm

I think since zodiac moved production to China Chinese of ripped off their technology into producing these reasonably quality cheap boats.

MM
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Hmm...I'm fairly sure the plate on my Cadet 310 still said France though I can't say that with 100% confidence. I was under the impression only their "Zoom" line of inflatables went to China? I could be wrong there too though...
 
Stee6043 said:
Hmm...I'm fairly sure the plate on my Cadet 310 still said France though I can't say that with 100% confidence. I was under the impression only their "Zoom" line of inflatables went to China? I could be wrong there too though...
Click to expand...

I had heard everything but military, but don't know for certain. It does seem like right after the production move to China the knock-offs appeared.

MM
 
I have an older Zodiac I think it was 8'6" wooden floor inserts. It did have some delamination occur between the floor and the tubes which I had fixed, but still gets some water in that needs to be pumped out. It has a nice cover I had bought for it(hell, cover is probably worth more then the boat), and would let both go for $150. Let me know if any interest.
 
I bought one of these a couple of years ago!
Bestway Hydro Force 110 Inch Caspian Pro

It's holding up well and they make different sizes.
I bought the 110 inch and they run right around $500 new.

It will take a 10 hp engine as well.

I can plane it with an old 4 hp Johnson 2 stroke and my hefty 200+ weight :)

I also run a 9.8 mercury and it hauls ass.

Jeff
 
hakunamatata said:
I have an older Zodiac I think it was 8'6" wooden floor inserts. It did have some delamination occur between the floor and the tubes which I had fixed, but still gets some water in that needs to be pumped out. It has a nice cover I had bought for it(hell, cover is probably worth more then the boat), and would let both go for $150. Let me know if any interest.
Click to expand...

Definitely would be interested in it, I just need it to get to shore when we are anchored out for the night. I am on a trip right now, but next week I am free, what is the closest airport to your location?
 
Z-Worthy said:
I might be of service here. I have a West Marine HPV-350 (12'6" length) Hypalon high-pressure floor inflatable with a Mercury 9.9 4-stroke. We use it a bit, but it spends more time in storage than on the water. I'd love to move to something smaller with an aluminum floor. Only issue is that I would want $800 for the dinghy without the motor, so might be out of your ideal price range. It's in tip-top shape except for some staining on the bottom and where it rested against our dock.
Click to expand...

We'd be interested in checking this out!

PM sent!
 
sfergson727 said:
Definitely would be interested in it, I just need it to get to shore when we are anchored out for the night. I am on a trip right now, but next week I am free, what is the closest airport to your location?
Click to expand...

Scott,

I am close to O'Hare, but from your avatar assuming you have your own plane. If so, I am about 10 minutes from Chicago Executive airport and could meet you there. If you want, I can put together, take a couple of pics and e-mail to you? Let me know.

Erik
 
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