defender branded inflatable rib

[andy k]

I am looking to get a new rib inflatable dinghy. I would like to know if anyone have used or seen the defender branded inflatable? I am looking at the 300 series. I am also looking at the Mercury rib, walker bay rib, and a zodiac rib.

thanks

 

[Craigalan]

I have a French produced Zodiac. Could not ask for a more solid inflatable. But, I would not get a china made one.


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[boatrboy]

I hate to break it to you but my Mercury airdeck was made in China :smt001, So far so good - about five years old

 

[BritLady]

We have a Mercury 280 Hypalon Rib which is excellent if that helps

 

[Craigalan]

Break it to me any way you want, but for me, I avoid the all-glued seam inflatables from China. Just one man's preference.

 

[Molson]

I've been really happy with our Highfield.

 

[aquadancer]

I have a Defender 300 rib with 9.9hp Yamaha 2 stroke. Going into 4th season now. Replaced Mercury Airdeck. I think it is a good quality dink for the price and it is holding up very well so far. My set up planes easily with 2 adults + dog, rides pretty dry, tracks straight, and is light enough to easily pull onto my Nautley dinghy ramp.

Couple of negatives:

- deep keel and deep vee construction gives it a nice ride but doesn't sit as well as it should on the standard davit arms.
- drain plug is a little to high (and they don't use self-bailing plug) so there is always some water in the dinghy
- there is no flat fake floor so you're always seeing that water on the bottom

Overall, I'm happy

 

[andy k]

I have a Defender 300 rib with 9.9hp Yamaha 2 stroke. Going into 4th season now. Replaced Mercury Airdeck. I think it is a good quality dink for the price and it is holding up very well so far. My set up planes easily with 2 adults + dog, rides pretty dry, tracks straight, and is light enough to easily pull onto my Nautley dinghy ramp.

Couple of negatives:

- deep keep and deep vee construction gives it a nice ride but doesn't sit as well as it should on the standard davit arms.
- drain plug is a little to high (and they don't use self-bailing plug) so there is always some water in the dinghy
- there is no flat fake floor so you're always seeing that water on the bottom

Overall, I'm happy

Thanks for for the input, I wish these were available with a flat interior floor.

 

[Creekwood]

I have a Mercury 310 hypalon fibreglass bottom RIB. It's been great, but it's hard to keep clean.

 

[WDCboater]

We have a Mercury 280 Hypalon Rib which is excellent if that helps

Quick question. How do you have your rib mounted on your swim platform? I was looking at this rib for my 350.

 

[BritLady]

Quick question. How do you have your rib mounted on your swim platform? I was looking at this rib for my 350.

We have the Nautley davits: http://www.dinghyramp.com/, which are very good and very well made. However, I find that I am unable to help as much as I used to do in pulling the dinghy back on as my R.A. gets worse, it's okay getting it off Therefore, we are in the process of installing a pulley lift system that will make it a breeze. We saw a 340 with it at Caladesi Island recently on a cruiser called "White Rabbit" whose owner kindly gave us all the info. I can't wait to get it installed, we nearly have all the parts, just need the time to do it now. I will post pics when we get it done Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Smokeio]

I purchased a Defender 265 RIB on the recommendation of a close friend who has had one for years. He's had no problems and always raved on how well it performs. The Defender model also had a bigger tube diameter. My time and experience with the dink is limited but so far I am pleased with it.

 

[joeyleggz]

I have 2008 11' baltik inflatable with a wood floor and inflatable keel .9.9 merc does 25 mph going on year7 ,used to go clamming, fishing and take 4 little ones for a rip! has taken a lot of abuse and going strong they make all sizes

 

[TALON]

I'm running with a 10' 5" Caribe, powered with a 15 HP Yamaha four stroke. This combination gets me up to 29 mph.

 

[Our Diversion]

We have the Nautley davits: http://www.dinghyramp.com/, which are very good and very well made. However, I find that I am unable to help as much as I used to do in pulling the dinghy back on as my R.A. gets worse, it's okay getting it off Therefore, we are in the process of installing a pulley lift system that will make it a breeze. We saw a 340 with it at Caladesi Island recently on a cruiser called "White Rabbit" whose owner kindly gave us all the info. I can't wait to get it installed, we nearly have all the parts, just need the time to do it now. I will post pics when we get it done Good luck with whatever you decide!

Did the pulley lift system replace the DinghyRampXL or is it used in conjunction with that system? Do you have pics?

 

[Ctsearay]

Did the pulley lift system replace the DinghyRampXL or is it used in conjunction with that system? Do you have pics?

that would be interesting to know