Dinghy for a 480DB

[Greg]

I am still trying to locate a dinghy. I thought I wanted a Projet 350 or an Avon 320 jet. But, I haven’t been able to find a good used one, and the new 4-stroke ones are crazy expensive and heavy.
I like the idea of a jet with kids in the water etc. But now I am now wondering if I should consider a conventional outboard RIB. I kind of like the Avon Se 360 dl Seasport. It looks a little bit bigger than the projet, 11’9”. You can put up to a 40 HP motor on it. Seems like it would be fast enough to tube/ski. Plus, I could get a brand new one for a little more than a used projet.

I found an Avon 320 jet for around 10k, so I have to decide between that or the outboard. I am very torn, can’t decide. I like the 6” draft and safety of the jet , but I like the additional space and ‘newness’ of the 360, along with being a 4-stroke.

I need to be able to hold 2 adults and 3 kids.

What do you think the max size that could fit on the platform of a 480DB and still allow you to get on and off easily? Would the Avon 360 fit OK?

 

[Pseudomind]

Perhaps one of these rigid dinghy's?

Different configurations and prices, plus other options :huh:

:thumbsup:

 

[dgrumm]

I have no experience with the jet drive inflatables, but I have Sea Doo's and HAD a Challenger jet boat. Although they may draft 6", they cannot run in 6". If anything is sucked into the intake, the impellar and housing will be toast. This is a more involved repair than changing a prop on an outboard, since it is inside the jet housing. I ended up selling the Challenger due to unreliability (2 stroke). I would much rather go with an outboard setup. Just my 2 cents.