gnealon
New Member
- Apr 8, 2009
- 570
- Boat Info
- 2005 280 DA, Garmin 4208
"Ship Faced"
- Engines
- Twin 5.0L Merc BIII
Hello, I need some advice from all you experienced boaters on choosing a dinghy for my new (to me) 2005 280DA.
Here is what I was between...
1. West Marine HP-275 High Pressure Airfloor w/ Merc 6HP 4 Stroke
1a. Boat is 53lbs and Engine is ~55lbs
2. West Marine HP-310 High Pressure Airfloor w/ Merc 9.9HP 4 Stroke
2a. Boat is 60lbs and Engine is ~85lbs.
I really didn't want to get involved w/ the davits and storing it on the swim platform. This is my first boat and I am taking delivery May 13th. The waters around LI near the shore are pretty shallow and the tide shifts could be 5 ft. So I wanted to make it easier on me to get to shore w/ the kids. If the boat is fast/fun enough to tool around with my son then that's a bonus. but my major use of it would be to get to shore. And I really don't mind doing a couple trips so if the boat could only hold 2 or 3 adults that's fine.
I have read all the threads here I could on dingy... but not too many mention how big the inflatable boats are when in the bag. Should I just go w/ a bigger inflatable since I am stowing it on deck somewhere (hopefully)? Or is the added weight of the engine not worth the bigger dinghy? Is it even possible to store a 9.9HP motor under a seat somewhere on deck of a 280DA?
Sorry for the million questions. I am torn and not sure what to do.
Thanks in advance.
Here is what I was between...
1. West Marine HP-275 High Pressure Airfloor w/ Merc 6HP 4 Stroke
1a. Boat is 53lbs and Engine is ~55lbs
2. West Marine HP-310 High Pressure Airfloor w/ Merc 9.9HP 4 Stroke
2a. Boat is 60lbs and Engine is ~85lbs.
I really didn't want to get involved w/ the davits and storing it on the swim platform. This is my first boat and I am taking delivery May 13th. The waters around LI near the shore are pretty shallow and the tide shifts could be 5 ft. So I wanted to make it easier on me to get to shore w/ the kids. If the boat is fast/fun enough to tool around with my son then that's a bonus. but my major use of it would be to get to shore. And I really don't mind doing a couple trips so if the boat could only hold 2 or 3 adults that's fine.
I have read all the threads here I could on dingy... but not too many mention how big the inflatable boats are when in the bag. Should I just go w/ a bigger inflatable since I am stowing it on deck somewhere (hopefully)? Or is the added weight of the engine not worth the bigger dinghy? Is it even possible to store a 9.9HP motor under a seat somewhere on deck of a 280DA?
Sorry for the million questions. I am torn and not sure what to do.
Thanks in advance.