FRIB

[JPGator]

Well kids, the admiral and I just drove down to look at this FRIB tender concept.
http://foldablerib.com/
We need/want a dinghy but neither one of us is happy with the idea of having a davit. We like our swim platform the way it is.

This dinghy would allow us to use it when needed and stow it when not.

Please take a look at the site and give me your honest opinion. We were looking at the 330 model but all are options.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I looked at the 330 on their website and was prepared to not like it (I've never met an inflatable I liked) but was impressed with a few things about it. I'd question their estimate of 5 minutes to put it together, but that's another issue, and how long would it take to deflate it and repack it, and where on your boat would you do that?

My questions about your use of it are (1) where on your boat would you store it, (2) where would you assemble it, and (3) how would you get it on and off the boat after it was assembled.

Questions about the boat itself are, how would you fold up the fiberglass floor and transom, and if the fiberglass floor has seams in it, how durable would it be if used in choppy water?

I suppose if you were willing to put up with the hassle of inflating and deflating it whenever you wanted to use it, it would probably do what you want.

I'm not that patient.

 

[MonacoMike]

It all sounds good until you have to do it.

There is a reason others do what they do. It is the most efficient way to do it. It is all a compromise...

MM

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I second Go First Class, I've had several Dinks over the years with wood floors, inflatable floors and now a Center console 11 foot RIB. It was always a hassle and back breaker blowing up the boat and securing the engine and then breaking it down all because I didn't have or want a transom mounted davit of some kind. I love my Nick Jackson Davit and having the Dink ready 24/7. I keep it on a floating slide-on dock while in home port and only on the davit while away. If I were just needing a tender to blow up for occasional use Id want something that would roll up to a pretty small package. The 330 looks pretty bulky when deflated and folded. 95 lbs seems light until you factor in the awkward shape. If its your first go with a Dink, I'd find a used rollup with an inflatable keel for plaining and see what your utility is before I spent 5 grand on the FRIB (with the engine)
CD

 

[JPGator]

Thanks guys. Lots of solid points and I greatly appreciate the input.