My dinghy is dead.

[Black Valkyrie]

A slightly old Walker Bay. The orange it turned which I had managed to clean off last season has returned. Now a pinprick hole has appeared in the bottom - suspect the dinghy is dissolving. No it isn't left out in the elements all.year. it's just garbage.

Recommendations for a "good" brand as I had felt that was Walker Bay but apparently I'm wrong.

 

[sandydlc]

We have the Apex A-12 Eurosport and we love it. http://www.nwinflatables.com/APEX CONSOLE.htm

Not sure where you are in Canada but if in Vancouver or near it might be worth the trip to Seattle to get one. The owner of this business sometimes has used models available.

Good luck!

Sandy

 

[Stee6043]

Around my marina I see a number of Highfield, Zodiac and Walker Bay. I own a PVC Zodiac though I think it's considered the lower end of those three brands.

How old is your rig? Dinghy's up north should last nearly forever given our rather brief boating season...

 

[b_arrington]

Very happy with my AB RIB. It's the Ventus 9 model. Flat floor, goes like a rocket with a 15 hp engine. Made from hypalon.

 

[Black Valkyrie]

Thanks... surprised to hear Zodiac as lower end? According to local Walker Bay dealer they had a batch of bad units and that was mine - but somehow the buy back doesn't apply to me? Certainly that's enough for me to never give them another penny as its a known issue and problem for Walker Bay.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Thanks... surprised to hear Zodiac as lower end?

yeah, it's like Jacuzzi being a low-end spa. Sometimes a name catches on for no good reason! I have a 3-year old, China-built, W-M branded dinghy that I can't get any parts for. I'm not happy.

Several friends of mine have been very happy with their Brigs. That will be on my shortlist next time.

 

[Stee6043]

Thanks... surprised to here Zodiac as lower end?

I think it depends on which model. Some of their PVC units have been "cost reduced" pretty substantially. I believe the higher end hypolon Zodiacs would still be considered a quality product.

I couldn't be happier with the cost and performance of my Zodiac cadet. Though I have no idea yet what long term quality will look like. I expect it to last 10+ years up here in Michigan. It would have to fail pretty quickly to convince me I should have spent "substantially more" for an equivalent size Walker Bay/Highfield.

 

[Strypes]

Brig.

 

[juggernaut1]

Brig, AB or Achilles come to mind.

 

[Molson]

We are very happy with our Highfield.

 

[PMC]

Thanks... surprised to hear Zodiac as lower end?

The Zodiac Zoom 10' model is one of the lower end models to stand clear of. A friend tossed his out in less than 2 years, due to failing glue seams. It was on the transom, and not suggested as a repairable item

 

[J.Wilt]

We are very happy with our Highfield.

We are also extremely happy with our Highfield 310 Model, the aluminum bottom is great !!

 

[ZZ13]

We are also extremely happy with our Highfield 310 Model, the aluminum bottom is great !!

I am very happy with my 8' 6" Highfield with aluminum bottom and 6hp motor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Black Valkyrie]

Dealer is trying to sell me a Zodiac Typhoon. Don't know much about it.

 

[be_prepared]

We have a Highfield 290, which is an aluminum RIB, 9' 6", very pleased with it.
http://www.highfieldboats.com/classic-290/

 

[Yochach!]

The Zodiac Zoom 10' model is one of the lower end models to stand clear of. A friend tossed his out in less than 2 years, due to failing glue seams. It was on the transom, and not suggested as a repairable item

I just glued my 9ft 2000 Zodiac Yachtline at the transom yesterday. It is still curing but the repair if prepped and the 2 part glue mixed properly should be permanent.... I'm hoping anyways.

 

[Black Valkyrie]

My repair worked. Here's hoping for another season?