Jimmy Buoy
Well-Known Member
- Dec 3, 2008
- 2,466
- Boat Info
- 2003 Cobalt 293
- Engines
- Twin Volvo-Penta 5.0 270hp & DuoProps
I'm looking to replace our current Achilles 8.5' inflatable floor dinghy and wanted to go with a rigid hull. I currently have a 5hp Merc 2 stroke and would like to keep it due to its light weight and integrated tank.
Anyone know of Titan aluminum hull products? http://www.barrettmarketingltd.com/titan/product_al260.html This model is virtually the same size as my current Achilles and @ 66 lbs is also the same weight (impressive). It seems to be well built and the hull is quite deep, but someone told me that the hull bottoms will not retain their nice white powdercoated finish. Instead they say the paint will chip and I'll constantly be repainting.
Going with a FRP hull of the same size would likely require a larger/heavier motor (with a space robbing external fuel cell) to have the same performance. The sales guys tell me that any RIB (FRP, Aluminum, or Plastic) will be more efficient since the hull does not deflect as on my current model's inflatable floor. Sounds like it makes sense, but I've never experienced the difference between the two. With the deeper hull, it is noticeably more comfortable to sit on the tube while your feet are planted at the bottom of the "V".
My goal is to have a light, durable, easily deployable dingy with more comfortable erogonomics while using my current outboard. Thoughts anyone???
Anyone know of Titan aluminum hull products? http://www.barrettmarketingltd.com/titan/product_al260.html This model is virtually the same size as my current Achilles and @ 66 lbs is also the same weight (impressive). It seems to be well built and the hull is quite deep, but someone told me that the hull bottoms will not retain their nice white powdercoated finish. Instead they say the paint will chip and I'll constantly be repainting.
Going with a FRP hull of the same size would likely require a larger/heavier motor (with a space robbing external fuel cell) to have the same performance. The sales guys tell me that any RIB (FRP, Aluminum, or Plastic) will be more efficient since the hull does not deflect as on my current model's inflatable floor. Sounds like it makes sense, but I've never experienced the difference between the two. With the deeper hull, it is noticeably more comfortable to sit on the tube while your feet are planted at the bottom of the "V".
My goal is to have a light, durable, easily deployable dingy with more comfortable erogonomics while using my current outboard. Thoughts anyone???
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