Walker Bay vs Achilles AND Hypalon vs PVC

[trit21]

Wanting to buy a dinghy, looking at either a Walker Bay 8'10" Hypalon 10 yr warranty ($1200) or an Achilles 8'6" Hypalon 5 year warranty ($1600). Does anyone know if one would be better than the next? Seem the Walker Bay with double the warranty would be the choice? Both of these are at defender.com

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C215570%7C216319%7C295567&id=1146967&cartId=1516427

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C215570%7C586964%7C587470&id=905259


Also, been looking at hypalon but there are several PVC for much less. Wondering if anyone had an opinion on PVC vs hypalon for use in FL and the Bahamas. Would use it for going to shore cruising the mangroves in Bimini and the Bahamas kind of stuff.

Thanks for the input.

 

[SR400DB]

I owned a PVC for about a year, after some trouble with it, I disclosed the issues and sold on Ebay. I have an Avon Hypalon 9'3 now. The dink is 8 years old, used year round and still in great shape. My .02

 

[Hampton]

Fl - Def go Hypalon. I have an Achiles 9'6". It's not perfect, but it's pretty close. I had to affect a recall for the lines along the sides. They were held in place by SS rings attached to webbing. The webbing deteriorated within 6 months, even though I have a cover! They said they would fix it at any dealer - nearest one was a 6 1/2 hour drive. So, I got my local dinghy repair shop in touch with Achilles, and they made them a dealer and a service rep. They did the work - very nice. The fix has hard rubber mounts with SS rings holding the lines - make sure your Achilles will have that.

The Achilles rep told me that they got a bad batch of webbing - not UV resistant, but I'm not sure I'd trust any of it now. Better safe than sorry. It was kind of a pain.

 

[trit21]

I was leaning towards Hypalon so I will get a hypalon dinghy. What about the quality difference from Walkers Bay to Achilles? Anyone ever had a Walkers Bay ? I know the Achilles are supposed to be one of the top dogs? Thanks again

 

[Jaws]

I've had a Walker Bay 340 Genesis Deluxe Console for two seasons now. No issues and I'm very happy with it. I have the hypalon version and put a 30hp Nissan four stroke on it. I bought it for its lightness and toughness.

 

[Overextended]

Wanting to buy a dinghy, looking at either a Walker Bay 8'10" Hypalon 10 yr warranty ($1200) or an Achilles 8'6" Hypalon 5 year warranty ($1600). Does anyone know if one would be better than the next? Seem the Walker Bay with double the warranty would be the choice? Both of these are at defender.com

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C215570%7C216319%7C295567&id=1146967&cartId=1516427

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C215570%7C586964%7C587470&id=905259


Also, been looking at hypalon but there are several PVC for much less. Wondering if anyone had an opinion on PVC vs hypalon for use in FL and the Bahamas. Would use it for going to shore cruising the mangroves in Bimini and the Bahamas kind of stuff.

Thanks for the input.

Hypalon only...no PVC. We bought a first generation of the Genesis and had an issue with the rub rail getting gummy. They stepped up and replaced the entire dink under warranty after three years of use (hull and all). In my experience they not only have a great warranty, great construction, but they stand fully behind their product. You might want to check and see if anyone locally carries the line vs Defender. You will want a local advocate vs someone in a warehouse 1,000 miles away...just my $0.02 worth. Josh

 

[ezwoo]

Go Walker Bay with Hypalon. The Polypropylene hard bottom is nearly indestructible and it is very light. I've had mine for 3 years now. The false bottom also keeps your feet dry.

 

[Chief]

Found an Achilles 8'8" with wood floor for $1050, going to pick it up next week.

The Mercury Dinghy (PVC) is junk and heading to the dump..

Chief

 

[Newbie]

When I had my POS Zodiac (PVC) repaired, the guy who did the work strongly recommended the Walker Bay's in hypalon. He said he's been very impressed with what he's seen from WB which surprised me, it's one of the few brands he didn't sell.

Just don't buy a Zodiac whatever you do...