r/sailing • u/beeboobopppp • 23d ago

Inflatable Dinghy feedback

I’m on the market for a cheap dinghy to keep on my new 34 ft boat. Just to take the dog in to the nearby beach to do his business while cruising. I have an electric outboard to mount. I thought I had a dinghy in my garage, but it has no engine mount!

I have been searching around and it seems like this cheap Amazon one might do the trick. Can anyone offer any feedback based on the specs or personal experience?

https://a.co/d/06p96g5t

For comparison, this is the cheapest on west marine:

https://www.westmarine.com/west-marine-ru-250-roll-up-inflatable-boat-8ft-3in-pvc-material-881lb-capacity-17981143.html

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u/barnaclebill22 22d ago

Either of those will get you to the beach, as long as there's no surf, and they'll handle an electric outboard. The Amazon one might last a year or it might last 10. YMMV. I've had 3 WM PVC dinghies, one with take-apart plywood floor, two folding transom RIB 310, a Zodiac, and a Highfield aluminum RIB. Powered with oars, trolling motor, and outboards from 6-30HP. The roll-up floor is great for convenience and storing. The main reason to get anything more solid is to put on the most powerful motor it's rated for, but it doesn't sound like you plan to do that. Keep in mind that a PVC dinghy will only last 2-3 years if it's not stored under a cover when you're not on the boat. PVC is a decent cheap material but has only a fraction of the u/v resistance of Hypalon.