Duras dinghy

[trailertrawlerkismet]

While exploring dinghies I came across one made by Nissan with the name of "Duras". They look very similiar to a Zodiac but have a longer warranty (5 years). I'd never heard of them before so I thought with our broad base of Tugnut members that others may know about them and or have first hand experience. If anyone does please make a post with you thoughts or comments, good or bad.

Jim F

 

[tugfan]

There is or used to be a Japanese brand dynous, made by Toyo, that I believe were also sold under the Nissan brand.

I owned two at one time, an 8' 6" and a 15'. They were well made and were made of hypalon fabric, which is far better than the PVC based fabric most Zodiac dingy are constructed from.

If it is a Dynous, go for it, it should be a great boat.

 

[lornec]

Just another pvc inflatable.

 

[RProffer]

You forgot to include the adjective "overpriced"

 

[colleysails]

You might want to consider the Achilles HB-240 LX, a lightweight (86 lbs), hypalon rigid inflatable. With 16" tube dia and 5' beam it is very stable. The real plus for R-25 and R-27 owners is that the LOA is 7'10" which means that it fits perfectly on the swim platform without worry of scraping when going thru locks. I have one on my 25 using Weaver davits and have been quite pleased with that arrangement. It is rated for up to a 6hp outboard; I use a 2hp Honda which has been more than adequate.

colleysails
ADAGIO

 

[wefings]

The real importer of these inflatables is Tohatsu America , they license the Nissan name and you pay a premium for a decal that says Nissan.
They are in fact welded not glued 1000 denier PVC [ doubled on the bottom of the tubes] , have an ABS plastic transom ,come as an air floor ar wood floor ,and can be had packaged with an appropriate Tohatsu motor . They have a 5 year warranty . If there was enough interest we would do a Tugnut special but they make the dealer order 6 to get the best pricing .
PM if interested .
Marc

 

[lornec]

Take a look at the "portland pudgy" a very interesting dinky. Google it.

 

[djwarburton]

The Duras inflatable dinghy are currently marketed by Tohatsu. I would not recommend them. I purchased a Duras inflatable boat in 2016 for use in New England and it showed severe UV damage after only 4 years. It was only in the water 4 months a year. In year 4 the tubes became gummy and discolored, and would leave residue on our clothing. After repeated calls to Tohatsu customer service, they determined the damage was due to "abnormal use" and would not honor the Duras 5 year warranty. Our previous Mercury inflatable lasted almost 10 years under similar conditions.