Need RIB advice

[wincrasher]

I ordered my boat with the factory supplied RIB and davits/winch system.

There was some kind of snafu and the RIB wasn't recieved. They say they missed a shipment from China, but it could be in at the end of March.

My dealer says they can source a similar RIB and offered this one as a substitute: https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/inflatables/rigid-bottom/dynamic-rib/

Considering this was an over $4,000 option, would you accept this as an equivalent substitute, or would I be better off waiting on the factory standard one. I'm not familiar with the quality of that item, or the manufacturer, but trusted it as a Ranger Tug "authorized' item.

 

[BradOwens]

As long as it's the hypalon version, it seems to me to be comparable. The pvc version is not as good. I think you'll be fine with it if you don't mind the lighter blue color.

 

[stwendl]

I would be interested in your insight of benefits between hypalon and pvc and/or pvc denim reinforced dinghies. Any bad experiences ?

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello,

First of all, I'm sorry that we were not able to provide you with the dinghy you purchased. We will credit our dealer for the inflatable so you can take it as money off or a substitute. As Brad mentioned, make sure it's Hypalon and make sure it's less than 8'6 in length. Ours was a rigid fiberglass bottom. If you have the option, the aluminum bottom ones are really nice.

Our next container does arrive in March and offered to ship the dinghy inside one of their Boats but they don't have any completing until June to my knowledge.

Again, sorry for the inconvenience.

Andrew Custis

 

[wincrasher]

Andrew,

Thanks for the response. The Mercury branded RIB looks OK to me, but I was hoping someone knowledgeable would comment on how and if they compare. The Mercury one does carry a 10 year guarantee, so that seems pretty attractive.

What is the brand and model of the one Ranger Tugs provides, or does it vary?

 

[Pilotnavigator]

The PVC ones do not survive in the southern heat. As Andrew said you need the hypalon fabric. Soft bottom and flat ones need a lot of power to plane. If the shore is other than sand you should go for the aluminium floor. Next best would be Fiberglas floor. An 8 foot boat is hard to plane as it is with the heavy motors. A 9.9 2 stroke works best but with the same weight of the 5hp 4 strokes and two on board planning is difficult. My experience only.

 

[Scuffy]

I think the reasoning for hypalon being better versus PVC is the deteriorating effect UV sun has on the PVC. Defender Marine sells all kinds on dinghies and motors so they will offer a good comparison for you and models and pricing. Even if you are buying through a local dealer. Good to see what else is available. Zodiac and Achilles are good brands but pricey. http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... id=3130698

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I'm in the market for a new rib too. The one that's peaked my interest is the achilles 240 (7'10) with aluminum floor. It's under 90lbs and can take the 4 or 6 hp. From what I read the 6hp is actually the same weight as the 4 (tohatsu)

Anybody have experience with this model?

http://www.achillesboats.com