[C320-list] Fw: Zodiac, other manufactures

[Wes.Giles at averydennison.com]

I have the 8 1/2 ft Zodiac, and have had 4 adults in it from time to time.
In flat water there's no problem. In chop the forward folks will get
moist. As far as size of the adults, I'm 6'4" and 250 lbs. My wife Linda
isn't. We've had us 2 plus the crew of cuba libre 3 on board without much
trouble. I would consider the nine footer if I had it to do over again.
Mine can handle the weight, but I'd like the area inside to be a tad
larger. It gets a bit cramped in mine.

Wes


                                                                          
             "Jeff Church"                                                
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                                      Re: [C320-list] Fw:  Zodiac, other  
             12/21/2006 09:04         manufactures                        
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Warren,

Can you fit 4 people in it for a slow ride around the marina? I'm not sure
if I should get the 8' 4" or 9' 3" model.

Jeff
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Warren Updike
  To: c320-list at catalina320.com
  Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 10:34 AM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fw: Zodiac, other manufactures


  Jerry, I can recommend AquaDutch boats as very well made.  They only
sell direct, they tell me to keep the price down.

  I first saw them at the Annapolis Boat Show, 2005.  I listened to the
spiel and then went to every other inflatable vendor at the show.  I felt
that the major others: Achilles, Avon, Zodiac, West Marine, Bombard, etc.,
were focused on their bigger RIB boats as the smaller tenders haven't
changed much in 2 decades.  I found that the AquaDutch inflatable were,
for the most part, better designed, better constructed, and less expensive
than the others.

  We bought the model 245 in PVC that is 8'2" with 17" tubes.  It's
available in Hypalon too for more money.  It is a rollup model with
high-pressure deck, and inflatable keel so it tracks extremely well.  It's
rated for 3 people and 915lbs.  Will take up to 6HP on it's hard transom.
It's completely outfitted with 4 lifting rings inside, dual "D" rings on
the bow for towing, eye bolts on the transom for security, and
self-bailer.  The forward chamber has a pressure relief valve to prevent
over inflation.  You know, on those super hot days when the boats tend to
get very hard.  You can see all the features at their website:
http://www.aquadutch.com/English.shtml

  As part of the Boat Show deal, we got an 2-stage, 12V, air pump that
inflates and deflates the boat quickly.  The best part about this is you
set the pressure you want and the pump stops when reached.  I would
definately recommend one of these pumps.

  We use a 20 yr. old Suzuki 2HP, air cooled OB, and find that it pushes
us along just fine around anchorages here on the Chesapeake Bay.  At about
25Lbs, it's a one-hander for an old gaffer like me.  The 17" tubes are a
must for windy days to keep the water in the Bay and out of the boat.  The
up-turned bow also contributes to a dryer ride.

  We are very happy with this boat made in the Netherlands.

  Warren & Pattie Updike
  C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
  Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
  Chesapeake Bay




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