[C320-list] [C32Hi Larry:0-list] Newport Inflatable Boats

[kskis at aol.com]

Please someone correct me but my impression is Hypalon is a necessity in tropical climates but quality PVC is as durable except for UV resistance.  I recently purchased but still haven't use the Azzurro Mare AM330 made by Saturn, in PVC, made in S.Korea.  I liked the idea that the seams were heat-sealed.$1278 including shipping cost.  Most will choose a smaller than this one at 11 feet.  Neil Kornblatt, Harmony #973


-----Original Message-----
From: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sat, Sep 26, 2020 10:04 am
Subject: Re: [C320-list] [C32Hi Larry:0-list] Newport Inflatable Boats


Hi Larry:

Generally, you get what you pay for. My experience is that coated PVC inflatables aren’t as tough and durable as those made of Hypalon, which is the industry standard. That’s why they’re half the price.

Personally, I’ve had great experience with Achilles. I have the 88 with a wooden floor, which sells for about $1,800 at Defender. Yeah, Hypalon is pricier. But I’ve scraped against piling barnacles and rocky beaches without a worry. An Achilles I owned on a previous sailboat was 15 years old and going strong when I sold it.

I view my inflatable as my life raft for coastal sailing. During our late winter/spring trips, we might go 30 or 40 miles offshore at times while running down to the Keys. So I didn’t worry about the extra dollars when buying the Achilles. 

Your use may differ, and a PVC boat may be fine for your purposes. If so, I think I would spend the bucks for Zodiac. It’s the big name, and the company has been making boats well for a long time. The Newport web site doesn’t say where they’re made. Its listed sales rep all seem to be inland.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.








Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Larry Frank
Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2020 9:26 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Newport Inflatable Boats

Does anyone have any experience with Newport and if so can you recommend them?  They seem to be a few hundred less that West Marine and Zodiac with similar features.

 

Larry

WindSwept

1995 C320#246