[C320-list] Newport Inflatable Boats

[Mark Calisti]

My 9.6 SeaEagle gave out after nearly 20 years at the start of last season. I was able to keep it that long as we often kept it on the hard protected from the sun just steps from the slip when we had the boat in NJ. Adding davits a few years ago and moving it down to Solomons, MD where it was exposed to the elements day after day, it only lasted a couple of more seasons. I had a cover, but it wasn't suitable enough during those really hot days and its age probably contributed.

Anyhow, back to your question. I bought a Delmar 9.6 for close to $900. I bought it during a sale and maybe received $100-200 off list. Thus far, it is pretty solid although we use it much less than when we were up in NJ. Compared to the SeaEagle, it much more aerodynamic with larger pontoons and I think a bit less beam for a better ride. We have a heavy 6 HP and I have no concerns about the transom strength, although I do remove it and attach to the stanchion when sailing longer distances. What would be nice is if Newport sold a cover that is just for the pontoons. The cover they sell would require cutting holes for the davit and it's a bit difficult to close up a cover like that after each use. I happened to email them today to see if they would add that to their product line.


Mark Calisti
#749
Solomons, MD

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2020 2:43 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Newport Inflatable Boats

If you sail year round in or near the tropics, you probably should spring
for Hypalon.   If you are up north I guess I'm skeptical that a well made
and thoughtfully constructed PVC dink wouldn’t hold up pretty well
considering the price difference.

We bought a WM fiberglass bottomed PVC RIB about 4 summers ago and so far
I'd give it a B-    My issue isn't the PVC, it's the poorly sealed transom
board that the paint is already blistering on and I assume taking on water.
  Sigh.  Fortunately we paid about 2/3 their normal price during a 4th of
July sale.

The Chinese dinks seem to be ok.  I know a lot of folks are buying the
Costco highfeilds and seem to be doing ok with them.   If I was using it
for an offshore safety boat I’d probably think twice about these soft
bottomed knock off dinks.

I guess those really cheap ones are otherwise fine if you don’t mind buying
a new dink every five years or so...they are pretty darn cheap.

FWIW

Troy Dunn
Hull #514