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Post by lateron on Apr 10, 2013 10:26:15 GMT
Hi.....this is not specific to Jeanneau but thought I'd put it out there in the hope of some opinions.
Just considering a new inflatable and torn between traditional Waveline type [2.3m] and the newer 3D light dinghies which have a lot of advantages in terms of packed up size and being really light weight [13kg as opposed to 30kg] bearing in mind my back isn't what it used to be.
Anyone any experience of the 3D ones, are they tough enough for normal going ashore use. My chandler swears by them.
Thanks Ron
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Post by Quiddle on Apr 16, 2013 21:24:41 GMT
I bought the Kinglight 2.5m in February and am less than impressed. Used it 3 times and the deck has punctured internally - I can only assume from my dog's claw. I've been in many other inflatables with dogs and never had this problem before. It also had a leaking valve when I received it which I managed to sort myself. It handles well under oars and motor and has good design features but the overall quality is not inspiring. The pump feels very plasticky and the footplate bends in use, the tube kinks easily and the bag is flimsy and I anticipate early failure.
Bearing in mind the Kinglight (grey) boats are heavier and supposedly more robust than the Superlight (black) I would be very wary of buying the lightweight model. I wish I'd kept my 25 y.o. Redstart now and foregone the pleasures of planing under o/b.
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Post by lateron on Apr 18, 2013 16:25:04 GMT
Hi pickled pig thanks for that. I'm going to have a good look over one and see how it looks/ feels etc. Other blogs on other forums suggest the black ones are quite decent in use but I take on board your experiences with the grey one and will be very circumspect. Did you try for any repair/ replacement from the dealer? Was it Piplers by any chance?
Cheers Ron
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Post by Quiddle on Apr 21, 2013 8:47:27 GMT
It was Piplers, who were very good. I didn't bother trying for a warranty repair as it was obviously mechanical damage and it was also easy to repair with the repair kit supplied. I also informed Piplers about the leaky valve in case the problem reoccurs but so far that's been OK. I agree the boat performs well on the water and I suppose it's what you want it for that matters. I'm on a swinging mooring and do a lot of heavy lifting of kit so the tender needs to be robust. If you want a tender just for going ashore of an evening (and everyone has their claws / toenails clipped :  then it might be what you need. Andy |
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then it might be what you need.