tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post2820368625682817839..comments2024-01-30T22:21:15.700-05:00Comments on Cruising the ICW with Bob423: Alligator River Marina - Michael passes to the west of usBob423http://www.blogger.com/profile/09269810283567498286noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post-12571812492080983332018-10-13T10:51:57.886-04:002018-10-13T10:51:57.886-04:00Here’s the model I bought, the Hypalon 300
https:/...Here’s the model I bought, the Hypalon 300<br />https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1%7C215570%7C1794282%7C1794291&id=4298276Bob423https://www.blogger.com/profile/09269810283567498286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post-35010462003954165442018-10-13T10:36:09.990-04:002018-10-13T10:36:09.990-04:00John, it’s Defender's own brand. Defender is o...John, it’s Defender's own brand. Defender is one of the largest sellers of inflatables in the world. They carry all brands. The CEO of Defender designed their inflatable line based on what they found in returns. For example:<br />- they added large patches on the aft tubes to provide protection from boaters pulling their dinghy up on sand when beached.<br />- the tube to transom attachment points are heavily reinforced with a thick rubber mold. <br />- the rib models have a full length rub rail for protection when beaching<br />- there a roping around the perimeter of the dinghy which is very handy when you’re in the water and hanging on<br />- there are multiple attachment rings handy for clipping a line to from your boat or a dock<br />- the fabric is the best in the business, made by Achilles (Hypalon type)<br />- it's made in the same factory in China as Mercury and Zodiac inflatables.<br />- it comes with a pump that has a pressure gauge so you know how much pressure you’re adding.<br />- the three air chambers have over inflation relief valves so you can’t over inflate Ben if the sun comes out after a morning inflation.<br />My previous inflatable by AB had none of the above features.<br /><br />Features shared with my old AB include<br />- a rub rail although the Defender model has a much wider one<br />- a high bow although the AB does have a higher bow<br />- a dry ride although the Defender pushes the water out at a lower angle so it dies spray into the dinghy with a sideways wind as much as in my old AB<br />- a stainless steel tow ring attached to the fiberglass hull<br />- two tow rings attached to the inflatable part, port and starboard.<br />- AB has a 10 year warranty on loss of inflation, Defender and every other manufacturer has 5 years<br />- a seat comes with the dinghy and the Defender has attachment for a second seat.<br />- AB had a double floor so it’s completely flat, the Defender has a single floor as do almost all new inflatable models. It’s flat enough for me.<br />- a repair kit<br /><br />The Defender model is about $1500:less than AB and about $500 less than equivalent models from Mercury and Zodiac. You would not believe how it comes packed. It’s crated with furniture grade wood (to pass European requirements, no insects). The dinghy is hung by straps inside the crate so it doesn’t run, it’s encased in plastic and bubble wrap. Then it’s also inside it’s own firm fitting dinghy cover with a zipper. Once out of that, there a big plastic bag that has to be removed. <br /><br />I’ve inflated it once in the summer, zero air loss, I’m happy. I can plane with a 5 ho motor with Hoolie aboard.Bob423https://www.blogger.com/profile/09269810283567498286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post-38462893608773516222018-10-12T18:52:03.313-04:002018-10-12T18:52:03.313-04:00Hi Bob
What is the brand of that inflatable fender...Hi Bob<br />What is the brand of that inflatable fender you have there ? <br />John<br />s/v Aimlesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00762455289251742075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post-90394276625482023212018-10-12T17:54:24.294-04:002018-10-12T17:54:24.294-04:00We anchored there for one night, went to Spring Co...We anchored there for one night, went to Spring Cove Marina firv2 during the storm and are anchored again. Might stay until Sunday cuz the forecast for tomorrow doesn’t look good and we’d like to get to Fishing Cove. PLUS-we are in love with these condos-we might take a look at one tomorrow. Always thinking!! We LOVE. This place! Janice Roehrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17184396222432284742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post-16629152605183701022018-10-11T19:54:20.758-04:002018-10-11T19:54:20.758-04:00Janice, are you at the Holiday Inn anchorage?Janice, are you at the Holiday Inn anchorage?Bob423https://www.blogger.com/profile/09269810283567498286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849386655963437560.post-9331021712475185322018-10-11T19:46:22.177-04:002018-10-11T19:46:22.177-04:00Watching carefully from Solomon’s. Don’t want to g...Watching carefully from Solomon’s. Don’t want to get into Carolinas too soon. This is a beautiful place to hang out though. Janice Roehrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17184396222432284742noreply@blogger.com