Need Small Light Console Tender Recommendation

I have the Generation 10 LTE and love it. We installed a freedom lift on the boat and although they say the lift can carry 800+lbs, given the smaller size of our boat (42 Tiara Open) and conditions that we run in fairly often, I wanted to find a light weight console dinghy. Our Generation 10 LTE weighs 597lbs wet with the 30hp Honda. It makes 26kts with 2 adults, planes fine with 4 adults and the console is large enough that we put a 7" Raymarine display in it. I would also suggest Inflatable Boats of FL. We have known Nathan, they guy that runs it, since he was in high school (from WI and had a boat detailing business when he was a kid). He regularly commutes between Fort Lauderdale and Naples as his girlfriend lives in FLL.

Max

With the freedom lift, there are adjustable bunks attached to the arms that came with it so I didn't need chocks. I've met the owner and used chockmasters a couple of times and was very pleased with them. I would definitely stay away from Nautical Structures as they were a nightmare to work with when I was ordering parts etc for a boat that I was helping take care of.

As far as the dinghy goes, I would definitely suggest getting the LTE not the ultra light version of it (if they still make it). Even though it weighs 30ish extra lbs, the integrated fuel tank, bow step with nav light etc are definitely worth it. After seeing the seats on the dinghy Pascal purchased, I also had Nathan include the custom stitching on the seats as it looks great. I opted to have a custom cover made as I the one that was available from Walker Bay wasn't overly impressive.

Max

Hi Ron,

I had the cover made by a local canvas shop. I'm currently getting snowed on in Denver for business, but should be back at the boat Saturday and can snap a pic if you'd like. The guys at IBOF installed the plotter and transom mounted transducer. The plotter we used was a Raymarine ES7.

Max

You leave the drain plug out. Actually I leave the plug out ALL of the time when it's on top of the platform......One big wave over it and swamping it and it's a ton of weight on the stern and swim platform.

I stopped at the boat for a quick second when I flew in on Saturday. Pics of dinghy cover below. I was pleased that we didn't need to install posts etc to shed water. It is secured with compression straps/hooks that fasten to the dingy rub rail and 2 snaps on the transom. It has stood up fine to windy days etc however I don't generally run with it on as the one time I did (25kt winds on the beam, 29kt boat speed) it was getting some air under it and made me nervous. If I were to do it again, I would likely either add a few removable straps that further secure it and/or remove some of the excess material around the edges to make it less susceptible to wind. I may also have the canvas guy that made it sew in a "half moon" zipper that would give me access without having to remove the entire cover.

Max

This is the only one I could find on my phone. I'm traveling again until next week (unless I can get out of it earlier). If Pascal doesn't have any others, I can snap more pics when I go back to the boat late next week.

IMO, weight and leg room in a small RIB is what I advise my customers to watch for.
AB and others have the glass insides that are only for small people.
Please consider alloy RIBs with open console and seats.
Great weight savings and leg room.