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Fiberglass or Aluminium Tender RIB?

Discussion in 'Tenders & Dinghies' started by Ron Cardoza, May 18, 2019.

  1. Ron Cardoza, May 18, 2019
    #1
    Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

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    Hi,

    I'm looking at getting either a Walker Bay generation 11 LTE which allows for a 30hp engine and is made out of fiberglass bottom or a Highfield 360 CL Delux (new one is beautiful with diamond upholstery) which allows for 40 hp engine but is made out of aluminium. Both Hypolon RIB. Anyone with experience with either fiberglass vs aluminium?

    Also like the Zodiacs 360's which also allows for a 40hp.

    Thanks!
    Last edited by a moderator: May 19, 2019
  2. Ron Cardoza, May 18, 2019
    #2
    Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

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    sorry here's low res pics

    Attached Files:

  3. Pascal, May 19, 2019
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    That wide black vinyl is going to Be very painful in the sun... WB diamond patterns use black edges not on the seating surface.


    And personally I hate the raised helm seat, sooner or later a phone,towel etc will end up in the drink
  4. PacBlue, May 19, 2019
    #4
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    As far as the diamond upholstery goes, it looks like a pain in the a— to keep clean, too many nooks and crannies to take care of. An over designed detail for sure.
  5. Pascal, May 19, 2019
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It a not bad. Our WB 450 has it, gets a lot of use and no worst than other vinyl
  6. Ron Cardoza, May 19, 2019
    #6
    Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

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    I never thought of the black vinyl. Good point. would it really get that hot? as for the raised helm seat. are you talking about the high field or the 11 LTE as they both are raised?
  7. Ron Cardoza, May 19, 2019
    #7
    Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

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    good point. do you think it would depend on the stitching thou?
  8. Ron Cardoza, May 20, 2019
    #8
    Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

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    I think the difference here Pascal after looking at your 450 is that the size of the diamonds on your boat are much larger and might be easier to maintain as there would be less of areas that dirt, oils, etc can settle into and also the stitching I believe might make a difference.