Click for Mulder Click for MotorCheck Click for Burger Click for Cross Click for Nordhavn

Need Small Light Console Tender Recommendation

Discussion in 'Tenders & Dinghies' started by Ron Cardoza, May 7, 2019.

  1. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Needing recommendation on a tender that will fit my 50' prestige w/14'9" beam extended swim platform. I believe the max weight on the swim platform is 660 Lbs.

    I'm looking at a Walker Bay generation 10 LTE DLX w/30 Honda HP with integrated EPA fuel system and wondering if anyone has any feedback on this model.

    I've looked also at the AB 10 VSX. Also Brig Falcon 330 but that only allows for a 20hp engine and a bit tight. Ofcourse there are others but they are $18,000+ and out of budget.

    Also any recommendation on any other that is no more than 11' LOA and not to wide and under the maximum weight when wet and fully fuelled.

    Thanks so much in advance!
  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    We ve had a generation 450 for 2 1/2 years. Love it. I know that won’t fit in your boat but assuming the smaller generations are as good... it s a winner.

    The 15’ planes with 10 adults on board and the 75 Honda. Granted not all big guys but mix of men and women. Tons of storage.

    We use it a lot as we spend a lot of time on thenhook in the Exumas. I think we have 400 hours already. We do a lot of tubing etc. great design. I would really try to fit the 13’ version in your case

    Even though we re in Miami we got it from INflatable boat of Florida in Naples. Top service. They even picked it up here for free for a minor warranty repair
  3. Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    194
    Location:
    Door County, WI
    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
  4. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thank you for your recommendation. Glad you are enjoying your generation and yes I've been in contact with Inflatable boat of Florida. The weight of the larger sizes is an issue for my platform since the larger one would increase the weight by 76lbs and can only put 660lbs (and wet it's already near 600lbs with the 10 LTE size) on the platform so would surpass the limit. If I could put a larger one I would.
  5. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thank you for your recommendation and glad to hear you enjoy your 10 LTE. What type of chock did you install and are you happy with it? thinking of either the chock masters or UMTmarine or YRM or Sealife pop up chocks but hear pop up chocks may not be as supportive. Thanks!
  6. Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    194
    Location:
    Door County, WI
    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
  7. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thanks Max. Where did you get the custom cover made? Also thinking of getting a bimini top for it as well. did you put the 7' ray marine display on yourself or have dealer install?
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    We have the WB cover and it s heavy duty sumbrella. Pita to install though. I ve had my canvas guy do a sunbrella helm cover so we only use the full cover when the tender doesn’t get used for longer time which is rare

    To reply to your PM the stitching Max is referring to is a diamond pattern with black thread and black cushion edges. Looks great.
  9. Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    194
    Location:
    Door County, WI
    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
  10. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thank you Pascal! The boat doesn't get filled with water when it rains without the full cover?
  11. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    That would be great Max if you don't mind taking a picture of it I would appreciate it! Did you install a fuel gauge and/or other than the plotter/transducer?
  12. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    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.
  13. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Yes plug out whenever the dinghy comes up it s not just a wave under way but rain.

    Also it a not just a wave under way but i noticed that at hull speed in following seas some water splashes in. We ended up with quite a bit of water inside one time crossing back to FL. Turned out to the drain being clogged by debris. I added a second larger plug an 1” higher as a back up drain
  14. Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    194
    Location:
    Door County, WI
    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
    IMG_2554.JPG IMG_2553.JPG
  15. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thanks Capt J!
  16. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thanks Pascal!
  17. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Wow BEAUTIFUL
  18. Ron Cardoza

    Ron Cardoza Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
    Messages:
    74
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Hi Pascal and Max, Do either of you have a picture of the customer cushions w/diamond pattern with black thread and black cushion edges?
  19. Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    194
    Location:
    Door County, WI
    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. dinghy seat.jpg
  20. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,649
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    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.