Does anyone out there have any suggestions for a very small light tender? We are in the BC coast (lots of barnacle beaches) and are looking for something very light and small. We're looking at West Marines' inflatable "Mini Dingy"...could anyone give me a review on it? Also, is there and abrasion resistant self adhesive fabric (I'm thinking kevlar or carbon fiber) to apply underneath for protection from those barnacles?
Maybe something hard would be better suited for your purposes like the 110 Boston Whaler (There are actually many hard 8-10 foot dinks), or one of those fold-up boats or even a couple of ocean kayaks.
i don't know how small and light you mean, but search this page and you'll find a lot of different versions: http://www.nauticexpo.com/cat/motor...ts-rib-s/inflatable-boats-tenders-AB-872.html the smallest listed starting at 6 foot
Common problem and a number of local inflatable manufacturers here offer even small (around 2m) tenders with aluminium hull sections that survive the beaching abrasions well enough. Other advantage is their much better tracking and therefore ease for rowing/powering. When deflated they are a small package really. Should be something similar available in Canada as all good ideas are copied tout suite.
