3D Tender 280 VIB AIR Review - Boat Review

[@MOTOUK1]

How do you know you have pumped up enough as no gauge on foot pump ?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, you don’t really, if I remember correctly the pump is .3bar and 1 bar with the small plastic piece out but the tubes are .25 and something like .8 or .9 for the floor. You can buy a gauge but we just tend to pump it up and go. I let a little out on really hot days. I did have a gauge for a rib I had and I was about right with the pressures on that. Just under solid on the tubes and firm for the floor! That’s all I can say really.

[@esyladnas]

nice review, can you note what size shaft you have on the epropulsion outboard? Thank you!

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, We went for Short rather than Extra Short - That was the recommendation from the supplier with anything that had an airfloor. As it happens this dingy sits out of the water slightly more than the last one so I think that was good advice. When coming into shore, you can really run the engine right up to the beech and the same in reverse as you're not worried about cooling or trying to get the thing started. Great for things like that. ⛵

[@paulfox1756]

Great review, thanks. Just come across your channel for the electronics but I am also looking to replace my tender this year. Have you had any issues with puncturing the hull?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi Paul, welcome aboard ⛵️The tender has been fine so far. I was a little unsure at first as the material is light weight, however the floor seems really solid and we beached it several times now with no issues at all. The only thing that’s happened is the neoprene cover changed colour on the side that gets more sun really quickly. The advantage though is that we can pick it up and carry it up the beach with ease and it’s really dry in a chop.

[@paulfox1756]

@@BoatingwiththeBaileys thanks for your reply... It sounds like the cover is doing its job and acting like a sacrificial strip! Lol... My tender goes on davits so the wieght sounds perfect for me! 👌

[@tbo2120]

I’ve got this boat. I use a 9.8HP, have had 4 people on it and hit 20mph last week with 2 of us on it. Impressive boat. One of the best I’ve owned.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Yeah, really pleased with ours. I bet that does go well with a 9.8 on the back. Have you got the neoprene cover on it and how is it holding up in the sun?

[@granularSodacan]

Statute miles or nautical miles?

[@paulmear8353]

Do you think the tubes are tough enough to last a few seasons?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi Paul, I was a little unsure at first but yeah I don’t see why not. The neoprene cover will protect the inside and anywhere you sit/use and the floor will catch the rest which seems really quite strong. It’s no Honwave but then its not as heavy as one.

[@paulmear8353]

@@BoatingwiththeBaileys thanks, I’ll take a look at the 3d to possibly replace my old (very old) hyperlon Avon.

[@Zippy0George0Bungle]

How far around the tubes does the cover go please? Does it Velcro on above the rubbing strake on the outside? Just wondering how much of the tubes it protects, as these lightweight tubes can be prone to damage.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

They Velcro above the rubbing strip. The tube material here is thin, however the floor sticks out below the tubes and is thinker and it has a central strip of additional material. I know what you are concerned about and I do also share that concern a little. If you went over something sharp etc

[@Zippy0George0Bungle]

@@BoatingwiththeBaileys Thank you. I’ve seen the standard air model (with no covers) get torn on quay side barnacles, like a hot knife through butter, literally just wrote it off whilst it was tied up at the quay. Makes me nervous that the material is just not strong enough, and sounds like the covers don’t go down the sides enough for my liking. I guess you get what you pay for here?

[@nickpm3273]

They list this as Valmex Melher PVC, however are these hot seam welded or glued

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, I believe this model is glued

[@martinauguy6598]

Max hp ? Please

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, 10hp max