True Kit Dinghy Test

As regular viewers will know we lost our old dinghy so went on a search for the best replacement.
We wanted something that was good quality, that was light and good value. We're really happy with our choice, the True Kit Navigator.
If any of you are after a very stable, lightweight, quality dinghy then take a look, it's made of a new German material called Valmex thats good in the sun and unlike the very expensive Hypalon, can have the seams thermo welded. Hypalon can only be glued.
We tested the dinghy in Southern Sardinia, are those the clearest waters you've ever seen? It was like filming in a swimming pool!
Here's a link to True Fit if you want to see more... their Discovery model looks fun!
truekit.nz/
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svfairisle/?...

[@stevewhite791]

Nice dinghy mate.

[@SplashGuestHouse]

Great review we have had our Discovery now for a few weeks and are loving every minute .

[@simoneclarke5104]

Simone’s husband Paul here . Just found your channel, and watched this video . We are 56 and have bought a 22 foot Tanzer to learn to sail . We plan on selling our home and going full time in the next few years . It is so nice to find an older couple that is not young enough to be our children, lol . We will now bing watch your channel. Look forward to learning from your experience very much . Have a wonderful day and happy sailing , Paul& Simone

[@svfairisle]

Well best of luck, you won't regret it. See you out here sometime

[@ronniemaclellan]

Thank you for a very informative review, which persuaded me to order one today. Based on another of your thorough review, I will be powering the True Kit Navigator with an Epropulsion Spirit 1 outboard. Always enjoy your videos.

[@svfairisle]

Ha! well I should be on a commission!

[@NZL50505]

Can’t believe that living in Auckland / NZ I wasn’t aware of Truekit until I saw your vid. After seeing it I went to visit the showroom today and was seriously impressed by the quality of the boats, the accessories and thinking behind the design. And yes, the guys know about your review and it’s influence on people like me. I’ll be buying the 3m version of yours (the Navigator).

[@svfairisle]

Glad to hear it, you won’t be disappointed.

[@NZL50505]

I’ve ordered a 3m Navigator and expect to pick up soon. After all the build-up I hope I like it as much as I hope! Your video made me aware of TrueKit but it was visiting their workshop in Auckland which sealed the decision. Btw they are well aware of your channel & review!

[@sailingsom9737]

Nice review! Just what I needed to go to their site and order a "Navigator" ! Cheers Bert

[@Andre-hi9xn]

If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is that what is the proof of Aussies or Kiwis is good for me! Another factor, in the past they were just crazy, now they have crazy engineers too! And, the quality is now beautiful too! in short: excellent work Friends from the South, so far away the beautiful New Zealand!

[@svfairisle]

Yes our new folding seats are from Oz, 10 times better than the ones we bought in the UK.

[@Andre-hi9xn]

@@svfairisle The production is in NZ?

[@thalassaofipswichcorfu2840]

that's definitely on the list for me now. Very impressive

[@rickr5927]

Now I understand why you got this one all the way from NZ... nice !

[@nickmalone3599]

Great to see it goes back in the bag, cause that never happens.

[@thepigwillfly5869]

Great info....thanks. I order one of the 3M Navigators!!

[@colinunderdown1758]

After a review like that I would think that the True Kit company will look after you in the future 😉

[@svfairisle]

I'm hoping we won't need another dinghy for a few years yet! They've looked after us pretty well so far, got the dinghy sent very quickly then offered help when DHL customs in Spain messed up the paper work and wouldn't release it for a week. When we get to New Zealand maybe they will look kindly on us for a replacement!

[@springelkamp]

Just to be sure: was this a promotional / sponsored item? And compliments for your channel! A joy to watch, wonder and learn.

[@svfairisle]

Hi Coen - no this is not a promotion it is a test. We researched what we wanted in a dinghy and this what we found. As with our other test items, if things are not up to spec we will say so!

[@Valden23]

OK, that is an easier tender to get shipped to Spain from New Zealand than the one we baulked at - the Offshore Cruising Tender! They're at different ends of the market without doubt, but that's a good thing. Very, very nice and simply ideal for the electric outboard you're using. Excellent choices.

[@svfairisle]

Yes the Offshore Cruising Tender has got to be the ultimate in tenders if you can carry one. If I had a cat with davits I'ld definitely want one.

[@AncientMantis]

Brilliant info. Thanks.

[@kingneptune8937]

Very manageable.

[@christophecubier8326]

Hi Fair Isle. We are also looking for a new dinghy too. At this moment a 3D 2.50m Tender VIB seems to fit our requirements but I’m interseting to know more about yours and especially witch retailer in France. We have a 3.5 Mercury 4 strockes quit new. And once again thanks a lot for your very good and high quality videos...Enjoy Sailing !

[@svfairisle]

Ours comes from New Zealand, they may have retailers in France now I don't know, but it they said for us the best way was to send direct & it got to us in Mahon in 2 weeks, very efficient. If you want a light, strong dinghy I would say this is the best option, if you can cope with a heavy rib type then it will perform better, just depends on if you are set up for that. We're not.

[@tfre3927]

Your doppelganger is aussie actor actor Ben Mendelsohn ! Plays one of the baddies in Star Wars: Rogue One.

[@C_C_SEA]

Excellent!

[@dondevine5129]

Nice overview thanks

[@notrut]

Red handles are a good idea.

[@markjennings2315]

I have a very similar dinghy I bought in NZ. It is a Java with solid Ali floor boards and an inflatable centre keel bladder.

[@andrewmcconchie5431]

Looks good, thanks for the demo. No need for davits apparently...

[@svfairisle]

Davits are over-rated... apart from when you need them!

[@mikehurley5052]

Nice piece of kit that.

[@debdoyle119]

That looks great

[@waterboy8999]

Yeah, and so does the dingy!

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Nice video

[@RohanTheBT]

Looking surprisingly like an Avon dinghy I had in the 1980s!

[@svfairisle]

I had several of those & I guarantee you it was twice the weight & half as stable!

[@RohanTheBT]

Sailing Fair Isle I think it was an Avon 8 and it definitely didn’t go back in the bag!

[@thomasw5152]

Hello Steve and Judy- superb channel- I’m really enjoying it. Thank you. Steve- thanks for all the ‘technical’ videos- the honest reviews and details are really helpful. I’m in the process of getting an epropulsion spirit 1.0 plus motor and a 2.5m true kit dinghy after your reviews!! Would you recommend the short shaft or extra short shaft for the epropulsion motor? Thanks, Tom.

[@svfairisle]

I went for the short although the measurements say the extra short might be optimum for performance with that dinghy. I just wanted the option that if we got a hard bottomed dinghy at some stage we would need a longer shaft as the transom is always taller on those dinghys. Remember we use the dinghy every day so it will do well to last 3 or 4 years with the abuse it gets!

[@thomasw5152]

Thank you for the response- that’s really helpful and tallies with my calculations. Much appreciated. And I won’t be using it every day so all looks good for the long term. Thanks again and safe travels to you both

[@simoncousin3241]

That looks ideal for what you require ,some one has gained a dinghy/electric motor somewhere in the Med ,but you have replaced it with something far more suitable for your needs

[@judyaslett2]

Luckily the outboard was not on the dinghy Simon. Still got it

[@simoncousin3241]

@@judyaslett2 Now that was lucky :):)

[@davidswheatley-talesfromth1796]

The air-filled dinghy sides are called Sponsons, not pontoons. Pontoon definition, a boat or some other floating structure used as one of the supports for a temporary bridge over a river. Officially, a sponson is a feature on any watercraft that extends from the hull or other part of the vessel to aid in stability while floating.

[@svfairisle]

Thanks David I've learned something! (in my defence the manufactures refer to them as Pontoons! but you're right I looked it up) The only place I've heard of Sponsons before was the floats on a helicopter. The pilot said, one of the sponsons failed when we tried to land, glad I didn't know what it meant at the time!

[@davidswheatley-talesfromth1796]

@@svfairisle The word 'Pontoon' comes from the French 'a floating bridge' ie a 'pont'. :)

[@mckenziekeith7434]

Everyone calls them pontoons. Language evolves. It's OK.

[@z_actual]

cheers

[@grahamsmith4988]

Be sure to keep it on deck overnight or it might get nicked. Looks like a well designed item.

[@geoffrogers4296]

Helpful review and some great features - checked out the site for the True Kit 250 price came in at £1240 which is expensive when compared with quality tenders from say Honwave 240 with inflatable keel at about £850. I do however like the light weight and features like how the oars operate.

[@svfairisle]

I'm not familiar with the Honwave, but it's almost certainly PVC which is half the price of Valmex to buy so their material costs would be very low which will be why they can make the dinghy cheap. You have to work out if PVC is okay for your usage. If you're somewhere sunny it certainly won't be!

[@geoffrogers4296]

Sailing Fair Isle Enjoying your journey having returned to UK in 2018 from 5 years in the Med on a Najad 400 - your time in Cartagena, Ibiza and places like Cabrera. Honwave is the Honda brand for tenders.

[@waterboy8999]

I've got the 240 and it's great!

[@patrickward7671]

DETROIT MICHIGAN WELDER NOTICED THAT...SIMPLY BRILLIANT...LESSONS LEARNED ☆☆☆☆☆🤙⚓

[@marcelobatnoska9056]

excelent quality, i got an zodiac in argentine

[@charliemcgrain]

Make sure to put a line on that dingy seat. They are known for working lose and going over the side.

[@ltck.3679]

Hi Judy & Steve, thank you for the quite informative video about the new dinghy. Question: First time I discovered this cat-like dinghy system it was with Takacat, another NZL company. Have you considered Takacat as well or was the Valmex material the decider for True Kit, which is indeed at least 20% cheaper ...? Is your plan for the season to reach Greece? All the best, Petra & Kay, Cologne ,Germany

[@svfairisle]

Yes the Valmex was the decider for me. It's not a material I'm familiar with so I can't claim first hand knowledge, but it's had very good reviews and I've seen bad reviews (and personal examples) of high priced Hypalon that has failed at the seems so it seems like a good option. I wouldn't go for standard PVC in the sun. I will keep you informed!

[@andrewthompson2380]

One thing that may be helpful i have exactly same seat configuration on my dinghy what i do is tie it on to save possibility of losing it

[@svfairisle]

It doesn't seem like it would pop out unless the tubes were quite deflated, but I'll keep an eye, thanks.

[@sailingfix7700]

Been looking for a decent review on the TK 250 cheers ... its at the top of our short list, I just don't know how it will handle our 4hp yamaha 4stroke at 27 kg still trying to find some reviews or info on that ! Might shoot Rod an email and see what he says . Cheers guys we subbed gona check out some more of your vids ;-)

[@jayfigg7981]

Nice review - but even that tender won't last if it isn't tied on properly when you tow it!

[@johnpenson8801]

Excellent Video. Wish I had seen this last year. Pleased with my Zodiac 270 Aerodeck. Well built and will last a lifetime. But very heavy and cumbersome to lift and move. Also inflating and deflating quite a lengthy process.May sell and buy one of these. Made the same mistake with a 2.5 Hp Yamaha Outboard. Great reliable outboard but still heavy to lift on and off the boat. A small electric outboard like yours would have been a better choice. Easier to stow too!

[@svfairisle]

Yes when you don't have davits getting the motor & the dinghy onboard is a major consideration.

[@MaShcode]

Well designed especially the air valves. Did it come with an anchor? Cheers!

[@judyaslett2]

No we bought the anchor separately

[@josephsellarslesacelier2742]

great dinghy if i get a jeanneau 54 i d like to hav one

[@DeanColegate]

Thanks for the review, looks a good bit of kit! Just so I can judge the scale, which length version did you go for? Thanks.

[@svfairisle]

Yes sorry I should have said in the video, it was the 2.5 meter model

[@gretchenhartke2300]

Hey Steve and Judy! Wondering how the True Kit is holding up. We're in search and are intrigued by your review.

[@svfairisle]

Yes extremely happy with it seems very robust & we haven’t even had to pump it up in 6 months!

[@tonymaloan]

what electric engine/battery do you use please, notice it was planing ?

[@svfairisle]

It's an Aquamot electric outboard, I have done a test on that. I will be updating some information though as there may be some issues.

[@jamshedsethna3428]

Could not the floor be also used as a paddle board ?

[@svfairisle]

It would be quite short and Minus a skeg, but if True Kit ever want to make a long thin dinghy they sould add a slot for a skeg, good idea you should patent it!

[@seaonDeltaLady]

Nice review. Hope it gives you years of service. Perhaps a little rope ladder tied on to ease climbing aboard from the water?

[@johnbeard5001]

Can you please tell me how you secure your dingy and motor when leaving it ashore, love the videos thank you John

[@svfairisle]

We have (or had, it got lost with the old dinghy) a pvc coated thick wire with two loops on the end I got off Amazon. Usually there's a ring or a post you can loop it through and the I padlock it with the same padlock that locks the outboard to the dinghy so that the outboard is locked as well as the dinghy. At the moment I'm using a section of old ss anchor chain, but it's a bit overkill so I'll get another wire.

[@johnbeard5001]

Sailing Fair Isle thank you just about to buy dingy for my boat in France but because of theft was worried about leaving it when ashore asking as many people as possible how they secure, also do you put your SSR number on it stay safe all best John

[@svfairisle]

John Beard We don’t but it might be a good idea to engrave it somewhere so you could identify it if it were stolen. We don’t put our boat name on as if your render is tied up on a dinghy dock somewhere with the name on you’re just advertising that the boat is just sat out at anchor probably with no one on board. If you do come across some good solutions do let me know!

[@shanslam1970]

What a lovely bit of kit!!! Because it's so good does that put it at risk of being nicked if you go shopping?

[@svfairisle]

Thief's usually target outboards, I suppose they're easily resell-able. But yes always a good plan to lock uo your dinghy. We have a wire with loops in both ends, or actually at the moment a chain because we lost the wire with the old dinghy! This gets passed through a mooring ring or tree or whatever and padlocks through the locking point on the transom of the dinghy along with the engine.

[@mchaves7663]

thanks for the video, which electric motor do you have running on the dinghy?

[@svfairisle]

It’s the ePropulsion Spirit Evo, by far the best electric motor out there, we had a different make before this one but sent it back it was so bad. Electric motors are great if you don’t need to go fast just but the right one. I have done a test video of the motor if you’re interested

[@svcablebay8715]

What electric motor have you got there? Have you done a review of it before, if so could you post a link to that please? Good channel guys with a good point of difference from the others.

[@svfairisle]

Yes we’ve done a review... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGSvl3ugqrl-frM. It’s a good strong motor, they’re an Austrian company been making electric Inboard motors for decade but just started with outboard so there are some design flaws to be ironed out. See in the video, the kill cord was rubbish, the red bot of plastic broke week 2. Also the gator on the tiller arm won’t stay on the engine mount, hopefully they’ll sort these things.

[@harleysoltes]

How does the True Kit row. We like to row in addition to the use of Torquedo. We saw you rowing a bit in the video but wondering what you think after having it a while. We are likely to buy the 3.0

[@svfairisle]

Well no inflatable is going to row as well as a solid dinghy, but the Truekit comes as close as any inflatable I've tried. The row-locks are a good design, lock in well and the oars car be left in and have velcro straps to stop them flapping about and more straps to stow them in the body of the dinghy if you want them tucked away. We have broken a couple of theses straps on ours though, the only thing we've worn out

[@Sailing.Bon.Vivant]

did you consider the true kit tactician. To me the kayak form seems like it would glide through the water better. Might row easier for instance.

[@svfairisle]

No I didn't see that one when we first looked, they just had the version with the open front. Looks good though

[@craftgunner]

Click on Sailing Fair Isle link, choose most up-to-date video, click thumbs up, watch video. Check.

[@claussalt4140]

It was F-F7 and heavy rain on the Solent UK last weekend but with 3reefs in the main and 2/3Headsail we had a great time sailing the tides. Can you tell me a little more about your electric motor? I’m sorry if I’ve missed an episode on this. Could you reply with a link?

[@svfairisle]

This is the link to the Aquamot test. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGSvl3ugqrl-frM Just keep in mind I was right when I said the kill cord mechanism wasn't great, it broke 2 weeks in. And the gator has come off the tiller & wont stay on. They have a few teething problems with the peripheral design. The engine itself is very strong, they've been making inboard electric motors for decades.

[@2musiclover534]

Liked! So this is the 2.5 meters and both of you fit no problem with buoyancy? May ask what motor you have there in hp, and how fast do you get at top speed? Thanks.

[@svfairisle]

The motor we had then was an Aquamot, but it was not good in fact we sent it back when it developed a problem. We now have an ePropulsion with is much better. Rated at 3bhp it doesn’t quite get us on the plain but it’s for an electric outboard it’s fast, vey light and can take you about 8 miles on one battery which is excellent

[@TarasKalapun]

Nice review! I was in that anchorage a week ago :) Where did you buy the dinghy in Europe?

[@svfairisle]

It was sent from New Zealand. Took 3 weeks, would have been quicker if Spanish customs hadn't mucked up their paperwork and held it for 10 days!

[@lungarotta]

@@svfairisle May I ask you how much did you spend for the shipping?

[@svfairisle]

@@lungarotta Yes it was just under €200 in the end. Spanish customs first said there was no import duty, then changed their minds. They gave me 3 different amounts on the 3 different times I tried to pay and they failed to process it, I think they just make up a figure so it's just a lottery!

[@darrenstarling3975]

How is the new dinghy in a straight line? I had a Mercury (re-badged zodiac) aerodeck that I thought was okay, until I replaced it with a cadet 240 with a composite hull; I discovered that I could actually row straight.

[@svfairisle]

Yes it the best dinghy to row that I've had for sure. You have to slot the star shaped oar lock in the right way around though (with the slot perpendicular to the pontoon) I got one wrong the first time & couldn't understand why it wasn't rowing well.

[@darrenstarling3975]

@@svfairisle Be wary of Patreon, they have lost the right to backdate changes to their agreements. From what I have read, Patreon may be entitled to use your money held by them to fight their case. Please investigate and find an alternate if concerned.

[@dcbourbonireland]

@@darrenstarling3975 WOW will pass that on . Beware the euro it's looking to be in free fall as it is only about ~15 % share of the money market probably will become RIP soon. It is turbulent times

[@chunkychinn]

Did I hear you say that your outboard was battery not fuel? How long before each charge and what the speed like? Thankyou

[@svfairisle]

Yes it's an Aquamot, there is a review on the channel. Speed is better than most electric outboards but not quite enough to plane, they do now make a bigger 1.8 version which is supposed to be around 5hp (it won't be in real life!) but there are many advantages to the electric. Range is a couple of miles, you need a spare battery really for proper work. Again they now do a larger (double capacity but same physical size) battery which would be really usefull.

[@lizcampbell8419]

Hi we are trying to decide between a 250 and a 300 just wondered if you find you have enough space for two in it and if you have tried longer distances with 2 on board and a bit of kit. Thank you

[@svfairisle]

We find the 250 plenty big enough for two with the usual kit and occasional 4. No harm in having the 3 meter version though, we just couldn't fit it on deck.

[@lizcampbell8419]

@@svfairisle thank you for your quick and helpful response. 👍

[@user-od1dt3sd8h]

how does the dinghy handle 1 meter seas? How fast can it go? My cheap roll up dinghy will do 14.5 knots with my 5hp outboard but I want to go faster.

[@svfairisle]

It’ll handle 1 metre seas okay not sure about speed as we only have the ePropulsion which is a 3hp equivalent. Sounds like you’re looking for a hard bottomed dinghy with a 10hp or more engine

[@user-od1dt3sd8h]

That'd be nice but my sailboat is small and can't accommodate anything that doesn't roll up. I think I'll probably get one of these with a 6hp outboard:-)

[@bboystretch7788]

Can you provide some info on the electric motor. Thx

[@svfairisle]

The one we had at the time was an Aquamot, to be avoided at all costs! We sent ours back and asked for a refund as it broke after several months of use and their after sales care was shocking. We now have an aPropulsion which is excellent in every way.

[@simontaylor3492]

Steve, Judy, I am really taken with the TruKit and looking at a 250 too. Their FAQ says folded size of the boat is 80x60x25, plus the floor seperately. My locker has a 26cm opening. Realistically, does it easily fold down to 25cm, can you measure yours next time you stow it? Much obbliged if you can.

[@svfairisle]

I'll give it a measure when we next stow it, might be a while though. I would say you might be able to squeeze it in but having done that you will probably not get it out without someone being in the locker to squash it down!

[@simontaylor3492]

@@svfairisle Thanks Steve, that was my concern too. But also thinking that I "might" have the option to roll it up into quarters rather than fifths (or what ever it is, but 1 less roll) so that it is not as deep.

[@stevegould9452]

Would be nice to have a cost comparison please. Steve

[@mikehurley5052]

Price is on their website if you look. 1300 usd for the 2 meter

[@svfairisle]

Well I can tell you the Highfield Ultra light that we looked at in Palma was almost 3,000 Euros, (and despite the name certainly wasn't light!) the True kit was 2,000 NZ dollars which is just over £1000 A bargain I would say!

[@alexbrenan6084]

Hi! We are looking to source the 2.5m in Europe (Greece.) May I ask where you bought yours from?

[@svfairisle]

Ours came direct from New Zealand

[@kenotoole4658]

@@svfairisle Did you have to pay import duties and taxes?

[@svfairisle]

@@kenotoole4658 yes it came into Mahon In Minorca so we paid an import duty, It wasn’t much though, about £50

[@Mmmyess]

Thanks for the review. Having recently read "Adrift - Seventy-six days lost at sea" by Steven Callahan and Sailing Uma having recently posted a video about their life raft and the hull of Beau and Brandy's boat having cracked at sea, the question arises: What kind of life raft and emergency exit plan do you folks have?

[@svfairisle]

We have the standard stuff, self inflating life raft hung on the stern rail for instant deployment, grab bag by the companionway with essentials (we would grab the Epirb and the portable VHF as well, both mounted by the hatch. But best to put effort into boat maintenance that means there is much less chance of sinking in the first place. 99% of these disasters are a failure of a through hull or stern gland or a fire because of a fault, not the dramatic hitting a shipping container out at sea or being pitchpoled by a 50 foot wave!

[@Mmmyess]

@@svfairisle Thank you for the reply! I imagine you're right about the cause of most disasters. Callahan said his wooden boat -- which he made himself, for better or worse -- was likely struck by a whale. Or maybe it was just a piece of crap ("...rubbish."). Beau and Brandy's boat, which they bought for less than US$3,000, had two hull failures as you suggested. Speaking of pitchpoling...can monohulls pitchpole? I get the feeling it's strictly a cat/trimaran thing.

[@svfairisle]

@@Mmmyess Yes mono hulls can pitchpole, Susie Goodall pitchpoled her Rustler 'Starlight' during the last Golden Globe Race, so did Jean Luc Van den Heed, (also in a Rustler36) but he came through with just some mast damage at the spreaders and went on to win the race! Strong boats can take a lot.

[@Mmmyess]

@@svfairisle I remember Goodall being rescued but didn't know she (or Van Den Heede) had pitchpoled. It's borderline miraculous that both sailors were inside their boats' cabins when they each pitchpoled. Rather than attempt to continue a discussion about the subject here (with 32.5k subscribers, I appreciate your responses!), I hope you'll add pitchpoling, the use of drogues/see anchors, righting capsized boats, surfing monster waves, jury rigging (does the term come from sailing???), etc., to your list of future video subjects. To paraphrase an oft-used expression among motorcyclists: Keep the keel side down! Cheers!

[@Happ465]

Did you find the True Kit tracked well. After all it has no keel of any kind.

[@svfairisle]

It’s fine with the outboard, not great to row though but better than some other flat bottomed dinghys. I think the raised floor means the pontoons act a big like keels.

[@returner323617]

Looks like a good choice, and will work out well for the two of you on Fair Isle. What's the situation like in Sardinia..? We'll be chartering there in seven weeks and it would be interesting to know what it's like. Normally, of course, late July would mean high season and hordes of people...

[@judyaslett2]

It is amazing! We were in Porto Pino for a couple of nights. The clearest water i’ve seen in the Med and just one or two boats. Loads of space. Have a great holiday.

[@andersjakobsen9906]

What kind of motor can you have on here??

[@svfairisle]

It's an Aquamot.We did have a review but I've taken it down for the moment. We will have an updated version out soon after a year of use. It has the potential to be a great engine but there are some issues we are now discussing with them to see if they have rectified. Watch this space.

[@snakeplisken4278]

Did you get the 2.5m or 3.0? How is it holding up in the sun? Also what electric motor are you using there?

[@svfairisle]

We got the 2.5, it's holding up great & we have abused ours a lot. The outboard in the pic is an Aquamot, don't buy one, they're rubbish. If you want electric the ePropulsion is the best out there.

[@Mr.Alia63]

This great could please make a video about your future sailing plans after the easing of the lockdown

[@judyaslett2]

Yes we are. We are currently in Sardinia on our way to Venice

[@Mr.Alia63]

judyaslett2 ok safe journeys all the best

[@andrewpease3688]

Hypalon dinghies are heavy, so they tend to get dragged up beaches instead of lifted negating the advantage of extra durability.

[@claywebb8199]

Looks like a wise choice - on paper. Has it lived up to your expectations or have real world conditions revealed flaws? What length is it?

[@svfairisle]

Yes it’s been 100% for us, we lost the seat but that was our stupid fault lifting it onto deck in 35knot winds while we were at anchor, if flew like a kite! Something to watch out for with a light dinghy. Ours is the 2.5m vrn

[@claywebb8199]

@@svfairisle - try asking them for a replacement FOC. I’m sure they would have picked up a few orders from your glowing review. I just priced one up, the freight cost to Europe is crippling!

[@SpyridonMouroutsos]

:)

[@1olad]

Nice review! You said you pumped it up to 3 respectively 9 psi, but I think you meant bar?

[@svfairisle]

No it is PSI. 9 bar would be around 130psi, or about 6 times the pressure of the average car tyre... that would be some serious pressure!

[@1olad]

@@svfairisle maybe you mean another kind of psi but the psi that I know is pounds per square inch, for which 9 psi would translate to half of atmospheric pressure, which is a (weak) vacuum 🤔. Just curious what you mean then 😅

[@PaulBKal]

Olaf Heckert 9 psi (yes, pounds per square inch) is very high pressure for inflatable dinghies. 2 or 3 psi is quite normal for the pontoons. Remember, it’s high volume, low pressure.

[@ashleyweston5420]

@@1olad Thats 9 psi above atmospheric pressure and therefore not a part vacuum.

[@kevinh7985]

Hi, we are considering buying this dingy once it is no longer out of stock. Are you still satisfied with the purchase? We are also have the same question regarding the motor. Cheers

[@svfairisle]

Dinghy yes, engine NO! The dinghy is excellent, can’t recommend it enough. The engine is good on paper but in use you’ll find it’s not up to the job and the customer service from Aquamot is non existent, so avoid at all costs. We are about to get an ePropulsion outboard which I’ve only heard good things about and so far have been super helpful on the phone. We will test it in the spring.

[@benwilliams174]

Nice dingy how much did it cost

[@svfairisle]

Just over a thousand pounds

[@svfairisle]

Just over a thousand pounds

[@maldwindrummond6158]

I have been shopping for a lightweight dinghy, and have been hesitating between the cats (True Kit/ Takacat) and monos like Frib or OC Tender. Having already owned a cat, I am familiar with the stability advantages of cats and I think this review has just convinced me of the superiority of the True Kit over Takacat. I would love to have an OC Tender, but it is much better to be able to deflate a tender on passage. I was particularly impressed with your ability to repack it. Did it work on the first try? I have a Torqeedo 1103, equivalent to 3 hp. How does that compare with your motor? I have room for a True Kit 300, do you think the extra stability would be worth the extra hassle? I look forward to your updates. Many thanks, Maldwin Drummond

[@svfairisle]

I couldn't give a proper comparison between the Torqeedo and the Aquamot because I've not used the Torqeedo, I was put off the Torqeedo because the ones that I had seen on the water seemed to have an annoying high pitched whine from the gearbox, I don't know if thats a fair assessment of all of them? Like wise with the Takacat, I've not tried or even seen one so I can only compare on paper and my assessment was the True Kit is built from better materials which is why I went for it. The TK300 is only 5Kg heavier so if you have room for it and could use a bigger dinghy then its probably a good move. It has 2 seats I think which is always nice.

[@malcolmwhite7064]

Big question is HOW MUCH was it?

[@svfairisle]

The price is on thier website 2000NZ dollars, which is just over £1,000

[@malcolmwhite7064]

Sailing Fair Isle Fantastic. Thank you for letting me know. I will check out the web site. Love the videos. Very informative, one of the best out there. Would like to know a rough idea of dates of when you are in certain places as my wife and I , similar age to you guys, are just in the process of trying to find a replacement boat for our 311 Beneteau and want to tour the med. It’s interesting to know how busy it is at certain times of year. Last question, sorry, do you have a marina berth somewhere or to you just keep the boat wherever you are for a few months if you take a break.

[@ianmoulding2992]

I am surprised you air freighted a dinghy half way round the world just to access a few features. There are a lot of dinghy for sale closer to Minorca.

[@svfairisle]

Yes and none of them are made there. Almost all airfrieghted half way around the world from China! I'm all for buying local but that cant happen in places where things arn't made.

[@ianmoulding2992]

I think they probably come by sea!

[@sharkygamer6617]

This one is also made in China, sold in NZ

[@svfairisle]

Sharky Gamer it’s designed in NZ, made in China, sold worldwide.

[@thomasescape3002]

In my opinion the tacacat is realy better and glide with less power.

[@petersmith8134]

Those Kiwi's are very clever.

[@sharkygamer6617]

Peter Smith yes, super clever made in China , sold in NZ

[@petersmith8134]

@@sharkygamer6617 Designed in NZ. Almost everything designed in NZ or Australia is made in China. So sad really.

[@andy2222able]

He says it rows well, but it doesn't look like it. While rowing, if you mistakenly hit the air outlet, your done. Better off with a Portland Pudgy. Sails, rows, motors, lifeboat use. . No need to blow it up, or watch it deflate.

[@svfairisle]

There's a screw in cap that goes over the valve, no chance of deflating by accident! Hard dinghys have their place, but not as a tender to a cruising yacht. I dont want anything strapped to my deck while crossing oceans.

[@sharkygamer2236]

Made in China, sold in NZ.

[@jeffcourish600]

Clearly more of an advertisement than a review. I assume you were compensated in some form. If so, I think you should be upfront about that. If not, I take it all back.

[@svfairisle]

It's just a review of what I think of the dinghy. The dinghy does exactly what it says on the tin, it is very stable and extremely light which I why I bought it. It's made of Valmex which is the material I wanted for the reasons stated and it has some nice features which I pointed out. If it had bad features I would have pointed them out too. If you watch the Aquamot outboard video, which is the motor we are using, I did find several things I didn't like with the design of the motor so pointed them out. I was right, too, as one of them, the kill cord which was a cheap piece of plastic, broke within 2 weeks. Since then the tiller arm gator has come off and won't stay on; that will be reported in the next episode. Likewise, if anything goes wrong with the dinghy it will be reported. Manufacturers do offer discounts to sailing channels knowing their products will get exposure but only the ones that believe in their products will do so, at least with us, because there is no deal on what we will say. We only want the best products on Fair Isle and they are all products I have researched and selected. We have never just taken offered products on board.