portager
Senior Member
I'm searching for a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to use as a dinghy for our trailerable trawler, Osprey. We need a minimum of ~750 lbs of payload (3 people ~600 lbs, a 10 HP outboard ~105 lb, and a fuel tank). I plan to use a Seawise davit to carry the dinghy crosswise on the swim platform at sea. However, I don't want the dinghy broadside to the wind at Interstate speed, and it would block the primary access route to the boat on the trailer (we plan to stay onboard during multi-day trips for boat security), so my plan is to recover onto the boat trailer, deflate the sponsons and put the RHIB in the bed of the truck for overland transport. Therefore, the collapsed length must be <8 feet. Osprey has an 8.5-foot beam and since I don't want the dinghy protruding more than a few inches on each side, a length of 8.5' to 9" would be ideal.
I have looked at many RHIB options, but most are too large. So far, the best option I have found is the Highfield CL260 which has a length of 8'6", a max payload of 794 lbs, and a package size is 7'3" x 3'6" x 1'5" (LxWxH).
The Highfield CL290 has a length of 9'6", a max payload of 1058 lbs, and the package size is 8'2" x 3'6" x 1'5" (LxWxH). Which is too long for the truck bed.
I wondering what Highfield users' opinions are of Highfield RIBS, and also if someone could recommend an alternative that would stow in an 8' pickup bed and possibly provide higher payload capacity.
I have looked at many RHIB options, but most are too large. So far, the best option I have found is the Highfield CL260 which has a length of 8'6", a max payload of 794 lbs, and a package size is 7'3" x 3'6" x 1'5" (LxWxH).
The Highfield CL290 has a length of 9'6", a max payload of 1058 lbs, and the package size is 8'2" x 3'6" x 1'5" (LxWxH). Which is too long for the truck bed.
I wondering what Highfield users' opinions are of Highfield RIBS, and also if someone could recommend an alternative that would stow in an 8' pickup bed and possibly provide higher payload capacity.