On 6/10/2020, at 7:48 PM, Mohammad Shirloo <mshirloo@...> wrote:

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099

On 6 Oct 2020, at 07:47, Mohammad Shirloo <mshirloo@...> wrote:

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099

Am 06.10.2020 um 08:47 schrieb Mohammad Shirloo <mshirloo@...>:

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099

Hi Aty & Mohammad,

Hope you guys are doing well with this COVID situation – I am not sure when I can get back to the boat in AUSTRALIA but I don’t think it will be before Q2 2021.

Although you asked about the HIGHFIELD just wanted to share since I know you appreciate (very) high quality stuff. 😊

I had 5 tenders in 18 months – 2 of them were HIGHFIELDS; I will save you the story.

Best dinghy, bar none, is the Offshore Cruising Tenders. They are located in NZ and only custom build. Expensive but, in my opinion, well worth the extra $$$$$

https://octenders.co.nz

Best Regards Teun

AMELIT – A54 #128

October 6, 2020 07:12:44

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of Mohammad Shirloo via groups.io
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 23:48
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Tender Amel 54

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099

Hi Mohammad, Hi Aty,

Hi, here my personal ranking in quality:

--
Arnold
SY Zephyr SM203

My PVC dinghy suffered and expired in the Caribbean and we were recommended Highfield which we bought in hypalon. Pleased with it although no longer in the Caribbean. If headed there, most cruisers fit ‘chaps’ which IMO are worth the expense ( also an engine ‘chap’). Hypalon seems to be the best choice for tropical climate. 


Ian

Ocean Hobo SN96

North Wales

Hi Mohammed & Aty,

Hi Teun;

Nice to hear from you. We’re in the same “boat”. Have not been at the boat since October 2019 and hopeful that 2021 season will not be affected by COVID.

Which model of the offshore cruising tender did you end up with and what do you feel are the advantages over the inflatable ones?

Hi Aty & Mohammad,

Hope you guys are doing well with this COVID situation – I am not sure when I can get back to the boat in AUSTRALIA but I don’t think it will be before Q2 2021.

Although you asked about the HIGHFIELD just wanted to share since I know you appreciate (very) high quality stuff. 😊

I had 5 tenders in 18 months – 2 of them were HIGHFIELDS; I will save you the story.

Best dinghy, bar none, is the Offshore Cruising Tenders. They are located in NZ and only custom build. Expensive but, in my opinion, well worth the extra $$$$$

https://octenders.co.nz

Best Regards Teun

AMELIT – A54 #128

October 6, 2020 07:12:44

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of Mohammad Shirloo via groups.io
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 23:48
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Tender Amel 54

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099

Mohammad,

Same here – 2020 completely shot as far as sailing. I wouldn’t be surprised if even Q2 2021 is optimistic for AUSTRALIA as I believe they will first have a 2 or 3 months travel bubble between NZ and OZ before even contemplating opening to the rest of the world. Even when that happens I wouldn’t be surprised travel originating from or coming via USA to be getting “special” attention/rules. ☹.

I got the OC350 = 350 centimeters with the Delta panel; ladder; beachmaster wheels (absolutely fantastic); AMEL color coordinated burgundy rub rail; nav lights etc. etc.

They also have a full Carbon version which I did NOT order and I believe, since recently, a sailing dinghy.

Advantages:

1. Karin and Russell are SUPER, SUPER, SUPER nice & easy going but highly professional people; a pleasure to work with.
2. Very high freeboard; meaning ladies (and you) will not have a wet butt on arrival for lunch or dinner in the marina and/or your groceries will remain dry in choppy waters.
3. Holds a lot of people and cargo
4. Really planes extremely fast with only 15HP outboard; even with 4 adults on board. In fact OCT strongly discourages any outboard bigger than 15HP.
5. Weight is only 48kg – was one of the main considerations especially after experiencing problems coming back from a nice & relaxed dinner at night on low tide and having a hard time getting the dinghy back in the water. Especially when you are old, feeble (hahahahaha) & alone or with a female companion.
6. Lots & lots of (out of sight) storage
7. Comes standard with 2 seats which also double as PFD’s
8. Comes standard with 2 paddles; stored out of sight.
9. Outboard tank and dinghy anchor can be stored (out of sight) in the bow under & around the bow compartment (open net) with a special vertical net to keep it there.
10. Very effective anti-skid material on the railing, floor, bow etc.
11. Comes with Dyneema bow & stern hook ups/points custom designed & placed for your davits.
12. They can make custom adjustments if you require.

Disadvantages:

1. Expensive
2. Waiting time as custom made & to order ONLY. They don’t build “inventory” boats.
3. Having to ship to your destination – they will handle for you as long as you pay 😊
4. Did I mention expensive???

But absolutely worth it – I think, after having had 4 dinghies within 18 months before the OCT, I am qualified to tell the difference. BTW – the very first dinghy, which was on board when I got the boat, I loved the best as long as I was on anchor but just didn’t make sense to have on the boat during passage: a brand-new (6hrs) old, huge HIGHFIELD center console with 50HP HONDA outboard. Total listed weight 295KG while the davits are rated for 300KG. I suspected the 295KG listed weight for the dinghy to be w/o the 35 liter gas which would have put it well over the rated 300KG for the davits.

Check the OCT website and, in case you order, pls say hi to Karin for me.

Best Regards Teun

A54 2009 #128

October 6, 2020 10:01:32

Hi Teun;

Nice to hear from you. We’re in the same “boat”. Have not been at the boat since October 2019 and hopeful that 2021 season will not be affected by COVID.

Which model of the offshore cruising tender did you end up with and what do you feel are the advantages over the inflatable ones?

Hi Aty & Mohammad,

Hope you guys are doing well with this COVID situation – I am not sure when I can get back to the boat in AUSTRALIA but I don’t think it will be before Q2 2021.

Although you asked about the HIGHFIELD just wanted to share since I know you appreciate (very) high quality stuff. 😊

I had 5 tenders in 18 months – 2 of them were HIGHFIELDS; I will save you the story.

Best dinghy, bar none, is the Offshore Cruising Tenders. They are located in NZ and only custom build. Expensive but, in my opinion, well worth the extra $$$$$

https://octenders.co.nz

Best Regards Teun

AMELIT – A54 #128

October 6, 2020 07:12:44

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of Mohammad Shirloo via groups.io
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 23:48
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Tender Amel 54

We are looking for a new tender, as our existing 12 year old Zodiac Classic foldable with aluminum floor planks that came with our Amel, is starting to have some of the glue joints fail. It has been a great stable ride that planes with a 20HP with 4 people. We have been considering the Highfield line and will not be onboard prior to ordering, Therefore, we would appreciate comments on the following issues:

1. How does the CL310 or CL340 fit on the Davits?
2. PVC or Hypalon? We will most likely be in the Med for another 3 years and then onto the Caribbean. AT this point our ongoing plan is to continue sailing West. about 6 months every year.
3. Our existing 3.5 Meter Zodiac, does present some challenge trying to leave the dock, while Med Moored in a cross wind, if we have yachts at both sides. The tender is about 18-24 inches wider than the stern, therefore the bow on the tender can get caught in the stanchions of the adjacent yacht. In extreme conditions, we lower the tender and tow behind until we are clear of the dock and then bring the tender up on Davits. Does anyone have a better solution?
4. What is your general impression of the quality, ride and longevity of the highfield line?
5. What other tender lines have you used that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Mohammad & Aty
B&B Kokomo
Amel 54 #099