Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

Sam Holmes tests the Excelsior 3.3-meter carbon fiber dinghy after two months of cruising use, comparing it directly against a RIB.▶ 1:31 The dinghy is vacuum-infused carbon fiber, built in Estonia, weighs approximately 54 kilograms (120 lbs), and arrived in a custom Rescue Boat orange gel coat.▶ 1:14 Key advantages over a RIB: far greater storage via semi-watertight under-seat lockers, superior stability, four people on plane with a 15-horsepower Enduro outboard, better planing at lower speeds, improved rowing glide, and no risk of punctures, valve failures, or seam separations — a real concern for remote cruising.▶ 2:12 The through-bolted handles outperform glued inflatable handles, and a slider drain plug with check valve allows self-bailing on plane and draining while on davits.▶ 3:11 Noted drawbacks include a fender strip that replaced the inflatable tube's all-around protection (the Velcro attachment failed and required contact adhesive), a shallow sump with no false floor that pools rainwater, a drain positioned forward of the hull's lowest point, and slightly reduced maneuverability when docking.▶ 4:57 Holmes compares it favorably to the OC Tender on price and practicality, and recommends the 3.3-meter over the smaller version for anyone who can fit it.▶ 13:21 For long-term cruisers, eliminating dinghy maintenance and replacement outweighs the loss of the inflatable tube's cushioning.

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

A great catamaran sunshade solution May 2026Breaking stuff offshoreApr 2026Venomous snake onboard! We hit a reef exploring the Andaman Islands & Scuba on a giant shipwreckMar 2026Sailing with a stop to get our advanced scuba ratingMar 2026

From Sam Holmes Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.