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Pros and CONS of Rigid Dinghies / Oc-Tender or ASTenders for cruising sailboats.

21 July 2025 · 9 min · 8K views

What this video covers

The AST tender, a rigid fibreglass dinghy, offers significant weight savings and durability compared to traditional inflatable RIBs. An AST tender weighs 47 kilograms, roughly half the 88-kilogram weight of a comparable 310 Cadet RIB from Zodiac.8:17 The rigid hull planes easily with a 9.9-horsepower outboard and provides efficient rowing performance.2:24 Unlike inflatables, the fibreglass construction resists UV degradation and eliminates the risk of punctures.5:30 However, the rigid design lacks the shock absorption of inflatable tubes, resulting in a harsher ride in chop.3:19 The dinghy also requires dedicated deck or davit space, as it cannot be deflated or folded for storage.4:23 Stability differs from inflatables, making boarding from the water more difficult due to the hull's tendency to heel when pulled.7:45 Additionally, the hard fibreglass hull can scratch the mothership's topsides and creates noise against the hull at anchor.2:24 These tenders carry a premium price, with the AST model retailing for approximately 18,300 Euro.8:26

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