Sam Holmes Sailing · video

Hva denne videoen dekker

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.

Mer fra Sam Holmes Sailing

Hundreds of miles of rough sailing only to be turned away from our dream destinationokt. 2026Making big miles offshore sailing through Indonesiasep. 2026Orca sighting! we repair one daggerboard only to break another onesep. 2026Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island sep. 2026

Fra Sam Holmes Sailing – se kanalens båt, mannskap og alle analyserte videoer.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

Én e-post med flåtens beste funn – øyeblikkene, båtene og historiene som er verdt din seertid. Skriv inn din egen adresse for å få din egen kopi.