Dinghy recommendations for use on the 360 Express Cruiser

Chuckvec

We just bought an EC 360.  We have the standard swim platform with Hurley H20 davit system.  What size and type dinghy would you EC 360 owners recommend?  Anyone have experience with the Highfield aluminum bottom dinghys? We are considering the CL290 with Hypalon tubes with an 8Hp Honda short shaft.  Any input would be appreciated.  I know this is a matter of personal preference, but we have none yet!

Black_Diamond

Just my .02 here: the pull on style davits don't like the deep v type bottomed RIB's like the AB brand at least. 

Hypalon is worth the upgrade if it fits your budget for sure. Depending how you want to use the dinghy, 8hp is on the low end for a 9'-6" RIB. 15hp is way better once you start adding people and stuff in it. 

Black_Diamond

Mercury RIB's have a lower profile too.

I have a Hurley H3O and love it. 

Chuckvec

thanks for the info.   We will continue to evaluate our options.  I noticed in all the Hurley videos, they were inflatable bottom boats, lighter and easier to pull onboard.

Chuckvec

Thanks for the feedback everyone, we went with a Highfield CL290, Hyperlon.  9'6 length. We opted for a Honda 6.0 HP outboard, based on weight alone.  I did not want to have to lift the 8.0 or 9.9 engines. Looking forward to checking it out on the river!