Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

[Richard B]

Hi, I'm looking at buying a maxxon inflatable boat offshore sport, ma series (360 al), but don't know anyone that owns one of these. I'd be interested to hear from anyone that owns one of these, or any boat from the maxxon range - how reliable are they, durability any problems etc etc. Any feedback appreciated!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Maxxon is a PVC fabric boat with a three to five year service life. It is considered to be at the bottom of inflatables along with most other PVC boats.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

PVC boats have an bad reputation from years back when the seems delaminated. New adheasives and better processes have resolved this problem. Sun is a long term problem, but even this has been improved with better UV inhibitors in the material.<br /><br />I personally think they maxxon is a good bag for the buck and should last a long time. When not in use, cover it and you should be fine. <br /><br />I do not sell any boats so there is not ax to grind here.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Consider the previous post from INTERNETOUTBOARDS as one manufacturer badmouthing a competitor. That is always bad form, so shame on you. <br /><br />I had a Maxxon 270 air floor for 4 years, but it got stolen. That boat was like new when it disappeared, and it spent 365 days a year on davits on my swimstep. No workmanship or materials problems at all, and it was light and maneuverable.<br /><br />I liked it so much that last year I bought a Titan (same boat, different label)300. After one summer, I can say I like it as much as the 270, plus it's even bigger.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Mike P,<br /><br />We do not sell or market inflatable boats so you are dead wrong. At one time I was the largest retailer of inflatable boats in the state of Florida and we sold over 11 different brands. The majority of which were PVC. I like PVC boats, they were great for our repair business. They are usually cheap and will last up to ten years up north where they do not get the UV that we get.<br />I can not understand why someone with such limited knowledge about a subject, like yourself, would run off at the mouth about this. If anyone should be ashamed it should be you.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

If it's to hang on a Bayliner, fine, if you're going to use it, check out an Achilles or similar hypalon inflatable. You get what you pay for......

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

INTERNETOUTBOARDS, in your first post you said they were cheap inflatables that will last 3-5 years. In your 2nd post you say maybe 10 years. Limited knowledge? I have actually owned two of these boats, and subject them to constant use throughout the boating season. How many Maxxons have you owned? Ashamed? Not me. I answered the poster's original question and you didn't.<br /><br />Luna Sea, nice comment Have you ever actually been on a Bayliner 305? Quit being so elitist.<br /><br />There is a reason PVC inflatables outsell Hypalon boats. They serve their purpose well, stand up to moderate use and represent the very best value for the money. Hypalon boats are great, I boat with lots of people who own and love em. But they are overkill and unaffordable for many boaters with smaller boats.

 

[bayman]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

While I'm not an expert on these, from what I have seen the PVC welding and so forth has improved these boats. While the PVC nowadays seems pretty good, many still prefer the Hypalon material. Hypalon of course carries a hefty price tag as previously mentioned. With either type of inflatable though, I would recommend covering them to keep them looking good for a long time. Even though the UV protection has improved, dirt, birds, and leaves are good reasons to keep them under cover.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Stratocaster; <br />If you want that maxxon to realy handle well, put a set of ST781-20 Smart Tabs on it. You would be amazed.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Thanks for the tip, John. A friend has SmartTabs on his Novurania, and they really do work.<br /><br />My Titan/Maxxon will plane in calm water with my wife and I aboard, with only a 5hp Merc. SmartTabs would, I'm sure, allow it to plane in all conditions, not just calm.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Mike P,<br /><br />You are a real piece of work. First off you denigrate me and lie about my motives. Worse you do not have the decency to admit you were wrong. Secondly I said PVC fabric boats can last up to ten years in climates with low UV. I did not say that a Maxxon would last ten years. Most PVC fabric boats fall apart by year five or six. Zodiac, considered the best of PVC fabric boats usually go a full six years today. Mercury PVC boats average about five years. Maxxon and most of the rest are not bad boats. They are value rich if you consider cost versus service life. But, that is not what Richard B asked. He asked about durability and reliability. That's why I answered the way I did. Maxxon has very few warranty repair centers in the U.S. compared to other brands. It is what we, inflatable boat repair centers, call a disposable boat. Five years and then you throw it away because it is not worth repairing. As to why there are more PVC fabric boats sold than Hypalon...that's easy. Price! Hypalon is far superior to PVC in every respect except weight. <br /><br />I would strongly urge you to buy another Maxxon. I think that you should also have all your friends buy one too. I'm sure, that in time, they will thank you.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Whoa big fella! Take it easy!<br /><br />OK I admit I was wrong about you selling inflatables...now. You said you have in the past. But I stand by everything else I said, and you have twisted the rest of it around so much that I don't even understand it.<br /><br />Suffice it to say that there is nothing wrong with Maxxon inflatables and they likely will serve the original poster's needs just fine.<br /><br />Piece of work? Is that a compliment?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Mike P,<br /><br />That's the problem. You don't have enough product knowledge to understand why you are wrong. I've repaired a few Maxxons. They are on the same quality level as most Korean PVC fabric boats. IE LOW. But, because of their low cost, they can still be cost effective for some people. That's why we used to sell hundreds of them each year. Are they durable? No, not compared to Hypalon fabric boats. Are they reliable? No, not compared to Hypalon fabric boats. Would I sell them if I was still in the inflatable business? Yes, based on price alone they have a place in the market. Would I sell you one? Yes, in your geographic area they could last up to ten years. Would I tell you that it was a great boat? No, because it's not. Would I sell one to my next door neighbor? Yes, and I would tell her to throw it away it 4 to 5 years when it starts to fall apart. What you do not seem to be able to understand is that, compared to anything other than a PVC boat, it's marginal. I'm happy that you think they are great. But what ticks me off is your personal attack on me. You ran your mouth and you were wrong. I would never have attacked someone like that. I have never bad mouthed a competitors product...even when they are crap. And if you will go back and read my original post, I did not attack Maxxon either. I merely said what the expected service life would be and where it fit in with other inflatables in the industry. It's no better or worse than most PVC inflatable boats. And no, piece of work, is not a complement. You are a little too smug for me. You might try learning a little more about a subject before you criticize anyone else. You will just end up embarrassing yourself further.

 

[Richard B]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Hi all,<br /><br />Thanks for all the replies - very helpful and I guess backs up pretty much what I've been told. Internetoutboards and Stratocaster - no need to get so worked up! I appreciate your comments. The maxxon would be my first boat - not used as a tender, but primarily for diving and some light fishing. I am aware of the benefits of Hypalon, and would love to own a Zodiac, but the price here is approx 50% more (for a comparable zodiac compared to maxxon). I look forward to any other replies, if anyone has anything further to add.<br /><br />By the way - the boat would definitely be well looked after, and remain in a shed when not in use, so out of the sun. Having said that, all going to plan, I don't intend to have it in the shed much - too much diving to do!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

If someone slandered you I bet you would be a little ticked off too.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

If you feel slandered, I apologize. And I'm sure a Maxxon salesperson would also feel you slandered his boat. <br /><br />Read your first post in this thread,<br /><br />"Maxxon is a PVC fabric boat with a three to five year service life. It is considered to be at the bottom of inflatables along with most other PVC boats."<br /><br />That's it, end of post!<br /><br />That's all you said, but now of course you've come back and filled in the blanks. If you had done that at first, I wouldn't have jumped on you. Sorry I did, but you can sort of see why.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

I was gonna stay out of this, but I searched for Maxxon yesterday, sold with Sevylor boats on one site. My search was "cheap inflatables". Plenty of Maxxon hits. Based on that, I wouldn't consider this a dive boat. You're gonna throw tanks and weight belts in there? I'm pretty frugal with my money, but I seldom, if ever, throw good money away on anything that's referred to as cheap, low end, or crap. I want something that holds some value, looks nice, and maybe even turns a few heads.<br /><br />When I was shopping for inflatables last year, I actually returned the first 2 I bought, but that's another story, fortunately the dealer was a nice guy. For the record though, I asked why the Zodiac (pvc) was selling for more than the Achilles (hypalon). He told me I was doing the right thing, buying hypalon, and the only reason Zodiac was more was because they've had 3 price increases in the last 3 years, and something about the EU/dollar thing was also mentioned. Achilles prices have remained stable.<br /><br />I'd reconsider the Maxxon thing, you're in the wrong forum if you're looking for good reviews on a cheap product/boat.

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

I am looking to purchase an inflatable to replace my 13 year old Z131 (PVC, Made by Zodiac) I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Zebec inflatables? They are made by the same factory that makes Sea Eagle and Star inflatables. I have looked them over and they seem very well built, with additional reinforcement in areas that are known to be issues as far as wear etc. I've been happy with the Z131, but have a chance to sell it off at a good price, so it's time to hunt up a replacement....<br /><br />Any input?<br /><br />Cheers, <br /> Snow.<br /><br />Here is the Canadian website: http://www.zebeccanada.com/Products.htm

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Richard – hopefully you are still monitoring this thread …<br /><br />If you are looking for a dive boat, definitely get a hypalon inflatable. Pass on all PVC boats. The comments about improvements to the weld and increased UV resistance is true. Started about 10-years ago. Nonetheless, you can still consider a PVC boat as a disposable boat for ‘normal’ use. A couple years ago I bought a 4-year old, like new, hypalon tender from a guy with a 46-ft sailboat. He had to replaced his Zodiac PVC tend when it fell apart just a couple years into a 6-year cruise. This is a common story among sailboat owners with PVC tenders.<br /><br />I can state as fact what was said above about dealers liking to sell PVC inflatables because the boats equate into repair business in short order. It is absolutely true. It’s the same on the West coast. I have repaired enough inflatables to last two lifetimes. A PVC boat will NOT hold up for long if used as a diving platform. Hypalon will.<br /><br />PVC inflatables have their place. Unfortunately, that place is not in heavy or frequent use, of for extended periods in the sun. If kept in a cool, dark place and treated gently, a PVC boat will last a long time. If you are sliding weight belts, tanks, decompression bars, etc over the tubes, hypalon is the only material that will hold up to the punishment. With PVC you will forever have to baby the tubes, be careful about abrasions, don’t slide stuff on them, keep the sun off the tubes, etc.<br /><br />To give you some idea of the difference in quality, we also have an 18-ft Avon rib that is used as a diving platform. The hypalon tubes are 30-years old this year. A long time ago I attached extra D-rings, handles, lines to the tubes and all kinds of diving junk goes over those tubes, hangs off of them, etc. Having to worry about the tubes just isn’t an issue with hypalon.<br /><br />You should also know there can be differences in hypalon between manufacturers, and between product lines of a manufacturer. Some is thicker, more layers, more industrial/heavy-duty. But even the lowest grade of hypalon is satisfactory for use as a diving platform.<br /><br />Edit:<br /><br />

Achilles prices have remained stable.

Achilles are made in Japan. Excellent hypalon boats. The industrial line with aluminum floor panels are a little wider and make some of the best diving platforms. Zodiac was launched into the spotlight by Jacques Cousteau in the 70’s, popularity and price followed. Fwiw, Zodiac used to be a hypalon boat back when Cousteau was using them. Hurricane is the trade name for the hypalon boat made by the Zodiac folks today. I think I read something recently where Avon (British) has been bought by the folks that own Zodiac. Avon is an outstanding hypalon boat, and an excellent survival raft. Novurania (Italian) is probably one of the finest hypalon boats. Maybe a little too pretty to jump off of, expensive, too. Other good hypalon boats, all form Venzuela, are: AB, Caribe… I forget the name of the third one.

 

[Richard B]

Re: Maxxon Inflatables - anyone have experience with these?

Thanks Rabbit, I'm definitely still following the post - I am going to outlay a bit of coin here, so am interested in the feedback. Thanks for your input! I appreciate all you guys taking the time to share experience - hopefully it'll save me in the long-run...<br /><br />I am now definitely leaning towards the zodiac. In NZ, we don't have a large choice when it comes to hypalon inflatables. Avon and Caribe are sold here, but more expensive and less widely-used than zodiac. I haven't come across achilles? Zodiac are probably the most widely available and used hypalon boats.<br /><br />One further question for you all. A major consideration with this boat will be use without a launching ramp. We have a large amount of water accessible by car, but without launching facilities (typically the best dive/fishing sites!). We want to be able to carry boat, motor and gear across beaches to launch, hence staying down at 3.6-3.8m length. I figure I can also easily carry a 15hp motor, but the next step up is 25hp - I've tried lifting one of these in the shop and can do so, but doubt my ability to carry it across soft sand/shingle beaches (a 25hp motor weighs around 50kg, or approx 110lb).<br /><br />Have any of you had experience with 15hp on a 3.4-3.6m inflatable? My main concern is, will we actually get it on the plane with 2 divers, dive gear, and a boatman? Interested in your comments!<br /><br />Thanks