Mercury Inflatables Question

[itsjustme0770]

Hi all-

I am considering the purchase of either a Mercury Dynamic 310 or a Mercury 340 Ocean Runner. Both are Hypalon boats. The difference in price is not so significant that it matters to me. Both boats are new.

I will use the boat in Honduras for moving back and forth between some property I own and town on one of the bay islands. The water that I will be moving through is coastal (not intercoastal). I do have a much larger (26' modified deep v) boat for offshore fishing and movement where I need a larger capacity. The inflatable will be for quick trips and tooling around as well as a backup.

The boat will be used 2-4 times a year for a week or two at a time. Otherwise, it will be stored indoors.

So, what are the downsides of these boats, the manufacturer, etc. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bayman]

Re: Mercury Inflatables Question

Others know a lot more than I do for sure... Unless the weight of the boat is an issue I think you would be more pleased with the larger boat. The 310 just isn't all that big, though it is a very popular size. The 340 can take a 15 hp 4-stroke where the 310 is limited to a 9.9 outboard. Hypalon material has many fans though it does cost more than PVC. If speed is an issue the larger boat can probably go faster too.

If you could clarify...is not the 340 a RIB? I'm seeing that the 340 RIB Ocean Runner weight 165 lbs and the 310 Dynamic is 108 lbs. Depending on how you use it that could make a difference.

 

[itsjustme0770]

Re: Mercury Inflatables Question

Thanks for the response Bayman. Both are indeed RIBs. Given that this boat will spend its time in the Caribbean, I think that the Hypalon is mandatory. Speed is not a huge issue. Trip to town is about 4 miles and the chop can be significant, so we won't be setting any speed records either way. The weight difference, to me, isn't that big of a deal. I'll always have at least one other person to help me manuever the boat out of the water.

Hope that this clarifies and gives folks additional information for their thoughts.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Mercury Inflatables Question

Both are a good middle quality boats. The 340 would be my first choice for the reasons that Bayman mentioned.