Need advice, Mercury or Walker Bay????

[doral270]

We are in the market for a new inflatable and are down to choosing between two models, including the Mercury air deck 270 and Walker Bay odyssey 270 air floor. I am not very familiar with the walker bay boats and would appreciate some insight into quality and how they compare to some of the other manufactures out there. The Walker bay hypalon is a very attractive price at $1200. I also have a lead on a demo 2007 mercury 270 air deck hypalon for $900, which has been used less than 5 hours. We will be looking to use a 9.9 hp 2 cycle outboard. THe Does anyone have any thoughts on either of these models? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Need advice, Mercury or Walker Bay????

The Walker bay hypalon is a very attractive price at $1200. I also have a lead on a demo 2007 mercury 270 air deck hypalon for $900, which has been used less than 5 hours. We will be looking to use a 9.9 hp 2 cycle outboard. THe Does anyone have any thoughts on either of these models? Thanks in advance.

Both are reputed old boat Companies. Choose beteween best performer or price.

The Odyssey 270 has the advantage of having 1" more in tube diameter and 2 separate air mats that forms a single V deep keel, Mercury has flat air mat with inflatable keel. For any of both models, will need a high pressure pump if you want to perform as expected, buy a presure gauge and inflate sib to max recommended tube, V keel, air mat presures, check owner's manuals.

Inflatable air mats (plain or deep V) will rock a bit no matter how well they are inflated compared to alum or wooden floors, it's portability versus ridgidity, it's the nature of the beast.

If budget and space is not an issue, would recommend to buy larger, same models in 3.10 / 3.40 meters, will perform much better with a 9.9 engine than on smaller 2.70. More fun boat/engine to both 270 toys

Happy Boating

 

[doral270]

Re: Need advice, Mercury or Walker Bay????

Thanks for the info. I actually had to settle on a Walker Bay 270 AF I found on Amazon brand new for $800. Couldn't refuse the deal. I also have a new 9.9 mariner 2 cycle on the way for it as well. Too bad we have about 4 months before we can see how she performs.