East Marine/Godiac Tenders?

[Sadey]

Saw these tenders at the FLIBS and wondered if anybody had any experience with them. They are an aluminum hull tender. They have a tractive pricing but is that because they’re a new company or inferior boat? We’re shopping for a tender for our boat that lives in the great lakes. We have been shopping the used market for a 13’-14’ tender but obviously there’s a shortage of good quality used ones. I’d rather not spend the money for a brand new one if I don’t have to.

 

[dottieshusband]

I hate to use the term, "cheap Chinese knock-off", but really.. Godiac... like Zodiac.. The 390 looks nice and well priced, the "but" is .. reserve for $1,500... would it ever show up??

 

[Sadey]

I believe they are made here in SoFlo, West Palm. We plan to visit the shop. Their FB page says You can sea trial them. So we will see.

 

[dottieshusband]

Keep us posted. They look like a value, and Suzuki or Tahatzu engines have good reputations.

 

[Sadey]

The motors are the only part I’m not crazy about. Plus we are in Wisconsin so there’s that.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

The motors are the only part I’m not crazy about. Plus we are in Wisconsin so there’s that.

I love my Suzuki on my Highfield.

 

[dottieshusband]

I wouldn't be surprised if those dinghys are made by the Qingdoa Haohai boat company in China. They have a quite similar model.

 

[dottieshusband]

https://www.facebook.com/1081825725323099/posts/1885431791629151/?app=fbl

 

[Captain Ralph]

Interesting. The FB page has plastic boats with stainless hardware. The OP has alloy boats with alloy hardware. The tubes do look close but 2 steps vs 1 step on the aft tube ends in comparison also.
I would be interested to talk directly with a local sales rep on the plastic RIBs.

 

[dottieshusband]

If you go to their website, you'll see the aluminum ribs.

 

[cww]

I have been seriously looking at one of these. I don’t mind the engines, since the early 90’s I’ve had suzuki outboards and have found them to be top notch.

 

[Sadey]

Well for me this was all for naught. We bought a 2019 Gala A400 yesterday. Thank you for the responses though.

 

[JD5652]

I'm also in the dinghy market in the 13 -14 foot range and this also looks like an attractive option for me. I particularly like the fully rigged weight.

Anyone else considering these?

Anyone else visit the facility and/or sea trial one of these?