Dinghy
The manufacturer EZraft has Super-light dinghy (YACHT test 14/2023) has been revised: Instead of three tubes, the new EZraft Q now has four. However, the two centre tubes have a significantly smaller diameter. This creates space for the feet when sitting on the side tubes. In the previous version, there were still three tubes and you sat on the centre one.
The new design means that water can still run off easily, as the cockpit is above the waterline and the stern is open. The material remains a polyester fabric which, according to the manufacturer, is as light as that used for kites. As a result, the EZraft Q packs very compactly and weighs just twelve kilograms. The paddles are still directly integrated and telescopic. The previous model in the test measured just 77 x 39 x 29 centimetres when packed, making it about the size of a medium-sized rucksack. No conventional dinghy could keep up with it. The bulkiest part is also the transom, which is extremely small on the EZraft, but was also too unstable for a (combustion) outboard motor. Another point of criticism concerned the curved seating position. The further development of the EZraft Q should eliminate these negative points. The narrower centre tubes allow the rider to sit upright and the mirror should now be more stable.
Thanks to the battery-powered electric pump, the EZraft Q can be inflated in just a few minutes without any effort at all. An optional bench seat is new. This was not available before, but was not necessary as there was no cockpit. Like the rest of the EZraft, the seat bench is made of extremely lightweight textile. It is stretched between the numerous grip loops on the side tubes.
Despite its lightweight construction, the EZraft is designed to be very stable and durable. This is ensured by reinforcements on the keels, where increased abrasion is to be expected during beaching. The connections are all sewn. Air chambers made of TPU plastic inside the Dacron tubes ensure airtightness.
The new EZraft is available in the sizes Q240 for €1,090, Q270 for €1,290, Q300 for €1,490, Q330 for €1,690 and Q360 for €1,890. Included are the super-light paddles, the battery pump, the seat, a repair kit and the transport bag.
- More information: ezraft.com
Ratchet block
Allen presents the Pro-Ratchet 40 a new ratchet block. The new aluminium disc is designed to provide more grip and therefore stop the line more effectively. According to the manufacturer, the lever for activating the ratchet is easy to operate even when wearing gloves. The 40-millimetre block is designed for a maximum line diameter of six millimetres and offers a safe working load of 180 kilograms. Allen states a breaking load of 600 kilograms. The block weighs just 84 grams. The block is also available in four variants for bulkheads from 81 euros.
- More information: allenbrothers.co.uk
Emergency motor mount
The company Inuwatec offers a Outboard motor bracket which can simply be attached to the bathing ladder. The dinghy drive is also designed to bring the yacht safely back to its mooring if the diesel fails. The construction is made of stainless steel, the motor mount is made of PVC. The bracket is adjustable and can therefore be adapted to many types of swim ladder. In an emergency, it is hung over the rungs of the ladder from above and then the outboard motor is attached. The bracket has to be adjusted once and should then be ready for use quickly. Price 200 euros.
- More information: inuwatec.com
