Below are suggested items for a 4‑6‑person crew that meet the requirements you outlined (limited budget, modest speed, redundancy, Caribbean use). All prices are approximate and can vary by retailer, location, and optional accessories.
| Item | Description | Approx. Weight* | Approx. Cost (USD) | Typical Speed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 ft inflatable dinghy | Sea Eagle 14 (or similar 14‑ft inflatable RIB) – 4‑person capacity, durable CSM‑coated fabric, inflatable floor, carry bag. | ≈85 lb (dinghy only) | ≈$2,300 | ≈4–5 kn (≈4.5–5.5 mph) with electric motor | Sea Eagle 14 |
| Electric outboard | Yamaha Harmo 2.0 kW (≈2.7 hp) electric outboard – lightweight, quiet, suitable for dinghies up to 14 ft. | ≈30 lb (motor + battery) | ≈$1,500 (motor) + ≈$500 (Li‑ion battery pack) | ≈4–5 kn (≈4.5–5.5 mph) | Yamaha Harmo on West Marine |
*Weight is for the hull and motor; add about 10 lb for a small battery pack and fuel (if any).
| Item | Description | Approx. Weight* | Approx. Cost (USD) | Typical Speed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19‑20 ft Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) | Zodiac 6.0 Open (≈6 m) – open deck, capacity 6‑8, stable platform, suitable for offshore‑type operations. | ≈350 lb (hull only) | ≈$11,000 | ≈20 kn (≈23 mph) with 2 × 9.9 hp outboards | Zodiac 6.0 Open |
| Outboard engines (2×) | Yamaha 9.9 hp (4‑stroke) – reliable, lightweight, good fuel economy. Using two provides redundancy and improves top speed. | ≈55 lb each (≈110 lb total) | ≈$2,400 each (≈$4,800 total) | ≈20 kn (≈23 mph) combined | Yamaha 9.9 hp Outboard |
*Weight includes hull and both motors; add a small fuel tank (≈20 lb) and gear.
Why two engines? In Anguilla and many Caribbean locales a vessel heading offshore is required to have two independent propulsion sources. Two smaller outboards give redundancy, keep the CG low, and can be serviced independently.
| Item | Description | Approx. Weight* | Approx. Cost (USD) | Typical Capacity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6‑Person Liferaft (canister) | Revere 6‑Person Liferaft (ISO‑approved, SOLAS‑type) – packed in a compact canister, includes survival kit, boarding ladder, and painter. | ≈55 lb (including canister) | ≈$3,200 | 6 persons (adults + gear) | Revere 6‑Person Liferaft |
*Weight includes the canister and internal packing; the canister is designed to be stored on deck or in a dedicated locker.
All of the above items are widely stocked in the US and can be shipped to the Caribbean (often via freight forwarders). Prices can fluctuate with season, exchange rates, and any optional upgrades (e.g., a higher‑capacity battery for the electric motor, or a heavy‑duty trailer for the tender). It’s a good idea to add a small contingency (≈10 %) for shipping, customs, and any required local permits.
If you need further details—such as mounting hardware for the outboards, battery‑charging recommendations, or how to stow the liferaft on the platform—just let me know!