We have often had emails and letters from folks who read the chapter Cost Conscious Cruiser about how we converted Cheeky, our 8 foot tender into a combination tender/lifeboat. They have asked where to get affordable floatation tubes custom made. Just recently I was introduced to someone here in New Zealand that does just this. His name, Neil Curtling working under the name of Inflatable Boat and Retubes & Repairs http://www.nkconsultancy.co.nz/
I have seen the work he did for friends of ours. Perfect fit, good installation tabs and fair price.
For more ideas on combination lifeboat/tenders you might like to look at this link which takes you to our cruising tip from Steve Callahan who has created a folding combo dinghy/lifeboat. Unfortunately he has not put it into commercial production.
