Tavolara is one of the latest innovations from C4, a double-chamber buoy made of 850gsm PVC with a thickness of 0.7 millimeters. The compartment is designed to comfortably store ropes and other accessories, and it’s accessible via a high-strength YKK zipper. 

Tavolara allows for simultaneous use by multiple people thanks to four side handles. It comes complete with an inner air chamber with a Bravo valve (maximum pressure 8 psi) and a signal flag. It has a diameter of 80 cm and a height of 18 cm. Two color combinations are available: orange with black writing and logo, and white with black writing and logo.

The first thing that strikes me is the material it's made of. A 850 g/m² PVC, 0.7 mm thick, which makes it very sturdy. I also notice nylon reinforcement straps, cross-arranged and impregnated with a waterproofing substance that helps it dry faster. 

As additional features, aside from the central ring on the bottom of the buoy, there are also four stainless steel rings, one on each side.

I really like the storage space—spacious, deep, and with an extra ring to secure the rope or accessories. It seals airtight with a robust, saltwater-resistant YKK zipper. 

There are several small drain holes around the buoy, smartly designed to let water escape in case it gets into the compartment.

Tavolara weighs about 3 kg and is slightly larger than most buoys on the market (80 cm diameter, 18 cm height). It comes in a practical, functional polyester bag for transport. Thanks to the compact PVC material, it's easy to deflate and fold. After use, I quickly packed it back into its bag.

Of course, the buoy includes the signal flag, made of a semi-rigid material. I found it excellent because it’s different from the usual fabric ones—it stays upright, stable, and always clearly visible.

The dual valve system is clever. The main valve allows inflation with a standard inflatable boat pump. Its size also makes deflation super fast (like with a SUP). Additionally, it includes an adapter that allows you to inflate it with a compressor or a bicycle pump if needed. 

The first time I used Tavolara, I used my SUP pump. I remember inflating it by mouth on one of the last outings. Either way, I’m happy with the main valve—it works great.

I’d say it’s functional all around—really super! 

I also love the design—one of the best-looking among current models. My favorite is the white and black version, although the classic orange/black one is also available.

Conclusion 

Tavolara is a very solid product with a fair quality-to-price ratio. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare and then pack into its carry bag. It’s easy to manage despite its larger size and requires minimal maintenance thanks to the washable PVC material, which dries quickly with a cloth. 

Solid, durable, practical, and stylish. Not bad for a “simple” buoy!