I was wondering if anyone has used a kayak as a tender. If so what are the pros and cons vs your typical 8' row dinghy?
Kayak as tender/dinghy?
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
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Cons for me: I can't get the Admiral to consider getting in one. Many folks in the San Juans use them. They are usually light and easy to stow. Now you don't have the drag of towing a dink. They are fun to explore local shallows. The quiet operation doesn't disturb sleeping neighbors or wildlife. I think it's a great idea.
Ken
Ken
I'd love to get a kayak. There's a lot of little rivers around here and it'd be great to explore them. Plus it seems like it'd be super convenient way to get out on the water after work. Are they less stable than a typical dinghy when boarding a bigger boat?
Yes. Be sure to keep your weight over the middle of a kayak. Some are worse than others.
Ken
Get the "sit-on-top" kind and you won't have to worry about it taking on water when you tow it.
We
use both. The kayaks most often, and they are great for exploring. A little less stable when boarding the boat but we are in our 70's.
use both. The kayaks most often, and they are great for exploring. A little less stable when boarding the boat but we are in our 70's.
Good point! Have never tried that but I've never anchored where it's very rough either.
There are times when a dinghy is not just used at anchor, like an emergency or try pushing your bow around a wrapped anchor with a kayak.
A kayak is a great toy to have with the boat. But, I would NEVER consider it to be a replacement for a dinghy. You won't be able to get into one from your boat with dry shoes. You won't be able to disembark at a dock. You won't be able to carry anything besides maybe some beach articles. You won't stay dry when paddling. Basically, if you want to wear something other than a swimsuit, you won't be happy.
Sue and I use ours when we are going to the beach. If we want to dine out, we find another way to get to shore because the kayak won't be suitable. YMMV, so buy one and find out for yourself how it works!
Sue and I use ours when we are going to the beach. If we want to dine out, we find another way to get to shore because the kayak won't be suitable. YMMV, so buy one and find out for yourself how it works!
The very reason we have both. We have used the dinghy to move Sun Gypsy out of a anchorage when the starter failed and we were miles from a service centre. At least there was wind!
I dunno, depending on the boat and your skill level it might be better to be in a kayak in rough conditions...
@Scott T-Bird you need more practise. I only get wet in the kayak when it rains.
My paddles have rubber dams inboard of the paddle surface that stops water running in and dripping on you. Works if you don't dip too deep.
In my experience, those rubber dams are only marginally effective. Mind you, it is only a minor nuisance. But if you think that you are going to escape getting wet when you are dressed for dinner, forget it. That's just one of the reasons why I say that a kayak doesn't replace a tender. There is no way that you will ever transport anything substantial from shore to boat in a kayak. If you don't need a tender, by all means, you'll be happier with a kayak. Just saying that if you need a tender, the kayak won't work for you in that capacity. For several summers, I swam to my boat on a mooring. A kayak would have been a huge improvement!
Up here in Eskimo land swimming to the boat is not an option! Getting much gear into a kayak is difficult but I often take the dog ashore in one.For several summers, I swam to my boat on a mooring. A kayak would have been a huge improvement!
So that is what those little rubber doughnuts are?
The little things you learn on SBO!