Tom,
Curious about what kind of dinghy you have and more important, where do you stow it when underway? Do you tow it or stow it?
bob
Bob, we have the Walker Bay 8 with a Torqeedo electric outboard. We carry it on davits (see previous post with solar panels) usually, or on the foredeck for extended runs offshore. Its a great dinghy for rowing, carrying people or supplies, or sailing (we have the optional sail kit).
When stowed on the foredeck, it fits nicely upside down just forward of the mast, with the bow of the dinghy resting on the anchor locker hatch. I put old seat cushions under the transom, and a pad under the bow, and tie the bow eye to the forward cleats of Andante and the aft quarters to the shroud chainplates. I would further secure it with lines over the hull in the case of foul weather.
If I need access to the anchor locker or the cabin hatch, I attach the spare jib halyard to the bow eye of the dinghy and lift the front of the dinghy up to level or higher. At that point, I might tie the painter off to stanchion bases to stabilize the dinghy. To launch the dinghy, I again use the jib halyard on the bow eye and lift the dinghy straight up and swing it over the side. My WB 8 has the inflatable collar, so it is an easy matter to set it right side up in the water without swamping it.
The WB 8 tows very nicely, but I usually only tow for short distances, like from the dock to a mooring.
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