Dinghy Questions (not again) Towing on a C22

[Nbot]

I searched around and found some good info, but am looking at buying one of two dinghies to occasionally tow on my C22. I'm on a lake in WI, no major waves to deal with.

1st dinghy: older "WaterTender 8.8." Not sure of the brand, nor what its made out of, from some google searches I'm guessing weighs from 60-80lbs. Cost is $250, but doesn't have oars (+$50-75), and I'd need to drive an hour+ to go get it $30+ gas)=$350. Plus would need to spend an afternoon making some new bench/seats for it. http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2950321587.html

2nd dinghy: new BIC SportYak 213. Weighs 42 lbs, would be $500 shipped to my door. Claims made about stability of the hull's design. Apparently thousands of these dinghies have been bought over the last 35 years. http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Sport-BICSA-213-Sportyak/dp/B004XVZXB8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_3

The mooring field I'm at has racks for dinghy storage, and a community "dinghy dolly" to get to the ramp, so maneuvering around ain't such a big deal (although the BIC does have a wheel accessory you can add on should I later need it).

Having an older dinghy will let me rest better at night because people won't be as inclined to steal it. :cussing:

I will just be rowing the 50' out to the mooring field, I won't be purchasing a motor.

Mainly my concerns are:

1. Stability: bringing the woman & the dog out to the boat and not having them fall over when climbing on board
2. Towing: 95% of the time I won't tow, but on overnights good to have to run the dog to shore.

I've only been sailing a few years, never towed a dinghy, wasn't sure if you wanted a lighter dinghy or a slightly heavier one? There's a 4" keel on the 8.8, guess that keeps it pointing somewhat straight.

I'd rather save the $150, but if the $500 is the better option then I'd rather get the right dinghy the first time. However, given the possibility of theft, and saving $150, sounds like the ol 8.8 is the way to go, but not sure about towing a heavier vs a lighter dinghy?

I should add, the 8.8 probably can carry 3 people, whereas the BIC only can carry 2, which, when friends come out and I don't want to deal with the lines at the ramp, might be bonus.

 

[bria46]

I'd buy the Water Tender in a minute!

 

[Duke]

Nbot,
For what it is worth, I had bought a used 8' Walker Bay to use as my tender. Before I ever put it in the water, I found a good deal on a 9'4" Water Tender. One of the reasons I opted for the WT is that it should provide more stability for us older, less agile folks when transitioning between the dinghy and the mother ship.

Any body looking for a 8' WB?

 

[Ken]

I agree the water tender hands down... choose a floating line to help you for the times you use reverse. I doubt you see much to remind you it's there.....
I built a CLC other than the occasional slap from waves I know it's back there.

 

[Gary_H]

If that water Tender were here I would buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[Rag Bagger]

Save some money

I had a Water Tender just like the one you are looking at. I spent time in the water when I didn't plan too due to the V-Hull design and being such a light boat. It is built well but it can get water inside the hull which effects the balance. I sold the boat, saved a few dollars and purchased a Zodiac from Defender Marine on line. The best purchase I have ever made. I'm not small and I can stand on one tube and never flip. It has the removable floor boards, so I take it home and never worry about theft. Found a great deal on a 2.5hp Mecury and all is well in Galveston. Good luck.

 

[higgs]

If I were going to steal a dinghy, I would choose the WT over the BIC even if were used.

 

[Nodak7]

I agree the water tender hands down... choose a floating line to help you for the times you use reverse. I doubt you see much to remind you it's there.....
I built a CLC other than the occasional slap from waves I know it's back there.

Ken, I agree with the floating line...we backed over ours a couple of seasons ago and it was not a pretty sight. Had a floater ever since.

There is no doubt that the Water Tender is the better choice on this one. Even with the added other items you list. Stability alone would make it my choice. :dance:

 

[Nbot]

Thanks for all the feedback folks! Just made the call for the WT 8.8 and picking it up this evening

Will get a floating line from West Marine...thx for the heads up.

And I'll keep an eye out for you Higgs...!

 

[RECESS]

I have really enjoyed our WT 9.4. If you are going to tow it, they do much better being towed with the outboard off the back. I enjoy fishing from the WT also. We have a Yamaha four stroke 2.5 and it pushes it very nicely with two adults and a child.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Keep an eye on craigslist and things like that. Try to find a used dingy.

I found my used fiberglass dingy in someone's back yard. I offered them $200 for it and it was mine. It is a great dingy and it has hundreds of nautical miles on it while being towed from behind my boat.

If stability is an issue, go with an inflatable. They are much more stable. I have flipped my dingy twice (doing stupid stuff) and it is something that I am mindful of when I am getting into the dingy.