Dinghy vs Canoe

[dna]

We are at the point where we need to replace our dinghy and are weighing the pros and cons on a canoe over a dinghy. Our sailboat is in a marina and we have opportunity to shrimp, oyster, clam nearby and are thinking that a canoe may be a better option for these type of activiites such that we can get into narrow compromized areas - certainly understanding that towing it would not be as easy as a dinghy.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the fortitude of a dinghy in some possible shallow and sharp object territory? Also, what size is good for 2 people and what horsepower motor?

If a canoe is a good option - any suggestions on motor size for that as well?

thx

 

[Bob V]

None of the above

By dinghy, I get the impression you mean inflatable, since you mentioned sharp object hazards.

I have used kayaks, inflatables and finally a nice hard shell rowboat. It is the best of both worlds. Not as convenient as an inflatable with storage and towing but a pleasure to use for fishing, crabbing or just taking a little boat ride while the mothership is at anchor.

I use a 14 ft whitehall which is also rigged for sailing but there are a lot of good fiberglass dinghys out there and the used ones can be found for a good price occassionally. Something around 10 ft would be a nice compromise that would work if you do not travel with 2 large dogs and two people to get to shore. My 14 footer will handle 4 overweight adults with freeboard to spare.

 

[Tracy23758]

I use a canoe for my dinghy and it has a lot of pro's. But it does turtle really easy in a following sea or on a turn in lumpy water while under tow. The chines are round and the canoe is made of aircraft aluminum so it is very light. I have added some arms and foam floats to mine so it looks like a tri-maran. I'm hoping it will solve the turtling problem and it will make it much more stable for ferrying my ageing Mom to and from shore. I prefer paddling to rowing so that is one reason I like the canoe. It also slices through the surf real nice coming off of a sloping beach to head back out to the boat at anchor.
As for dinghy's, I think the Walker Bay boats are really good.