I have a Hunter 28 and need to get a Dingy. I really don't whant to get an inflatable and Think the Water Tender 9-4 by WM would be fine. Any experiences or ideas with the Water Tender?? Thanks, Cementhead
Dingy Water Tender 9-4
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If you want a cheap one...
I bought a Baltik inflatable recently. Just used it for the first time, and I was very happy with it. It's my first dingy, so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but it seems well built, rowed well enough, etc. I got an 11 foot one for around $700, which is a small fraction of the amount you'll spend on other brands. They do most of their business via Ebay.
I bought a Baltik inflatable recently. Just used it for the first time, and I was very happy with it. It's my first dingy, so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but it seems well built, rowed well enough, etc. I got an 11 foot one for around $700, which is a small fraction of the amount you'll spend on other brands. They do most of their business via Ebay.
Water Tender 9-4
Hello, I have an older WT. It's Ok. Not great, but OK. Remember the 'tender' part when you get in or out - it is tippy. I like that it's plastic - it is light and I have to drag mine up the beach to put it back in the storage rack. It rows well. There are two rowing stations so I can row if I have 1, 2, or 3 people on board. Make sure you get enough capacity. Good luck, Barry
Hello, I have an older WT. It's Ok. Not great, but OK. Remember the 'tender' part when you get in or out - it is tippy. I like that it's plastic - it is light and I have to drag mine up the beach to put it back in the storage rack. It rows well. There are two rowing stations so I can row if I have 1, 2, or 3 people on board. Make sure you get enough capacity. Good luck, Barry
I have a water tender too
Unlike Barry, I would say that my WT is pretty stable. At 200+ pounds, I'm able to be just about anywhere in the boat without feeling like it's going to tip. It tracks pretty well - not fantastic, but well. It feels a lot more stable than typical tenders I've been in. I'd recommend the cover (you can get it from the manufacturer) if you're going to tow it around a lot - helps to keep the water out (like any dingy.) I use a 3hp on it on occasion and it really gets moving. I love how it handles chop - nose into the wave and while you may get a good splash over the blunted nose, you won't feel all topsy turvy. Dave s/v Wind Dreamer II
Unlike Barry, I would say that my WT is pretty stable. At 200+ pounds, I'm able to be just about anywhere in the boat without feeling like it's going to tip. It tracks pretty well - not fantastic, but well. It feels a lot more stable than typical tenders I've been in. I'd recommend the cover (you can get it from the manufacturer) if you're going to tow it around a lot - helps to keep the water out (like any dingy.) I use a 3hp on it on occasion and it really gets moving. I love how it handles chop - nose into the wave and while you may get a good splash over the blunted nose, you won't feel all topsy turvy. Dave s/v Wind Dreamer II
I have yet to see....
....a better dink than a Porta-Bote. Amazingly stable, light weight, unsinkable, and indestructible. I've had mine for 12 years and never a problem. Gets up on a plane and goes like hell with a 4hp. Rows very well and folds flat when needed.
....a better dink than a Porta-Bote. Amazingly stable, light weight, unsinkable, and indestructible. I've had mine for 12 years and never a problem. Gets up on a plane and goes like hell with a 4hp. Rows very well and folds flat when needed.
Cannot make recomendations
without knowing your criteria. To me an inflatable is the best suited for a sailing tender. It is very stable when stepping in and out and can carry a lot of weight (water, groceries and even fuel). They don't row well but I have 3HP outboard. Is price a consideration? They had at Sam's club a 9' hypalon inflatable manufactured in China comparable to a Zodic or Avon for $488. I have also noticed a few sellers on E-bay with similar products. It is true inflatables are more prone to damage and usually carry a shorter longevity than a hard shell but there are compromises in everything. Good luck.
without knowing your criteria. To me an inflatable is the best suited for a sailing tender. It is very stable when stepping in and out and can carry a lot of weight (water, groceries and even fuel). They don't row well but I have 3HP outboard. Is price a consideration? They had at Sam's club a 9' hypalon inflatable manufactured in China comparable to a Zodic or Avon for $488. I have also noticed a few sellers on E-bay with similar products. It is true inflatables are more prone to damage and usually carry a shorter longevity than a hard shell but there are compromises in everything. Good luck.
Build your own
I built my "8-ball" hardshell dingy for about $250. She took about 3 weeks to build working a few hours each night and on weekends. She is a rowing, sailing cat pram that is 8' long and can carry 4 adults. If you go for the rowing option be sure you build your oars long. A common problem with row boats is the oars are too short and you can't get into "high" gear.
I built my "8-ball" hardshell dingy for about $250. She took about 3 weeks to build working a few hours each night and on weekends. She is a rowing, sailing cat pram that is 8' long and can carry 4 adults. If you go for the rowing option be sure you build your oars long. A common problem with row boats is the oars are too short and you can't get into "high" gear.
Have Had One for 15 years
...actually two of them. I got one after my third or fourth inflatable disintegrated and I tired of hauling them home and back and assembling them. I still have an inflatable I use for races. Otherwise we tow our Watertender all over using two towropes with small water-ski floats. I keep it in the slip with bottom paint. We purchased cushions, having them custom-made. They make a huge difference, although we paid more for the cushions than the boat itself. I can't tell you how nice it is to beach it or tie it to a banged-up pier or a loaded dinghy dock full of workboats and just not worry. Actually, I liked it so much, I was going to distribute them until I figured the market wasn't big enough to go through the hassle. Rick D.
...actually two of them. I got one after my third or fourth inflatable disintegrated and I tired of hauling them home and back and assembling them. I still have an inflatable I use for races. Otherwise we tow our Watertender all over using two towropes with small water-ski floats. I keep it in the slip with bottom paint. We purchased cushions, having them custom-made. They make a huge difference, although we paid more for the cushions than the boat itself. I can't tell you how nice it is to beach it or tie it to a banged-up pier or a loaded dinghy dock full of workboats and just not worry. Actually, I liked it so much, I was going to distribute them until I figured the market wasn't big enough to go through the hassle. Rick D.
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