dingy
- Thread starter dlewis812
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Thats like asking, "do you want Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke"! Do you have or plan to install davits? Are you going cruising and need to keep it in tow? Do you prefer stowing on deck? Do you have a preference for "hard" versus "inflatable". Are you going to use an outboard? Would you want a sailing dinghy? If you narrowed down the needs, specifications and/or preferencs, I am sure many can provide makes and models that have been popular through the years.
I had a "Walker Bay" eight-foot hard dinghy many years ago when only a few brand named and expensive inflatables were on the market. I had it on davits off my 35-foot Coronado while crusing the ICW and found it just fine for my wife and young son. It was powered by a 2-horsepower Johnson. Today, so many inflatables are on the market they run the gamut on size and prize. If I had to invest in a dinghy I would probably go back to the Walker Bay and add the inflatable collar for more stability and comfort. This unit would however would be challenging to stow.
Just what are you looking for?
Bob
'88 Mark II
I had a "Walker Bay" eight-foot hard dinghy many years ago when only a few brand named and expensive inflatables were on the market. I had it on davits off my 35-foot Coronado while crusing the ICW and found it just fine for my wife and young son. It was powered by a 2-horsepower Johnson. Today, so many inflatables are on the market they run the gamut on size and prize. If I had to invest in a dinghy I would probably go back to the Walker Bay and add the inflatable collar for more stability and comfort. This unit would however would be challenging to stow.
Just what are you looking for?
Bob
'88 Mark II
bob,
yes realize that's such an open question.. have not owned a dingy before so know very little (started researching online, didn't realize so many options).
have never used one on my cat 25; keep at home dock and any overnight anchors just stayed on the boat. just bought a cat 30; will have to keep on mooring due to depth at dock, and would really like to make some extended trips.
assume would want to tow as I would want the deck clutter (nor space on the 30). as much as possible wouldn't like to spend a great deal since i just bought the boat (although i've learned many times over on buying items for my first boat; usually better to invest)
thanks
yes realize that's such an open question.. have not owned a dingy before so know very little (started researching online, didn't realize so many options).
have never used one on my cat 25; keep at home dock and any overnight anchors just stayed on the boat. just bought a cat 30; will have to keep on mooring due to depth at dock, and would really like to make some extended trips.
assume would want to tow as I would want the deck clutter (nor space on the 30). as much as possible wouldn't like to spend a great deal since i just bought the boat (although i've learned many times over on buying items for my first boat; usually better to invest)
thanks
I have my own opinion on inflatable dinghy's versus hard and I know this is going to get some interesting responses. I like the look and versatility of the inflatables; however, everyone I have ever known who has owned one over the years experiences some kind of leak and needed patch repair. I keep my boat on a lake and several of my dock mates have inflatable dinghy's. Most of the time they are in some collapsable state and need to be pumped up. If your going to use a mooring and not planning on stowing on deck, personnally I would look at a hard dinghy such as the Walker Bay (West Marine carries them). They are stable, lapstrake designed, easy to maintain and will not need to be pumped up on occasion! Cross over a jagged reef, beach in confidence and hang onto it for years well after an inflatable has thinned out in the sun, ripped and been patched over and over again. One added feature is that it has a sail kit option and even the inflatable collar add on. If you really want to have fun, go to "Woodenboat" and buy the pram rowing/sailing/dinghy you can put together in your garage as a kit.
my 2-cents on the subject
Bob
my 2-cents on the subject
Bob
It's just like wiring! It's up to you!
It all depends on how you choose to use it. Really.
200 yards from boat to shore every weekend: row whatever you choose.
Wanna blast some carbon outta the outboard or have the need or desire to go longer distances? Get as large an inflatable or RIB as you can and go for it.
Have a small yacht? Size the dinghy correctly for how you plan to tow, foredeck or davit it. Or you could get a bigger dinghy and keep it collapsed until you get there. We recently bought a 120V inflator pump, 'cuz we have an inverter on our boat to make blowing it up easier.
I did all this research with the help of West Marine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/Inflatable-Boats.htm
and my dinghy is not dingy.
It all depends on how you choose to use it. Really.
200 yards from boat to shore every weekend: row whatever you choose.
Wanna blast some carbon outta the outboard or have the need or desire to go longer distances? Get as large an inflatable or RIB as you can and go for it.
Have a small yacht? Size the dinghy correctly for how you plan to tow, foredeck or davit it. Or you could get a bigger dinghy and keep it collapsed until you get there. We recently bought a 120V inflator pump, 'cuz we have an inverter on our boat to make blowing it up easier.
I did all this research with the help of West Marine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/Inflatable-Boats.htm
and my dinghy is not dingy.
I use a hard dingy. Towed it all over the Chesapeake Bay.
The best place to find one is in someone's back yard. If you see one that has been sitting for a while flash a little cash to the owner and a lot of times you walk away with it.
Mine cost me $200 but it was well worth it!
The best place to find one is in someone's back yard. If you see one that has been sitting for a while flash a little cash to the owner and a lot of times you walk away with it.
Mine cost me $200 but it was well worth it!
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