So does anyone tow/haul a dingy? If so what brand/type/size/method do you use? So you use it for fishing, exploring or just getting back and forth to shore. Just curious. Good sailing Tom
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Mark Johnson
Yup...I do
I tow my dingy everywhere. I use it for exploration, getting back and forth to the dock if I am anchored or moored. As they say "I don't leave home without it". I tow a 9' RIB with a 9.9hp outboard. The motor stays on all the time. If I were to get stuck in some rough weather I would take it off and store it on the stern rail. MPJ
I tow my dingy everywhere. I use it for exploration, getting back and forth to the dock if I am anchored or moored. As they say "I don't leave home without it". I tow a 9' RIB with a 9.9hp outboard. The motor stays on all the time. If I were to get stuck in some rough weather I would take it off and store it on the stern rail. MPJ
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Michael Bell
Mine
Got West Marines 10’ model (9’8” actually) last year with the hard floor panels. Did well for the four of us on our three week outing. I purchased a Yahama 3hp for it. It will plane the boat only when one person is in it. Went small for portability and so my kids could dink around in it while anchored. Wouldn’t go with any smaller dingy. Some of the group that chartered had solid (fiberglass) boats. They seemed tippy. If your in a hurry to get somewhere, it would take a 8 hp moter on that size dingy to move it along.quickly.
Got West Marines 10’ model (9’8” actually) last year with the hard floor panels. Did well for the four of us on our three week outing. I purchased a Yahama 3hp for it. It will plane the boat only when one person is in it. Went small for portability and so my kids could dink around in it while anchored. Wouldn’t go with any smaller dingy. Some of the group that chartered had solid (fiberglass) boats. They seemed tippy. If your in a hurry to get somewhere, it would take a 8 hp moter on that size dingy to move it along.quickly.
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ted jensen
i use two
i have a 10ft zodiac with a 9hp motor, my teenage boys seem to get to first. for me to get back and forth i use a walkerbay i carry on deck.
i have a 10ft zodiac with a 9hp motor, my teenage boys seem to get to first. for me to get back and forth i use a walkerbay i carry on deck.
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Richard
260s? Also... jet ski?
I have a serious crush on the Hunter 260 and I think this summer I'll be parting with the cash to pick one up. Are Ted, Michael, and Mark 260 owners, or are you using the boats you describe with larger Hunters? Also, is is practical to consider towing a 2 person size jet ski? They ride high but stable... the kids would much prefer a jet ski than a dingy... and I'd prefer it for safety given that there isn't an exposed prop. ? Thanks!
I have a serious crush on the Hunter 260 and I think this summer I'll be parting with the cash to pick one up. Are Ted, Michael, and Mark 260 owners, or are you using the boats you describe with larger Hunters? Also, is is practical to consider towing a 2 person size jet ski? They ride high but stable... the kids would much prefer a jet ski than a dingy... and I'd prefer it for safety given that there isn't an exposed prop. ? Thanks!
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ted jensen
richard
my sail boat is a 35.5, i tow the zodiac I also own 2 jet skis, depends on the type of jet ski. both of mine are yamaha's one a 3 seater the other a 2. The 3 seater tows allright behind the sailboat, its bow sits high enough out of the water. The 2 seaters bow sits lower and doent like being towed at 5-6kts. when towing the 2 seater its nose want to submerge. I dont tow either one when going any distances, they weigh to much. Your right, the kids will love em
my sail boat is a 35.5, i tow the zodiac I also own 2 jet skis, depends on the type of jet ski. both of mine are yamaha's one a 3 seater the other a 2. The 3 seater tows allright behind the sailboat, its bow sits high enough out of the water. The 2 seaters bow sits lower and doent like being towed at 5-6kts. when towing the 2 seater its nose want to submerge. I dont tow either one when going any distances, they weigh to much. Your right, the kids will love em
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Jeff
One more JetSki
We tow ours most the time. The whole crew likes to use it. I tow it using a Ski bridle. It allows the Jet Ski to move as needed under tow and makes for a convenient connection at anchor. We've even stuck our eight year old on it when towing. Without the starting clip though. "Festivity"
We tow ours most the time. The whole crew likes to use it. I tow it using a Ski bridle. It allows the Jet Ski to move as needed under tow and makes for a convenient connection at anchor. We've even stuck our eight year old on it when towing. Without the starting clip though. "Festivity"
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schaefer
need it
i use the dingy all the time to get to the beach, fish etc. but the most important reason is to keep my 13 and 10 year old happy...once anchored they are off..i tow an 8 foot inflatable with a four stroke 5 hp nissan...engine stays on the inflatable...has a rigid bottum so it planes easily...schaefer
i use the dingy all the time to get to the beach, fish etc. but the most important reason is to keep my 13 and 10 year old happy...once anchored they are off..i tow an 8 foot inflatable with a four stroke 5 hp nissan...engine stays on the inflatable...has a rigid bottum so it planes easily...schaefer
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Richard
Thanks
OK, thanks for the input and guidance. Tahoe requires "clean" jet skis, they seem to be the larger models and I'm hoping they'll tow well. I'm sure the dealer will look at me cross eyed when I request a tow test...
OK, thanks for the input and guidance. Tahoe requires "clean" jet skis, they seem to be the larger models and I'm hoping they'll tow well. I'm sure the dealer will look at me cross eyed when I request a tow test...
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Mike Pajewski
We'll see soon
I just ordered a Walker Bay dink with the sailing kit. I will probably tow it behind my 26 on trips up to Door County. There are lots of places to anchor and my dog needs a trip to the beach. As a side note, we also own a 26 foot travel trailer. On camping weekends, I can put the dink on the roof, take it with us to the lake and get a sailing fix on my wife's camping weekends. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
I just ordered a Walker Bay dink with the sailing kit. I will probably tow it behind my 26 on trips up to Door County. There are lots of places to anchor and my dog needs a trip to the beach. As a side note, we also own a 26 foot travel trailer. On camping weekends, I can put the dink on the roof, take it with us to the lake and get a sailing fix on my wife's camping weekends. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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Tom
Fold-a-boat??
I am considering a 10 or 12 foot fold-a-boat. Anyone have experience with them? They are in the $1K- $1.2K range, about the same as a good inflatable. I like the inflatables for storage and stability, but understand that they have limitted life and you have to be careful with them. They don't row too well either. The fold-a-boat, according to literature and some owners I have corresponded with, last a long time, is very stable, rows well, can accomodate a motor, wieghs in about 75 lbs for the 10 foot model, is easy to break down and setup and is about 4" thick when stored. These features make it easily cartop-able, and appears that you could carry it folded on deck, standing up along the lifelines/stancions, if needed (I have a 260). Fair winds.... Tom
I am considering a 10 or 12 foot fold-a-boat. Anyone have experience with them? They are in the $1K- $1.2K range, about the same as a good inflatable. I like the inflatables for storage and stability, but understand that they have limitted life and you have to be careful with them. They don't row too well either. The fold-a-boat, according to literature and some owners I have corresponded with, last a long time, is very stable, rows well, can accomodate a motor, wieghs in about 75 lbs for the 10 foot model, is easy to break down and setup and is about 4" thick when stored. These features make it easily cartop-able, and appears that you could carry it folded on deck, standing up along the lifelines/stancions, if needed (I have a 260). Fair winds.... Tom
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Tony
Fold-a-boat??
The fold-a-boat idea is a new one to me. Is there a website that describes them, or a site you can buy them from? Tony
The fold-a-boat idea is a new one to me. Is there a website that describes them, or a site you can buy them from? Tony
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Mike Pajewski
Try Brittania Boats
Saw them at the Strictly Sail show. they are manufactured by Brittania boats in England. When folded they look like a surfboard. You can't sale them though.
Saw them at the Strictly Sail show. they are manufactured by Brittania boats in England. When folded they look like a surfboard. You can't sale them though.
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DJ Dreyer
Sail Britannia
Check out http://www.britanniaboats.com/ I have an 8' folding dinghy from them. It looks great, rows great and sails great too! It can be fitted with both a main and jib. The main is also reefable. When folded, the dinghy fits inside my two door Saturn. It also fits inside the back berth of my 34 (which is why I got it). It takes less time to set it up for rowing than my old inflatable. It takes Patrick (Britannia's owner and a great person) about 2 mins to set the boat up for rowing. Takes me about 3 min or less if I don't play around. Honest! Setting up for sailing takes me another 5-7 mins. It is a great design and well built. Having a lot of fun sailing it around. One of the better things I have bought.
Check out http://www.britanniaboats.com/ I have an 8' folding dinghy from them. It looks great, rows great and sails great too! It can be fitted with both a main and jib. The main is also reefable. When folded, the dinghy fits inside my two door Saturn. It also fits inside the back berth of my 34 (which is why I got it). It takes less time to set it up for rowing than my old inflatable. It takes Patrick (Britannia's owner and a great person) about 2 mins to set the boat up for rowing. Takes me about 3 min or less if I don't play around. Honest! Setting up for sailing takes me another 5-7 mins. It is a great design and well built. Having a lot of fun sailing it around. One of the better things I have bought.
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Bryan
For convenience ....
For convenience and stowability, consider a RU-260 from West Marine. 8.5' weighs less than 40 lbs, holds 4 people/880 lbs and 4 hp motor. I have a Nissan 3.5. It has a slat floor which does limit performance -- it will sort of plane with one person. Otherwise does about 4 knots with a load. Its not quite as stable as a rigid but stable enough. Lightweight to tow. What is sweet is that it is really a snap to set up and put away. Fits into a bag approx. 1x2x4, and I can store it in the lazerette or locker. I unroll it on the deck, blows up in about 5-10 mins with a foot pump, and I can pick it up and throw it over the side single handed. And at $825, its a steal. The 3.5 motor is great too -- less than 30 lbs, with an integral gas tank. While this is not a performance based package, you don't have to deal with 100 lbs of inflatable and 80 lbs of motor with separate gas tanks. If convenience, portability, stowability, and economy are important considerations, its been a great package.
For convenience and stowability, consider a RU-260 from West Marine. 8.5' weighs less than 40 lbs, holds 4 people/880 lbs and 4 hp motor. I have a Nissan 3.5. It has a slat floor which does limit performance -- it will sort of plane with one person. Otherwise does about 4 knots with a load. Its not quite as stable as a rigid but stable enough. Lightweight to tow. What is sweet is that it is really a snap to set up and put away. Fits into a bag approx. 1x2x4, and I can store it in the lazerette or locker. I unroll it on the deck, blows up in about 5-10 mins with a foot pump, and I can pick it up and throw it over the side single handed. And at $825, its a steal. The 3.5 motor is great too -- less than 30 lbs, with an integral gas tank. While this is not a performance based package, you don't have to deal with 100 lbs of inflatable and 80 lbs of motor with separate gas tanks. If convenience, portability, stowability, and economy are important considerations, its been a great package.
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Jim Missildine
Homebuilt Folder
I recall seeing a magazine article several years ago on building your own folding boat. The boat folded up as you described. Now that I actually have a place where I have room to build one, I cannot find the article. Does anyone else recall this?
I recall seeing a magazine article several years ago on building your own folding boat. The boat folded up as you described. Now that I actually have a place where I have room to build one, I cannot find the article. Does anyone else recall this?
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Jay Hill
Brittania Pricey?
Sounds like an expensive rig. Could you...uh...enlighten us on their quoted retail price? (I'm too lazy to call them.)
Sounds like an expensive rig. Could you...uh...enlighten us on their quoted retail price? (I'm too lazy to call them.)
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DJ Dreyer
Lazy??
I think they start about $700 for a boat that needs finish work. I got everything and it was a bit over $2K. Try looking at their web site or better yet just email them at: BritanniaB@aol.com
I think they start about $700 for a boat that needs finish work. I got everything and it was a bit over $2K. Try looking at their web site or better yet just email them at: BritanniaB@aol.com
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Stephen Dawes
Zodiac
We have had an H260 for almost 2 years now and recently purchased (november) a Zodiac CFR-285. We trailered our 260 from NC to the florida kays for a couple of weeks. The fast dingy was a 'must have' for life at anchor. We stayed anchored off key west for a week. We power our Fr-285 with a mercury 8hp which is plenty of power to get on plane with two on board, The air floor on the dink is very practical and easy on the knees and shins. Stephen Dawes H260 Tender Morsel
We have had an H260 for almost 2 years now and recently purchased (november) a Zodiac CFR-285. We trailered our 260 from NC to the florida kays for a couple of weeks. The fast dingy was a 'must have' for life at anchor. We stayed anchored off key west for a week. We power our Fr-285 with a mercury 8hp which is plenty of power to get on plane with two on board, The air floor on the dink is very practical and easy on the knees and shins. Stephen Dawes H260 Tender Morsel
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Craig
Challenger 500
I use the Challenger 500 (around $110, 800 lb cap.) with OARS! In order to make it as robust as possible, I cut out a piece of 1/4" ply and painted it and glued that gray pipe insulation that you can buy around the rounded ends of the plywood so its fits snug as a bug into the bottom of the inflatable. You can step into it without thinking of stepping through it and it is perfect for getting to and from that mooring in the San Juans. I just cant justify a motor for summer use, so make do without a motor. The Metro 12v pump and a $12 raft pump to top off work great.
I use the Challenger 500 (around $110, 800 lb cap.) with OARS! In order to make it as robust as possible, I cut out a piece of 1/4" ply and painted it and glued that gray pipe insulation that you can buy around the rounded ends of the plywood so its fits snug as a bug into the bottom of the inflatable. You can step into it without thinking of stepping through it and it is perfect for getting to and from that mooring in the San Juans. I just cant justify a motor for summer use, so make do without a motor. The Metro 12v pump and a $12 raft pump to top off work great.
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