I've got a 23.5 foot racer/cruiser, new for me last year. I'm thinking about doing some coastal cruising this year and the question of what to do about a dink comes to mind. On a larger sailboat, you can either hang the dink off the back with davits or pull it up on the fordeck. What do folks do with a smaller boat, say 22-25 foot range? Tow it behind all the time? Seems to me it wouldn't fit well on deck, or hanging off the back. Also if you tow behind, don't they advise to pull it in if the weather kicks up? One more question: hard or soft dink? thanks for any help, Steve
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
Dink
What type of dinghy really depends on what you want. Hard dinks usually don't go as fast as soft ones. If you just want to row to shore occasionally, get a cheap little hard dink. They have some really teeny ones out there. The benefit of soft dinghies is you can break them down relatively easily. Another option is that hard dink that breaks down into a long but thin pile of panels (what the heck is the name of that?!). If you do end up towing, don't just expect one painter to keep the dink attached. Set up a nice solid bridle system with at least three lines. Kind of a pain, but I have a couple of friends who are certain they would have lost their dinghies without that setup. LaDonna
What type of dinghy really depends on what you want. Hard dinks usually don't go as fast as soft ones. If you just want to row to shore occasionally, get a cheap little hard dink. They have some really teeny ones out there. The benefit of soft dinghies is you can break them down relatively easily. Another option is that hard dink that breaks down into a long but thin pile of panels (what the heck is the name of that?!). If you do end up towing, don't just expect one painter to keep the dink attached. Set up a nice solid bridle system with at least three lines. Kind of a pain, but I have a couple of friends who are certain they would have lost their dinghies without that setup. LaDonna
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John Visser
Good question
I have a C-36, and I don't like towing my 11' RIB, and its a bit heavy and bid even for my foredeck. Plus, there's all that equipment for hoising the motor aboard, adn then storing it on the rail, which I don't like either. I have an ugly set of davitts which I haven't set up since I bought the boat; they just don't appeal to me, aesthetically. For you, I would recommend a small but sturdy roll-up inflatable, and a 1 or 2 HP compact outboard with integral fuel tank. A little electric air pump would make deploying it a lot easier. jv
I have a C-36, and I don't like towing my 11' RIB, and its a bit heavy and bid even for my foredeck. Plus, there's all that equipment for hoising the motor aboard, adn then storing it on the rail, which I don't like either. I have an ugly set of davitts which I haven't set up since I bought the boat; they just don't appeal to me, aesthetically. For you, I would recommend a small but sturdy roll-up inflatable, and a 1 or 2 HP compact outboard with integral fuel tank. A little electric air pump would make deploying it a lot easier. jv
Inflatable
I have an Caravelle four-man inflatable, which I bought at Costco for $55. I don't use it much because my Hunter 23 draws 27 inches. I can usually pull in close to shore and walk the rest of the way. The dinghy rows OK as long as there isn't too much wind or chop. I tow it behind when I'm out cruising. It's not much drag and I'm not worried about it hitting anything or sinking because it's inexpensive. Inflatable kayaks are supposed to be pretty good too. For that size boat, I wouldn't go for a hard dink. The slickest dinghy setup I ever saw was by a local sailor in Antigua with a Beneteau First 23.5. He anchored out, blew up his inflatable, got in, leaned over the bow and paddled the 200 yards or so to shore using his BARE HANDS! He figured no one would steal his dinghy because there were no oars. It works for him. Peter H23 "Raven"
I have an Caravelle four-man inflatable, which I bought at Costco for $55. I don't use it much because my Hunter 23 draws 27 inches. I can usually pull in close to shore and walk the rest of the way. The dinghy rows OK as long as there isn't too much wind or chop. I tow it behind when I'm out cruising. It's not much drag and I'm not worried about it hitting anything or sinking because it's inexpensive. Inflatable kayaks are supposed to be pretty good too. For that size boat, I wouldn't go for a hard dink. The slickest dinghy setup I ever saw was by a local sailor in Antigua with a Beneteau First 23.5. He anchored out, blew up his inflatable, got in, leaned over the bow and paddled the 200 yards or so to shore using his BARE HANDS! He figured no one would steal his dinghy because there were no oars. It works for him. Peter H23 "Raven"
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mark stevens
portabote
Just got back from a boat show and had a chance to examine the folding Portaboat. They fold up to 4" thick and 24" wide. They are available in 8',10' and 12' versions.They have a 2:1 beam to length ratio. They weigh appx 68lbs. Made of polymer and stronger than almn. The 10" version will take 585 lbs. and about a 3 hp. motor. There is also an optional sailing kit.The hull has a 10 year warranty. Everything is sts. steel or anodized almn. The patended hinges can withstand being dropped from 25 ft with concrete weights on board. The hull flexes like an inflatable and absorbs a lot of chop.and the hull can be dragged over rocks. Prices ranged from about $1000.00 up.
Just got back from a boat show and had a chance to examine the folding Portaboat. They fold up to 4" thick and 24" wide. They are available in 8',10' and 12' versions.They have a 2:1 beam to length ratio. They weigh appx 68lbs. Made of polymer and stronger than almn. The 10" version will take 585 lbs. and about a 3 hp. motor. There is also an optional sailing kit.The hull has a 10 year warranty. Everything is sts. steel or anodized almn. The patended hinges can withstand being dropped from 25 ft with concrete weights on board. The hull flexes like an inflatable and absorbs a lot of chop.and the hull can be dragged over rocks. Prices ranged from about $1000.00 up.
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Jim WIllis
If you want the ultimate - get a Tinker
Mine has held up for years on the davits in HI. It double as a life raft (with optional accessories) or as sailing dinghy that is fun for kids to learn in. Motors and rows great as well. JimW
Mine has held up for years on the davits in HI. It double as a life raft (with optional accessories) or as sailing dinghy that is fun for kids to learn in. Motors and rows great as well. JimW
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Pete Staehling
Tinker?
Which Tinker do you have? I looked at the website and they look very interesting, particularly the RIB. I have always hated inflatables, because they don't row well, but the Tinker appears to be an exception. Looks like the best of both worlds. Does it actually row as well as a hard dink? If not how close is it? Pete
Which Tinker do you have? I looked at the website and they look very interesting, particularly the RIB. I have always hated inflatables, because they don't row well, but the Tinker appears to be an exception. Looks like the best of both worlds. Does it actually row as well as a hard dink? If not how close is it? Pete
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