Hard or Soft Dingy?

[Andy]

We are looking at getting a used dingy, mostly for going ashore, but we may end up on a mooring.We liked an 8 ft zodiac, all soft, but can't help but wonder - what do others use/think? Thanks(we are in RI now and about to move to Southern CA if that helps grab your interest )

 

[Ron Vanderveer]

Inflatable with HP floor

AndyWe just bought a used inflatable with a high presssure floor and a 5HP motor, and for the kind of use you're talking about I believe that type of setup might work well for you too.The HP floor makes it very easy to stow when not in use, which for us is a majority of the time. If you are going to keep it inflated all the time (on davits for example) or a majority of the time, then a rigid floor is better, but of course you lose the stowable factor. I think floorboards are a pain in the butt, again depending on how frequently you will have to stow the dinghy.The inflatable is the best for tending though, simply because they are very stable, and you can bump them into your boat without worrying about damage or breakage. We had a small rowing dinghy that was fiberglass, and it was great for rowing, but not so hot as a tender due to instability when getting in and out of it at anchor or on a mooring.How's that for a start to this thread?Ron VanderveerMelbourne, FL

 

[eds928gt]

Consider a Pota-Bote.

It has the advantages of being easy to stow and can never be punctured. Prce-wise, less costly than an inflatable, and about the same as a hard dink.~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~

 

[Errant Wind]

Dinghy

I went to a nautcal flea market at our club and got a steal on a 10'inflatable and a 2 horsepower yamaha outboard. Bought a bellows to inflate (takes 5 minutes). the 2 hp pushes the dinghy fine on flat water, however would not want to be in chop. Major point is weight of outboard as we stow on plate attached to stainless steel rear seats. You don't want a heavy engine. enjoy

 

[Alan]

Porta-Bote

.....have one . They're great. Unsinkable, indestuctable, and last forever! Requires less HP than an inflateable and they fly, very stable.

 

[Andy]

Thank you all

Will have to look into the porta-bote. Appreciate all the info, I had all the same thoughts as Ron when looking into the inflatable.FYI, the boat and motor (3.3 hp) is under $700 and in perfect shape.zodiac boat and mercury motor.

 

[Steve Dion]

PVC or Hypalon.

Andy:If you are going to leave an inflatable out and in the sun you do not want to spend any sizable amount of money on a PVC inflatable. They have their own set of problems from sun, abrasion and fuel contact. We have had our 10' Caribe Hypalon in the sun 24 x 7 for 10 years now and it is still going strong.