I think a small rowing tender (possibly with a simple sailing rig) would be the coolest thing for poking about or going ashore when anchored out. I'm not talking extended cruising here, just daysails and weekend cruises. Although my H23 only draws 2-1/2 ft, I essentially have to run it aground just to wade ashore. Inflatables are expensive, they don't sail, row poorly and aren't very durable. I've been checking prices for small, hard-bottom tenders and a Walker Bay 8 (about as simple as you can get) is almost $600. The sailing rig is extra. Ouch! I found a couple of websites with plans and kits for simple, inexpensive wooden skiffs for about $600 or less. Some were under $300. Here are a couple of links (open new browser window and paste into address bar). I saw boats from other manufacturers as well, but they were well above the $600 limit. http://www.kitguy.com/index.asp http://www.kitguy.com/cat_boats_Upperdeckboat.asp http://www.kitguy.com/cat_canoesandkayaks_UNCLEJOHNS.asp Building one of these boats seems simple enough. However, I am curious about safety and durability. I realize that they're designed for use in protected waters, typically no more than a couple of hundred yards offshore. Has anyone ever built one of these boats? If so, how is it holding up? Thanks in advance for our comments. Peter H23 "Raven"
Inexpensive tenders?
- Thread starter Wanderer138
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d4 or d5 dinghy
The dinghy from the link is built using the stitch and glue method. I built have used this dinghy for the past 4 years and it rows and tows very well indeed. Properly handled it is very seaworthy.
The dinghy from the link is built using the stitch and glue method. I built have used this dinghy for the past 4 years and it rows and tows very well indeed. Properly handled it is very seaworthy.
Nutshell Pram
I built the Nutshell pram from plans (cheaper thatn the kit version, but a little more work). It rows great with up to three people and caused very little drag in towing behind sail boat. I did not build the sailing version, just the rowing version. See Wooden Boat online store or link below.
I built the Nutshell pram from plans (cheaper thatn the kit version, but a little more work). It rows great with up to three people and caused very little drag in towing behind sail boat. I did not build the sailing version, just the rowing version. See Wooden Boat online store or link below.
used WB?
Peter, why don't you look around for a used Walker Bay? Everything you say about inflatables is true, but remember that a WB won't tow any better than an inflatable and won't roll up and stow easy. As with everything, it's a compromise...
Peter, why don't you look around for a used Walker Bay? Everything you say about inflatables is true, but remember that a WB won't tow any better than an inflatable and won't roll up and stow easy. As with everything, it's a compromise...
Steve - Disagree on WB towing
Steve - I've got to disagree with you re: a Walker Bay not towing any better than an inflatable. My Walker Bay 8 tows like a dream! Tracks straight, rows very well, and is light (70lbs)enough to horse around easily - even has that little wheel at the center of the transom for moving it easily across any hard surface. I don't believe that there is any inflatable (except the rigid bottom inflatables) that tows or rows as nice as the WB - or any other hard shelled dinghy. I did buy mine used, including the sail rig, for $600. Don't expect it to haul more than two people, or a weeks worth of groceries, but for just poking around, and great towing/rowing, I don't think you can beat it for the price. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Steve - I've got to disagree with you re: a Walker Bay not towing any better than an inflatable. My Walker Bay 8 tows like a dream! Tracks straight, rows very well, and is light (70lbs)enough to horse around easily - even has that little wheel at the center of the transom for moving it easily across any hard surface. I don't believe that there is any inflatable (except the rigid bottom inflatables) that tows or rows as nice as the WB - or any other hard shelled dinghy. I did buy mine used, including the sail rig, for $600. Don't expect it to haul more than two people, or a weeks worth of groceries, but for just poking around, and great towing/rowing, I don't think you can beat it for the price. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Inflatables not durable?
Is that why millions opt for them worldwide? Granted, they don't row or tow very well. But, with regard to durability, like anything else, you get what you pay for and it last as long as you take care of it. You can buy a "toy" inflatable for $300 or less and even with the best of care it may only last a couple of years. Or, you can buy a "real" inflatable for around $1,000 or more, take proper care of it, and it'll last for years. Leaving a fully inflated boat laying on your hot deck with the sun beating down on it is a sure fire way to shorten its life. The WB 8' at $600 gives you instant dinghy. The DIY dinghys require a commitment. If you have the time and the ambition then go for it. But, unless there's a special reason for wanting to build your own, I'd buy the WB for the same price and spend my free time sailing. There are tons of people out there with unfinished DIY dinks hanging around their basements and garages. Plus, you can shop the want ads for used (not inflatables) and probably come away with a bargain. I see used WB's all the time for less than $500 or so. Just my eversohumble opinion. Cheers, Bob
Is that why millions opt for them worldwide? Granted, they don't row or tow very well. But, with regard to durability, like anything else, you get what you pay for and it last as long as you take care of it. You can buy a "toy" inflatable for $300 or less and even with the best of care it may only last a couple of years. Or, you can buy a "real" inflatable for around $1,000 or more, take proper care of it, and it'll last for years. Leaving a fully inflated boat laying on your hot deck with the sun beating down on it is a sure fire way to shorten its life. The WB 8' at $600 gives you instant dinghy. The DIY dinghys require a commitment. If you have the time and the ambition then go for it. But, unless there's a special reason for wanting to build your own, I'd buy the WB for the same price and spend my free time sailing. There are tons of people out there with unfinished DIY dinks hanging around their basements and garages. Plus, you can shop the want ads for used (not inflatables) and probably come away with a bargain. I see used WB's all the time for less than $500 or so. Just my eversohumble opinion. Cheers, Bob
Kayak
Hey Peter, When faced with the same question, I ended up getting a kayak instead. I found that they stow better on the foredeck, so no towing, and they were fun to cruise around in. I found some kayak racks that bolt to the stantions now, and that makes it even easier to haul around.
Hey Peter, When faced with the same question, I ended up getting a kayak instead. I found that they stow better on the foredeck, so no towing, and they were fun to cruise around in. I found some kayak racks that bolt to the stantions now, and that makes it even easier to haul around.
Fold up boat
I was looking into one of those boats that fold up I think they are called Port a Boat? I saw and ad that showed one being sailed. I haven't talked to anybody that has one but they look like they would be easy to stow as well as row or sail. Has anybody seen or had one? Rob Morton
I was looking into one of those boats that fold up I think they are called Port a Boat? I saw and ad that showed one being sailed. I haven't talked to anybody that has one but they look like they would be easy to stow as well as row or sail. Has anybody seen or had one? Rob Morton
Sandpiperor Booma for rowing or motoring
Boater's World, both in their stores and on their web site, have a small rowing dinghy called the Sandpiper that has foam between the walls so that it won't sink when swamped. It has a capacity of 350lbs, takes a 3hp outboard, and goes for $399 (but no sail available.) Boater's World is also still carrying the Australian Booma dinghy in their stores for the same price; it weighs a little more but has more beam, a deeper v, and a storage place for anchor. again, no sail hardware.
Boater's World, both in their stores and on their web site, have a small rowing dinghy called the Sandpiper that has foam between the walls so that it won't sink when swamped. It has a capacity of 350lbs, takes a 3hp outboard, and goes for $399 (but no sail available.) Boater's World is also still carrying the Australian Booma dinghy in their stores for the same price; it weighs a little more but has more beam, a deeper v, and a storage place for anchor. again, no sail hardware.
9' Nut Shell Pram
I built one from the plans and three people and gear is no problem. However, plans are expensive and its a winter project (time consuming) - probably not as critical in Florida as in Maine - Sounds like the Walker Bay might be the ticket
I built one from the plans and three people and gear is no problem. However, plans are expensive and its a winter project (time consuming) - probably not as critical in Florida as in Maine - Sounds like the Walker Bay might be the ticket
Thanks all, and more...
I've been around long enough to appreciate that any boat selection will be a compromise. This situation is no different. Here's the wish list I was working from, in order of importance. 1) safe for two adults in near-shore waters 2) comfortable 3) low cost (the $600 limit is list for WB 8) 4) minimal maintenance required 5) easy to row when loaded 6) good towing manners behind a H23 7) durable enough to drag up a shell beach 8) cartoppable Inflatables are popular because of their load-carrying ability and the fact that they can be stowed aboard when cruising. However, almost all inflatables I've ever seen have outboards, probably because they row so poorly, especially when loaded. Inflatables also don't like to be neglected and a decent one ain't cheap. It also seems that they get stolen a lot, though in all fairness that's probably more for the outboard than the boat itself (or maybe there are just a lot MORE of them out there). I looked at kayaks but in my (admittedly limited) experience the inexpensive ones are wet, the good ones are expensive and none of them seemed real good at carrying loads or more than one person. However, I could be wrong. Hard dinks are a pain to store aboard and don't carry near as much as inflatables. That means more round trips to shore, which can get old if you have to row. However, they tolerate a lot of abuse with minimal upkeep and tow well behind even small sailboats. I even noticed one wooden dink that had a Lexan window in the floor, which I thought was pretty useful for checking on the anchor. Anyway, for better or worse those are my thoughts. Please keep the comments coming, as I'm no expert and I'd like to get more input, especially from the personal experience of others. Thanks. Peter H23 "Raven"
I've been around long enough to appreciate that any boat selection will be a compromise. This situation is no different. Here's the wish list I was working from, in order of importance. 1) safe for two adults in near-shore waters 2) comfortable 3) low cost (the $600 limit is list for WB 8) 4) minimal maintenance required 5) easy to row when loaded 6) good towing manners behind a H23 7) durable enough to drag up a shell beach 8) cartoppable Inflatables are popular because of their load-carrying ability and the fact that they can be stowed aboard when cruising. However, almost all inflatables I've ever seen have outboards, probably because they row so poorly, especially when loaded. Inflatables also don't like to be neglected and a decent one ain't cheap. It also seems that they get stolen a lot, though in all fairness that's probably more for the outboard than the boat itself (or maybe there are just a lot MORE of them out there). I looked at kayaks but in my (admittedly limited) experience the inexpensive ones are wet, the good ones are expensive and none of them seemed real good at carrying loads or more than one person. However, I could be wrong. Hard dinks are a pain to store aboard and don't carry near as much as inflatables. That means more round trips to shore, which can get old if you have to row. However, they tolerate a lot of abuse with minimal upkeep and tow well behind even small sailboats. I even noticed one wooden dink that had a Lexan window in the floor, which I thought was pretty useful for checking on the anchor. Anyway, for better or worse those are my thoughts. Please keep the comments coming, as I'm no expert and I'd like to get more input, especially from the personal experience of others. Thanks. Peter H23 "Raven"
Have to agree with Tim re the Walker Bay.
Ours tows like a dream, I can lift it with ease, and it is ultra durable. If you want to build something then a D4 or D5 is great just takes longer but you will be able to say you built it yourself.
Ours tows like a dream, I can lift it with ease, and it is ultra durable. If you want to build something then a D4 or D5 is great just takes longer but you will be able to say you built it yourself.
I would suspect
That inflatables are stolen for both the motor and the boat itself. As noted they are in high demand so getting rid of one would be easy for a thief. My personal opinion is that they became popular because folks want to move tons of gear in one trip, need something to dive or snorkel out of and likely tons of folks don't care to row. Safe? A WB has built in flotation. So does an inflatable till the tubes deflate. Are they better? Debatable. An inflatable will not last in the sun, a hard dinghy will. Do you want to zip around the harbour in the same fashion as one would around town? Will you really need to carry a weeks worth of groceries out to your H23? Cartop-able? A WB is absolutely cartop-able unless your car is a SmartCar... An inflatable is likely as well but I have never seen one carried that way. Likely most just deflet then and stick them in the trunk etc. Easy to row? This is not an option with an inflatable, I don't care what kind it is... that all row less efficiently than a hard dinghy. Maintenance on a hard dinghy might some or none depending on the material. A WB is virtually no maintenance save for the occasional rinse. I have no idea what maintenance is required for an inflatable. Want to check your anchor? Make a viewing bucket with a cheap plastic bucket and some plexiglass. $20 and some time and you are done plus your dinghy hull remains integral. Just my thoughts. Obviously my bias shows
Cheers David
That inflatables are stolen for both the motor and the boat itself. As noted they are in high demand so getting rid of one would be easy for a thief. My personal opinion is that they became popular because folks want to move tons of gear in one trip, need something to dive or snorkel out of and likely tons of folks don't care to row. Safe? A WB has built in flotation. So does an inflatable till the tubes deflate. Are they better? Debatable. An inflatable will not last in the sun, a hard dinghy will. Do you want to zip around the harbour in the same fashion as one would around town? Will you really need to carry a weeks worth of groceries out to your H23? Cartop-able? A WB is absolutely cartop-able unless your car is a SmartCar... An inflatable is likely as well but I have never seen one carried that way. Likely most just deflet then and stick them in the trunk etc. Easy to row? This is not an option with an inflatable, I don't care what kind it is... that all row less efficiently than a hard dinghy. Maintenance on a hard dinghy might some or none depending on the material. A WB is virtually no maintenance save for the occasional rinse. I have no idea what maintenance is required for an inflatable. Want to check your anchor? Make a viewing bucket with a cheap plastic bucket and some plexiglass. $20 and some time and you are done plus your dinghy hull remains integral. Just my thoughts. Obviously my bias shows
Cheers DavidWhat about these plans?
I've been looking at these: http://www.gsahv.pp.fi/ Or the "Fat Little Skiff" here: http://www.simplicityboats.com/OSchallengeresults.html You can build cheap little sails like these: http://members.aol.com/polysail/HTML/index.htm Hope that helps. The boats aren't the most beautiful, but they look decent and the price is right. I'd hate to build something that looks like a piece of hand-crafted furniture and then start dragging it around beaches and boat yards. Chris I. Clearwater, FL
I've been looking at these: http://www.gsahv.pp.fi/ Or the "Fat Little Skiff" here: http://www.simplicityboats.com/OSchallengeresults.html You can build cheap little sails like these: http://members.aol.com/polysail/HTML/index.htm Hope that helps. The boats aren't the most beautiful, but they look decent and the price is right. I'd hate to build something that looks like a piece of hand-crafted furniture and then start dragging it around beaches and boat yards. Chris I. Clearwater, FL
Oops, forgot my favorite plans
If I were building a dinghy, I'd probably build this one: http://www.dixdesign.com/dinghies.htm I'm still weighing the inflatable vs. hard issue. Chris I. Clearwater, FL
If I were building a dinghy, I'd probably build this one: http://www.dixdesign.com/dinghies.htm I'm still weighing the inflatable vs. hard issue. Chris I. Clearwater, FL
Building for fun and profit
Hi Chris, I have a friend who frequently asks me to start building dinghies (stitch-n-glue), in his warehouse here in Bradenton. With the tools and knowledge (and space) that we share, we could pump out a few a week. But I'm concerned about the market for them. I know we'd sell a few in the anchorages around here, what do you think the market would be like for them up in Pinellas/Tampa Bay? How much would someone be willing to pay for a new, well built (but not professionally finished), glassed ply, 8 foot dinghy?
Hi Chris, I have a friend who frequently asks me to start building dinghies (stitch-n-glue), in his warehouse here in Bradenton. With the tools and knowledge (and space) that we share, we could pump out a few a week. But I'm concerned about the market for them. I know we'd sell a few in the anchorages around here, what do you think the market would be like for them up in Pinellas/Tampa Bay? How much would someone be willing to pay for a new, well built (but not professionally finished), glassed ply, 8 foot dinghy?
Inflatable Kayak
I sail an O'day 22, and use a 11 ft inflatable kayak. The brand is sea eagle and it rolls up small enough to stow in the boat. I don't load supplies with it, but it works great for poking around an anchorage, handles waves great and has enough room for 2 (it helps if the second is your wife, and she's small). If you need the dingy to run supplies this is not your boat, but if you want an affordable and easy boat this will work.
I sail an O'day 22, and use a 11 ft inflatable kayak. The brand is sea eagle and it rolls up small enough to stow in the boat. I don't load supplies with it, but it works great for poking around an anchorage, handles waves great and has enough room for 2 (it helps if the second is your wife, and she's small). If you need the dingy to run supplies this is not your boat, but if you want an affordable and easy boat this will work.
Hmmm. That's a tough one....
I personally would compare any glass/ply dinghy with the $399 job from BoatersWorld. I'm concerned with weight and durability. The shells on the beaches, the boat ramps, and my kids will be hard on whatever I buy. Honestly, I'd look at a glass/ply boat if it was less than the $399 BoatersWorld deal, but you probably couldn't build them for that little. Your time is worth more. If I had more money, I'd buy something lapstrake, with a nice wine-glass transom, and lots of brightwork. I'd take a picture of it so I could stare at it when I wasn't using it. But I'm driven by price, weight, and durability. Those three factors may not favor a glass/ply boat. I also trailer my Catalina 22 so I have to figure out how to transport and store whatever I buy. I probably haven't answered your question.... Chris I. Clearwater, FL
I personally would compare any glass/ply dinghy with the $399 job from BoatersWorld. I'm concerned with weight and durability. The shells on the beaches, the boat ramps, and my kids will be hard on whatever I buy. Honestly, I'd look at a glass/ply boat if it was less than the $399 BoatersWorld deal, but you probably couldn't build them for that little. Your time is worth more. If I had more money, I'd buy something lapstrake, with a nice wine-glass transom, and lots of brightwork. I'd take a picture of it so I could stare at it when I wasn't using it. But I'm driven by price, weight, and durability. Those three factors may not favor a glass/ply boat. I also trailer my Catalina 22 so I have to figure out how to transport and store whatever I buy. I probably haven't answered your question.... Chris I. Clearwater, FL
I'll vote for Walker Bay
I bought my WB at year end and got a HE77 of a deal (not a big market up here). It rows very nicely and is light enough for me and my 9 year old Son to lift into the dingy rack at the Marina. My only fear is that somebody will swipe it. I use an aircraft cable to secure it to the rack. I store it for the winter in my garage - hung from three loops from the ceiling - drive right uinder it all winter. We keep all of our patio cusions in the dingy during the winter - great seasonal storage!
I bought my WB at year end and got a HE77 of a deal (not a big market up here). It rows very nicely and is light enough for me and my 9 year old Son to lift into the dingy rack at the Marina. My only fear is that somebody will swipe it. I use an aircraft cable to secure it to the rack. I store it for the winter in my garage - hung from three loops from the ceiling - drive right uinder it all winter. We keep all of our patio cusions in the dingy during the winter - great seasonal storage!
Thanks for your input, Chris.
Thanks Chris. We were thinking about assembly lining them somewhat - i.e. cutting out several at a time and following each other down the line with the glass and epoxy. But I still have no clue how much total time would be involved, especially considering the sales end of things. We'll also have to carefully look at the materials cost, though buying in bulk could significantly shrink that. Your guess of $399 tops is probably correct and we might be able to sell a few at that, but if we could get the price down to $299 for a good rowing tender (sail optional), just think of the popularity. Or am I just dreaming...
Thanks Chris. We were thinking about assembly lining them somewhat - i.e. cutting out several at a time and following each other down the line with the glass and epoxy. But I still have no clue how much total time would be involved, especially considering the sales end of things. We'll also have to carefully look at the materials cost, though buying in bulk could significantly shrink that. Your guess of $399 tops is probably correct and we might be able to sell a few at that, but if we could get the price down to $299 for a good rowing tender (sail optional), just think of the popularity. Or am I just dreaming...
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