Does anyone out there use a kayak for their primary dingy? We are going to start this summer (we have two, one for her and one for me) and I was curious about the pro's/con's about using them. I'll probably lash them to the deck for off-shore but tow them for the day-sailing trips. I've towed a hard dink for years without incident so I've at least some experience with towing. My other question is this: should they be towed in series (one behind the other) or fashion a bridle so they tow side-by-side. I'd like to hear any ideas or concerns anyone has about this. I sure there are issues and problems with this that I've not thought about yet.
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GERRY FRIG
Consider Inflatables
I too, am interested in kayaking. On the advise of an experienced kayaker (whou also just purchased one), I just purchased two of the new Stearns inflatables. They appear to be very well made and are not toys, cost less than $300 and store an a case about the size of a typical overnighter suitcase. They have both 1 and 2 person models and seem to be perfect for boaters. However, I don't think I would choose one for a primary dinghy although anything is possible. I like the idea of a motorized boat to haul several persons, groceries, folding bikes and other gear. It is possible you may be happy with a kayak for this, but I would not. The dinghy and kayak have vasstly different designs for a reason of their uses.
I too, am interested in kayaking. On the advise of an experienced kayaker (whou also just purchased one), I just purchased two of the new Stearns inflatables. They appear to be very well made and are not toys, cost less than $300 and store an a case about the size of a typical overnighter suitcase. They have both 1 and 2 person models and seem to be perfect for boaters. However, I don't think I would choose one for a primary dinghy although anything is possible. I like the idea of a motorized boat to haul several persons, groceries, folding bikes and other gear. It is possible you may be happy with a kayak for this, but I would not. The dinghy and kayak have vasstly different designs for a reason of their uses.
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Tom M.
Kiyaks would make it.
The kiyak would make a great dink, if it had removable out riggers, this way you can undo the outrigger, and tie it up to the santions, another good dink is the foldaboat, this can fold and tie up to a stantion, both would be great on smaller boata, mine's a 1982 27 hunter.
The kiyak would make a great dink, if it had removable out riggers, this way you can undo the outrigger, and tie it up to the santions, another good dink is the foldaboat, this can fold and tie up to a stantion, both would be great on smaller boata, mine's a 1982 27 hunter.
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Thorp Thomas
What? Are you out of your mind?
Boy, that’s sure doing things the hard way. I have two Ocean Kayaks (the kind you sit on, not in) and an 11' inflatable. Just trying to get on one from the boat is real test of one agility, and balance, I can't begin to think what it would take to get in a regular kayak (perhaps it would be easier). I love my kayaks, it's great fun to play in the surf and glide effortlessly though the lees exploring. A dingy is a workhorse... pile all sorts of junk in it, jump in and go. That quick trip to shore for provisions or to pick someone up would be a nightmare in a kayak. Think about how this would all be done with a moderate wind and chop. As far as towing them, I string them behind in a dingy train. They love to play follow the leader... until the wind and seas pipe up... Then they play the yellow submarine routine and I have to bring them up on deck. There is a warning sticker on mine advising, not towing them. Probably because once they start to dive they continue on down until you either stop or you rip the tether out (Wow... they sure do look just like a real yellow submarine broaching the surface. As they say here in Cow Hampshire "Wicked good fun
Boy, that’s sure doing things the hard way. I have two Ocean Kayaks (the kind you sit on, not in) and an 11' inflatable. Just trying to get on one from the boat is real test of one agility, and balance, I can't begin to think what it would take to get in a regular kayak (perhaps it would be easier). I love my kayaks, it's great fun to play in the surf and glide effortlessly though the lees exploring. A dingy is a workhorse... pile all sorts of junk in it, jump in and go. That quick trip to shore for provisions or to pick someone up would be a nightmare in a kayak. Think about how this would all be done with a moderate wind and chop. As far as towing them, I string them behind in a dingy train. They love to play follow the leader... until the wind and seas pipe up... Then they play the yellow submarine routine and I have to bring them up on deck. There is a warning sticker on mine advising, not towing them. Probably because once they start to dive they continue on down until you either stop or you rip the tether out (Wow... they sure do look just like a real yellow submarine broaching the surface. As they say here in Cow Hampshire "Wicked good fun
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Justin - O'day Owner's Web
I've used a sit in type with success
Hey - I have used a sit in type sea kayak with decent success, but I would not recommend it unless you are already a decent kayaker. I would hold on to the rigid dink for hauling and play with the kayak until you feel comfortable with it. They will haul an impressive amount of stuff given the hullform, but not jerry cans, water, heavy provisions, gensets, and all the other crap you might like to take out to a mooring. The best dink I have seen in action with a Sunfish! One day last summer the people next to my mooring had their Zodiac stolen. They managed to balance seven (yes, seven!!) people on the Sunfish then paddled it out to their mooring (about 75 yard off the beach). Justin - O'day Owner's Web
Hey - I have used a sit in type sea kayak with decent success, but I would not recommend it unless you are already a decent kayaker. I would hold on to the rigid dink for hauling and play with the kayak until you feel comfortable with it. They will haul an impressive amount of stuff given the hullform, but not jerry cans, water, heavy provisions, gensets, and all the other crap you might like to take out to a mooring. The best dink I have seen in action with a Sunfish! One day last summer the people next to my mooring had their Zodiac stolen. They managed to balance seven (yes, seven!!) people on the Sunfish then paddled it out to their mooring (about 75 yard off the beach). Justin - O'day Owner's Web
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steven f
so far so good
After several "sea trials" the kayak idea is working like a champ! I've made some changes here and there but this seem to be going great. I've been getting some heat from the traditional sailing community but I'm sure this isn't the first strange idea to come along that acutally worked. The real test comes in another week when we'll put a couple hunderd blue water miles under their keels. I'll let everyone know how this entire idea works out, hopefully we'll return with crew, boat and kayaks still in tow.
After several "sea trials" the kayak idea is working like a champ! I've made some changes here and there but this seem to be going great. I've been getting some heat from the traditional sailing community but I'm sure this isn't the first strange idea to come along that acutally worked. The real test comes in another week when we'll put a couple hunderd blue water miles under their keels. I'll let everyone know how this entire idea works out, hopefully we'll return with crew, boat and kayaks still in tow.
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Fritz
Please reconsider...
I've been a kayaker for years as well as spending about 40 days sailing throughtout the summer. Entering a kayak, even from an open transom would be a real test. Then, where would you put the bag of garbage, kids, groceries on the return, etc... Kayaks provide a great means of exploring a new anchorage, but I'd stick with a traditional dinghy (rigid or inflatable) as your primary means of transport between boat and shore.
I've been a kayaker for years as well as spending about 40 days sailing throughtout the summer. Entering a kayak, even from an open transom would be a real test. Then, where would you put the bag of garbage, kids, groceries on the return, etc... Kayaks provide a great means of exploring a new anchorage, but I'd stick with a traditional dinghy (rigid or inflatable) as your primary means of transport between boat and shore.
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