I have a 30 foot Catalina and would like to add a dinghy for fun and safety. My problem is what size and where to keep it. I have identified an inflatable that comes in two sizes one about 7 feet (three passenger)and the other about 5 (two passenger). Which size is more appropriate and how should I transport it, by towing or attached to the transom.
proper dinghy
- Thread starter Jerry21607
- Start date
- Status
9'
I would say our 9' inflatable is about right for making runs ashore with 2 people for supplies, groceries,etc. And it still fits on the foredeck.
I would say our 9' inflatable is about right for making runs ashore with 2 people for supplies, groceries,etc. And it still fits on the foredeck.
walker bay 8
was my choice for our C30. she rows, tows, and motors very easy. she also will stow on the bow if needed for long passage or bad weather. no deflatables for me!
was my choice for our C30. she rows, tows, and motors very easy. she also will stow on the bow if needed for long passage or bad weather. no deflatables for me!
proper size
I would go with a 9' inflatable. I just bought a 8'9" mercury with the solid floor boards. I have a 6' inflatable and its too small for anything but two people. If you are going to transport supplies plus 2+ persons regularly a 9' should work fine. Don't get a high pressure floor if you are going to be rough on your dingy (hauling suplies) and use it a lot. I've seen many high pressure floors deflated and punctured because they are not designed for daily use. Keep in mind that its a lot of work to setup and break down an inflatable like that, so I think you will end up towing it behind you most of the time. However, the 9' is small enough to fit on the foredeck if you desire. I would only do this on very long passages.
I would go with a 9' inflatable. I just bought a 8'9" mercury with the solid floor boards. I have a 6' inflatable and its too small for anything but two people. If you are going to transport supplies plus 2+ persons regularly a 9' should work fine. Don't get a high pressure floor if you are going to be rough on your dingy (hauling suplies) and use it a lot. I've seen many high pressure floors deflated and punctured because they are not designed for daily use. Keep in mind that its a lot of work to setup and break down an inflatable like that, so I think you will end up towing it behind you most of the time. However, the 9' is small enough to fit on the foredeck if you desire. I would only do this on very long passages.
walker bay
also keep in mind that a walker bay will only take 2-3hp motor. I returned a walker bay because I tried to put a 4hp motor on it which made the dingy very unstable and easily swampable.
also keep in mind that a walker bay will only take 2-3hp motor. I returned a walker bay because I tried to put a 4hp motor on it which made the dingy very unstable and easily swampable.
hpif
i have a 9', west marine, high pressure inflatable floor model dingy. i live aboard and use the boat a couple of times a week at least. i go fast in rough chop and have had no problems. it rolls up into a very small package. i would buy it again, but would get a 10 foot model.....the weight difference is negligable. as far as having a puntured floor, i would suggest not wearing high heels. rt
i have a 9', west marine, high pressure inflatable floor model dingy. i live aboard and use the boat a couple of times a week at least. i go fast in rough chop and have had no problems. it rolls up into a very small package. i would buy it again, but would get a 10 foot model.....the weight difference is negligable. as far as having a puntured floor, i would suggest not wearing high heels. rt
no offense david b
but, why would you buy a boat that clearly states on the stern that it takes a 2-3hp and take it home and put a 4hp on her and decide the boat it unstable cause you over powered her? I stand by my little walker bay, for her intended use she is a champ. and I aint got to worry about getting a hole in her!
but, why would you buy a boat that clearly states on the stern that it takes a 2-3hp and take it home and put a 4hp on her and decide the boat it unstable cause you over powered her? I stand by my little walker bay, for her intended use she is a champ. and I aint got to worry about getting a hole in her!
- Status