Right Size Dink

Status
Not open for further replies.
George H260

George H260

.
Aug 11, 2006
1,446
Hunter H260 Traverse City
I am interested in obtaining a used dink this winter. Any ideas what size would be right? I would like an Inflatable (hypalon only) so that it can be easily stored. I have a family of 5 (me included) and want to take trips to shore from the anchored boat. We dont all have to go at once. Should it be towed or tied up out of the water on the stern? Also, what size motor would be best. I will have to lower it (the motor) from the stern to the dink so it should not be to heavy. Dont want the motor to be an anchor without a rode.
 
P

Pete

peter

check out getting a lifting crane for the engine. they mount on the stern and will lift a engine from the rail to the water.appx cost is $500. pricey but will saave your back and engine. they are also helpful in emergency situations (helping get someone back on board after they have fallen in )
 
C

Carl Dupre

Dinky Thoughts....

We currently have an H340 on order, and we were checking out the inflatable dinks at the Newport show. Here are a few thoughts from what we saw: Size. On another boat we sailed with the dink carried upside-down on deck in front of the mast. Measured the 340 in front of the mast; an 8' 6" dink looks like it might just fit, but nothing larger would; the price of the H340 sail plan and mast position. The same size measured to be reasonable across the transom, but again nothing much larger. Construction. We really liked the high-pressure inflatable floor model. Surprisingly rigid and stable. But that was on the dry. Motor. The 8' 6" inflatable recommended no more than 4 HP motor, which would check in at about 50 pounds. Sounds handlable. Saw some neat motor lifting harnesses from a company called "C-Level". For us it will mostly be two adults and a Basset Hound, so 8' 6" will work. Carl
 
S

Steve Dion

.
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Carl, a little bigger huh!

Carl: I think that you could use a little larger dink on the fore deck. The length is over all but the ends of the tubes extend beyond the transom. It really depends on the overall dimensions of the boat. The one thing about having an inflated boat on deck is that you no longer have access to the anchor locker. You also loose the ability to move around the deck in case of any emergency. Overall the best solution is an inflatable (hypalon only) with a high pressure floor that can be stored out of the way. A good quality 4 stroke motor that is easy to handle is also best.
 
C

Chris B

A different approach

I have a 33.5. We use a 10'9 Quicksilver inflatable with wooden floor board and we tow it. Putting the dink on and off the boat is way too much work. We have a 9.9 horse motor that we like because we can use the boat for sport also. Any 2 stroke motor weighs the same. Our Nissan is about 55lbs. Easy enought to pick up to the rail. I don't think a smaller inflatable would be rated to hold five people, so check out the rating on the stearn board. Good luck in trying to find a used one.
 
C

Chris Behre Jr.

Use the kids

The swim platform on your Hunter should make transfer of the outboard fairly easy. AS for towing or storing on deck, I might recomend you try deflating the dink and strapping it to the swimm platform, or on deck in heavier weather. It may seem like a pain to deflate and inflate, but climbing around it on the fore deck and giving up a knot to tow it are also a pain. I don't know how old you kids are but inflating the dink might be a good job for them... With your engine running (for power) and a 12 volt air pump, it should not take too long to inflate her.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom