Stowing a dingy off the stern

[sam]

Does anybody have any ideas on what kind of dingy I might want to look into and I would like to stow it out of the water on the weekends. I would like to stow it off the stern and not the fwd deck. thanks for any help!!

 

[Charlie]

Row&Stow

Sam,As for buying a dinghy,there are just to many to choose from. If you live in florida or any hot area you would probably be better off with one made from Hyperlon material which is not affected (as much) from the suns rays. If this is not a problem, then PVC material would work well and cost a little less. Price range from 850 to several thousand. I believe Practical Sailor had an evaluation in one of their issues this year. With regards to storing I would recomend davits which are now available, and made for all Catalina models. Ocean Marine Systems 800-883-2848 or www.vru.com/ocean/ for info and price.good luckCharlie

 

[Myrna from Washington]

Folding inflatable

We purchased a West Marine inflatable that stows in its own bag. When we are no doing extensive cruising, it goes in the forward berth. Otherwise when is inflated it is stowed on the forward deck. However, we will probably be looking into the C davits one of these days. This is where it just flips up on to the stern. What we don't like is another piece of poles hanging out the back. I think the C davits might work.Good luck.

 

[Charlie Meuser]

Dinghy-Tow

I have used Dinghy-Tow on both my Catalina 30 and Catalina 34 walk-thru transom. This device both tows the dinghy under sail or motor with little or no drag. The dinghy tows from the stern with only the tip of the bow touching the water. When at anchor or in a slip the bow is raised via a block fastened to the backstay and the dinghy is now out of the water resting against the backstay upside down. This device is advertised in Sail magazine every month. If interested I have mine to sell I have a Catalina 42 now and do not need this great product. Please let me know if you are interested.

 

[Don Fitzpatrick]

Hang your dinghy

I stow my 10' Avon inflatable off the stern of my '79 Catalina 30 using U-shaped supports made by Edson.They're cheaper than davits (less than $200). For long offshore sails I put the dinghy on the bow. But for stowage at anchor, dockside, or light daysailing they work well.