If you ever want to explore shallow creeks, bays, or gunkholes, some sort of dinghy may be needed. On the other end of the fun spectrum, a dinghy would be very handy if you had to row an anchor out after you've run aground. Whether it's rowing the dog to apathc of grass, to motoring the admiral to a shoreside restaurant, dinghies are handy little boats. Do you own and use a dinghy? If so what type do you prefer? And what about motors? Gas or electric? Or do you just depend on oars? Where do you store it? On deck? On davits? Drag it along behind you? Share your thoughts here about dinghies then take the quick quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Just a little dingy
We drag around a little old plastic O'brien polywog, with oars. It's a good place to store the crab pots.
We drag around a little old plastic O'brien polywog, with oars. It's a good place to store the crab pots.
toyboattoyboattoyboat
My dinghy is a 14 ft Whitehall made by Gig Harbor Boatworks. It was not meant to be used as a tender when I received it as a gift from my wife for our 30th anniversary. I wanted something to sail around on the canals where we live. It has a sloop rig with a mainsail and jib that sails great. It came with a sliding seat for rowing and eventually we added the electric motor option that bolts on to the same rudder that is used to sail. My wife made it clear that she would never ride in that "tippy thing" right from the start. Well she changed her mind eventually and gradually became quite comfortable first as a rowboat or electric motor boat and then even sailing with me. She was enthusiastic when I suggested that we try towing it to the San Juans and cruise around the anchorage with it just one time. We both assumed it would be a real hassle to use as a full time dinghy since we had no davits and it was almost half as long as the Hunter 30 that we cruised in at the time. After that first trip, we never went cruising without it. It can be a little tricky getting in and out of some of the marinas that we have stayed in but we have worked that out pretty well by now. If the space looks too tight, we stop at the fuel dock first and drop it off before we pull in to our slip. I make a lot of trips to the dinghy docks since we cruise with dogs and usually anchor out. It is great for hauling livestock or up to four large adult humans with plenty of room for all. She has been our full time tender for about three years now and has followed us all around the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. We traded in the Hunter for a C350 so it does not look so big now when rafted up alongside. Her name is toy boat three times fast since she has three different methods of propulsion and they are all fast.
My dinghy is a 14 ft Whitehall made by Gig Harbor Boatworks. It was not meant to be used as a tender when I received it as a gift from my wife for our 30th anniversary. I wanted something to sail around on the canals where we live. It has a sloop rig with a mainsail and jib that sails great. It came with a sliding seat for rowing and eventually we added the electric motor option that bolts on to the same rudder that is used to sail. My wife made it clear that she would never ride in that "tippy thing" right from the start. Well she changed her mind eventually and gradually became quite comfortable first as a rowboat or electric motor boat and then even sailing with me. She was enthusiastic when I suggested that we try towing it to the San Juans and cruise around the anchorage with it just one time. We both assumed it would be a real hassle to use as a full time dinghy since we had no davits and it was almost half as long as the Hunter 30 that we cruised in at the time. After that first trip, we never went cruising without it. It can be a little tricky getting in and out of some of the marinas that we have stayed in but we have worked that out pretty well by now. If the space looks too tight, we stop at the fuel dock first and drop it off before we pull in to our slip. I make a lot of trips to the dinghy docks since we cruise with dogs and usually anchor out. It is great for hauling livestock or up to four large adult humans with plenty of room for all. She has been our full time tender for about three years now and has followed us all around the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. We traded in the Hunter for a C350 so it does not look so big now when rafted up alongside. Her name is toy boat three times fast since she has three different methods of propulsion and they are all fast.
Dyer Dhow
My favorite is my old wood/glass Dyer Dhow. On boats with room, it's kept on deck, just ahead or abaft the mast, otherwise it's towed if the weather allows. It's fast, gets moving easily, and turns like it's pivoting around a post. No problems with any amount of weight in it--sits on top of the water with just me but I've had it laden to put the water at the gunwales (3 people and alot of supplies). Rough water? No problem. I'm thinking of two separate incidents on the James River in the same anchorage off Jamestown ferry wharff...a sudden thunderstorm causing an unoccupied boat to drag anchor toward the loading pier with winds easily in the forties and I felt obliged to do something for her. I got blown downwind of her and still crawled my way back up in the Dyer, not to mention being bashed by the waves. The other in the nastiest of 25-knot breezes on such shallow, protected water with long fetch (10 miles or so) creating the shortest-period 3-footers I think possible and having to make a run to shore. I surfed to shore mostly and then tested the surf-boat abilities of the little Dhow on the way back (only swamped once by wash as I was trying to launch). Good little boats, but I like kayaks too.
My favorite is my old wood/glass Dyer Dhow. On boats with room, it's kept on deck, just ahead or abaft the mast, otherwise it's towed if the weather allows. It's fast, gets moving easily, and turns like it's pivoting around a post. No problems with any amount of weight in it--sits on top of the water with just me but I've had it laden to put the water at the gunwales (3 people and alot of supplies). Rough water? No problem. I'm thinking of two separate incidents on the James River in the same anchorage off Jamestown ferry wharff...a sudden thunderstorm causing an unoccupied boat to drag anchor toward the loading pier with winds easily in the forties and I felt obliged to do something for her. I got blown downwind of her and still crawled my way back up in the Dyer, not to mention being bashed by the waves. The other in the nastiest of 25-knot breezes on such shallow, protected water with long fetch (10 miles or so) creating the shortest-period 3-footers I think possible and having to make a run to shore. I surfed to shore mostly and then tested the surf-boat abilities of the little Dhow on the way back (only swamped once by wash as I was trying to launch). Good little boats, but I like kayaks too.
tote-n-bote
I have just ordered a "Tote-n-Bote" Hard plastic canoe to use as a dinghy on our Mac26S. There is not much room for a dinghy on this small boat, but I've always wanted one. The joy of Tote-n-Boat is that it will fold up to fit in a 48"x14"x4" bag, and in 10 minutes, with no tools,it will fold out to a 9.5'x 3'canoe that will hold 450#! Well, that's what the ads say. Wish me luck!
I have just ordered a "Tote-n-Bote" Hard plastic canoe to use as a dinghy on our Mac26S. There is not much room for a dinghy on this small boat, but I've always wanted one. The joy of Tote-n-Boat is that it will fold up to fit in a 48"x14"x4" bag, and in 10 minutes, with no tools,it will fold out to a 9.5'x 3'canoe that will hold 450#! Well, that's what the ads say. Wish me luck!
Inflateable dink
I prefer an inflateable dinghy and have a 9'9" Maxxon/Titan, inflateable floor & keel with a 5hp honda. I usually tow it behind because I have nowhere to carry the engine. Before the engine I carried it deflated across the windows at the bow just in front of the mast, rolled up. The inflateables seem to be the ideal.
I prefer an inflateable dinghy and have a 9'9" Maxxon/Titan, inflateable floor & keel with a 5hp honda. I usually tow it behind because I have nowhere to carry the engine. Before the engine I carried it deflated across the windows at the bow just in front of the mast, rolled up. The inflateables seem to be the ideal.
Kayak
Even though I have an O'Day 23, I bought a 9' (beginners model) Kayak that I kind-of use as a dingy. Do to being disabled, I've found transporting some of the heavier stuff out to the boat is easier to paddle it there rather than carrying it down the dock. And also, its very relaxing to just cruise around the marina, in the evening, looking at boats and talking with friends. Since it only weights 40#, I pull it up on the dock, turn it upside down, and chain & lock it to the dock frame, when I go home, and it is not too intrusive to my dock neighbor.
Even though I have an O'Day 23, I bought a 9' (beginners model) Kayak that I kind-of use as a dingy. Do to being disabled, I've found transporting some of the heavier stuff out to the boat is easier to paddle it there rather than carrying it down the dock. And also, its very relaxing to just cruise around the marina, in the evening, looking at boats and talking with friends. Since it only weights 40#, I pull it up on the dock, turn it upside down, and chain & lock it to the dock frame, when I go home, and it is not too intrusive to my dock neighbor.
Dink Think
We use a Dyer Dinghy, 10 ft model, or a tandem kayak, built by Heritage in Rhode Island. The Dyer is a classic and our favorite means to get out to our mooring in the Hole in the mouth of the Saugatuck River, but the kayak is fun for towing out to the Norwalk Islands and exploring.
We use a Dyer Dinghy, 10 ft model, or a tandem kayak, built by Heritage in Rhode Island. The Dyer is a classic and our favorite means to get out to our mooring in the Hole in the mouth of the Saugatuck River, but the kayak is fun for towing out to the Norwalk Islands and exploring.
Walker Bay 8'
sometimes we use an old ..very old Sears 1.2 HP outboard but I prefer oars. We store it on deck using a spare halyard to lift it on and off. The 1.2 moves the boat a lot faster than I can row but is very noisey. Sooner or later we'll probably buy a roll up inflatable to use with our 3.5 hp outboard that is now being used on a canoe. The WB8 is a little tippy and is difficult to handle in rough water. We both love to kayak but our sea kayaks are too long. I recently bought an 8.5' kayak that will fit on deck. But haven't used it that way yet. Kayaking in waves can be challenging especially in the short yak. But in smooth water the short yak is fine and I even use it for flyfishing.
sometimes we use an old ..very old Sears 1.2 HP outboard but I prefer oars. We store it on deck using a spare halyard to lift it on and off. The 1.2 moves the boat a lot faster than I can row but is very noisey. Sooner or later we'll probably buy a roll up inflatable to use with our 3.5 hp outboard that is now being used on a canoe. The WB8 is a little tippy and is difficult to handle in rough water. We both love to kayak but our sea kayaks are too long. I recently bought an 8.5' kayak that will fit on deck. But haven't used it that way yet. Kayaking in waves can be challenging especially in the short yak. But in smooth water the short yak is fine and I even use it for flyfishing.
New Dink
Just bought a new dinghy a few months ago...a 2005 west marine 9'9" blow up floor. It replaced an 18 year old Bomb Bay 11' wooden floor. The old one could get up and plane faster then the new one with my 6hp 4 stroke, but I don't miss the extra size when I'm storing her on the bow inflated. I can now get into the anchor locker without having to move the dink. I also don't miss the extra 30 lbs
Just bought a new dinghy a few months ago...a 2005 west marine 9'9" blow up floor. It replaced an 18 year old Bomb Bay 11' wooden floor. The old one could get up and plane faster then the new one with my 6hp 4 stroke, but I don't miss the extra size when I'm storing her on the bow inflated. I can now get into the anchor locker without having to move the dink. I also don't miss the extra 30 lbs
8 ft West Marine roll up by Zodiak
We have a 94 26S and the West marine roll up fits perfect rolled up below in the rear berth till needed, I store a Merc 3.3 on a motor bracket attached to the stern rail. It will hold 3 adults for a trip to shore or to just go play and explore. We got a 12 volt inflator that will blow the boat completly up in about 5 minutes and then we finish the inflation with the foot pump to get it good and hard. Once iut is over the side my wife hands me down the little merc, it weighs around 25 odd pounds, great little boat to have. To deflate we pull it up in the cockpit open the valves and roll it back up. and put it in it's case, After each use we blow it up in the back yard and wash it down with soap and water and stow it away on the berth again
We have a 94 26S and the West marine roll up fits perfect rolled up below in the rear berth till needed, I store a Merc 3.3 on a motor bracket attached to the stern rail. It will hold 3 adults for a trip to shore or to just go play and explore. We got a 12 volt inflator that will blow the boat completly up in about 5 minutes and then we finish the inflation with the foot pump to get it good and hard. Once iut is over the side my wife hands me down the little merc, it weighs around 25 odd pounds, great little boat to have. To deflate we pull it up in the cockpit open the valves and roll it back up. and put it in it's case, After each use we blow it up in the back yard and wash it down with soap and water and stow it away on the berth again
Dinks
Dinks are used for getting to and from the mooring - to carry supplies, friends, pets and parts - to visit others near - to be a floating platform for working on the boat and finally to be the first back up rescue pod in case of a very large and irreparable hole in the hull.
Dinks are used for getting to and from the mooring - to carry supplies, friends, pets and parts - to visit others near - to be a floating platform for working on the boat and finally to be the first back up rescue pod in case of a very large and irreparable hole in the hull.
Just a mini
I just bought a West Marine Mini Dinghy. It was only 199 it came with a free electric motor, and is pleanty big enough to take 2 people to the shore, or myself and my dog! Its also very light weight and easly tenders behind my H23 or I could store it easly on deck!
I just bought a West Marine Mini Dinghy. It was only 199 it came with a free electric motor, and is pleanty big enough to take 2 people to the shore, or myself and my dog! Its also very light weight and easly tenders behind my H23 or I could store it easly on deck!
Moved up in both
Our C25 was content with a WM 8'-4" donut with a wooden mount for a 1.2 Johnson "egg-beater" engine with only one gear (forward ho!) and an integral small gas tank. Used it for many years, but it took a while to get to stores in the California Delta. Not that we were in a great hurry... New C34, new Zodiac 10'-2" with a 9.9 engine (bought at a yacht club flea market). Great rig, planes, is lots of fun and gets us around. Removed a heavy six gallon tank that lived on the dink's floor and replaced it with a three gallon transom mount fuel tank, much easier to deal with than that heavy tank. Both dinks stored well on the foredeck. The Zodiac can be inflated on the foredeck, and we use a halyard to bring it up. The most indispensable tool for the engine is the Garhauer dinghy motor lift - best design, least cost.
Our C25 was content with a WM 8'-4" donut with a wooden mount for a 1.2 Johnson "egg-beater" engine with only one gear (forward ho!) and an integral small gas tank. Used it for many years, but it took a while to get to stores in the California Delta. Not that we were in a great hurry... New C34, new Zodiac 10'-2" with a 9.9 engine (bought at a yacht club flea market). Great rig, planes, is lots of fun and gets us around. Removed a heavy six gallon tank that lived on the dink's floor and replaced it with a three gallon transom mount fuel tank, much easier to deal with than that heavy tank. Both dinks stored well on the foredeck. The Zodiac can be inflated on the foredeck, and we use a halyard to bring it up. The most indispensable tool for the engine is the Garhauer dinghy motor lift - best design, least cost.
a dinghy is a good thing
A dinghy is a good thing to have. On our Catalina 36 we have a zodiac RIB hanging on Davits with a 5hp outboard. It seems to work well for this boat. For our Catalina 25 we tow a 7' Fatty Knees. It rows, sails, and motors great. It is really a lot of fun to use. I also use a sailboard to get from the dock to the boat mooring and airplane mooring. The nice thing about the sailboard is when you fly back to the mooring after a rain it is not filled with water. Each one is a very usefull tool when used within it's limits. Happy Sailing
A dinghy is a good thing to have. On our Catalina 36 we have a zodiac RIB hanging on Davits with a 5hp outboard. It seems to work well for this boat. For our Catalina 25 we tow a 7' Fatty Knees. It rows, sails, and motors great. It is really a lot of fun to use. I also use a sailboard to get from the dock to the boat mooring and airplane mooring. The nice thing about the sailboard is when you fly back to the mooring after a rain it is not filled with water. Each one is a very usefull tool when used within it's limits. Happy Sailing
Port-A-Boat fits most Bills
You can roe, sail, and motor it. Keep it folded on your boat along life lines, toe it, and put it on davits. Its unsinkable! I have one for 13 years and love it.
You can roe, sail, and motor it. Keep it folded on your boat along life lines, toe it, and put it on davits. Its unsinkable! I have one for 13 years and love it.
Avon Rover 280
Inflatable floor with 4 hp, 4 stroke Yamaha outboard. Store on bow with cover and have sling that I hook to spinnaker halyard and then using winch lift and then set outboard the lifelines. Have long lead rope that I lead to stern. Outboard stored on stern rail with Ocean Marine crane. Crane allows one handed operation down to dingy. Dingy can be launched in about 10 minutes including putting on the motor.
Inflatable floor with 4 hp, 4 stroke Yamaha outboard. Store on bow with cover and have sling that I hook to spinnaker halyard and then using winch lift and then set outboard the lifelines. Have long lead rope that I lead to stern. Outboard stored on stern rail with Ocean Marine crane. Crane allows one handed operation down to dingy. Dingy can be launched in about 10 minutes including putting on the motor.
Walker Bay 8 with trolling motor
I used a West Marine inflatable for several yeast but got tired of always patching it. I now use a Walker Bay 8 that i got on Ebay and have added a trolling motor to it. It moves along nicely and queitly with the new motor. The only problem I have with it now is after leaving it in the water for several weeks I have to scrap all the barnacles off the bottom. Walker Bay indicates that nothing will stick to the bottom of thier boats but don't believe it! What doesn't stick is antifouling paint. With a clean bottom it is a fun dink and meets my needs well.
I used a West Marine inflatable for several yeast but got tired of always patching it. I now use a Walker Bay 8 that i got on Ebay and have added a trolling motor to it. It moves along nicely and queitly with the new motor. The only problem I have with it now is after leaving it in the water for several weeks I have to scrap all the barnacles off the bottom. Walker Bay indicates that nothing will stick to the bottom of thier boats but don't believe it! What doesn't stick is antifouling paint. With a clean bottom it is a fun dink and meets my needs well.
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