I have just purchased a Catalina 30 to sail on the Chesapeake Bay. Any recommendations on the best type of dinghy to use in this area with this size boat?
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Dave
Get a hypalon Achilles Inflatable
I have an achilles 10'2" long. I purchased it around 1989 give or take a year. I pump it up in the spring, then I apply a fresh coat of bottom paint, then I put it in the water. Later in the fall after the leaves are gone and it gets cold I pull it out of the water, deflate it and take it home. I wash it and scrub the bottom, inflate it in my cellar and prop it upside down on sawhorses. After say 11 years it is going strong and I never use the pump all year. A few small things are going like the velcro that holds the thwart in place but otherwise it is the best value item I ever bought. Paid about a grand new back then.
I have an achilles 10'2" long. I purchased it around 1989 give or take a year. I pump it up in the spring, then I apply a fresh coat of bottom paint, then I put it in the water. Later in the fall after the leaves are gone and it gets cold I pull it out of the water, deflate it and take it home. I wash it and scrub the bottom, inflate it in my cellar and prop it upside down on sawhorses. After say 11 years it is going strong and I never use the pump all year. A few small things are going like the velcro that holds the thwart in place but otherwise it is the best value item I ever bought. Paid about a grand new back then.
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Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net
Dinghies
Feb.6,2001 Dear Bill, There are some pretty lively discussions on this topic (check the archives). When we first bought our boat and were trying to decide what dinghy to get we recived two pieces of advice that I will never forget: "Buy and inflatable, you will never regret it." and " Buy the biggest inflatable you can afford". So we bought an inflatable. Both pieces of advice were bad. I regretted the inflatable from the second time I inflated it and it started leaking. After trying to kill us numerous times I left it stabbed full of holes on a rubbish pile in Panama. A very large inflatable with engine is too heavy to pull up on to beaches.(Hint: big dinghy wheels are very useful.) if you are going to get an inflatable watch the weight. I would also recommend that you get a rigid bottom inflatable for the improved performance. Keep the outboard small - a 2 or 3 horse and a 10 foot inflatable will do the job, a 5 to 6 hp will get one person up on a plane with a rigid bottom boat. Do buy quality. I didn't and that was my mistake. Having said that, we have a hard dinghy (10'10") that we row mostly and sail or use a 6hp engine on occassionally. The 6 hp engine is too big and we will be getting a 2 or 3 horsepower engine when it dies. I really enjoy sailing our dinghy and the tranquility of rowing it though peaceful anchorages. Fair winds, Brian Pickton, of BeneteauOwners.net, aboard The Legend, Rodney Bay, St.Lucia
Feb.6,2001 Dear Bill, There are some pretty lively discussions on this topic (check the archives). When we first bought our boat and were trying to decide what dinghy to get we recived two pieces of advice that I will never forget: "Buy and inflatable, you will never regret it." and " Buy the biggest inflatable you can afford". So we bought an inflatable. Both pieces of advice were bad. I regretted the inflatable from the second time I inflated it and it started leaking. After trying to kill us numerous times I left it stabbed full of holes on a rubbish pile in Panama. A very large inflatable with engine is too heavy to pull up on to beaches.(Hint: big dinghy wheels are very useful.) if you are going to get an inflatable watch the weight. I would also recommend that you get a rigid bottom inflatable for the improved performance. Keep the outboard small - a 2 or 3 horse and a 10 foot inflatable will do the job, a 5 to 6 hp will get one person up on a plane with a rigid bottom boat. Do buy quality. I didn't and that was my mistake. Having said that, we have a hard dinghy (10'10") that we row mostly and sail or use a 6hp engine on occassionally. The 6 hp engine is too big and we will be getting a 2 or 3 horsepower engine when it dies. I really enjoy sailing our dinghy and the tranquility of rowing it though peaceful anchorages. Fair winds, Brian Pickton, of BeneteauOwners.net, aboard The Legend, Rodney Bay, St.Lucia
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Tom M.
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gary jensen
Dinghy choice
I presently have an Achilles hypalon and love it. I have had an Avon hard bottom (great boat,but heavy), and a Nissan (another good boat). My favorite is the Achilles. Its 8'6" , I store it on deck, upside down and covered. I push it with a 5hp Nissan. It planes me, alone, if I get forward. It would plane me easier if I were lighter (215 lbs). Hope this helps!
I presently have an Achilles hypalon and love it. I have had an Avon hard bottom (great boat,but heavy), and a Nissan (another good boat). My favorite is the Achilles. Its 8'6" , I store it on deck, upside down and covered. I push it with a 5hp Nissan. It planes me, alone, if I get forward. It would plane me easier if I were lighter (215 lbs). Hope this helps!
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Jim Ewing
What do you want it for?
Are you going to use it from boat to dock/shore or is it going to be your gunkholing, exploring runabout? If you're just going local then a small dinghy with a small motor (or none) will work. If not then get the biggest dinghy you can safely carry with enough horses in the engine to get you, crew and gear up on plane and gone. We have the latter use and think nothing of going to remote places for exploring or fishing or snorkeling. Our's is an 11' Avon with a 15HP outboard. (but it still rows well enough to enjoy a trip around the quiet anchorage) In either scenario some suggestions: 1) Buy Hypalon, it's worth it. PVC doesn't do as well in the sun. In either case keep it covered as much as possible. 2) Buy a name brand from a dealer that specializes in inflatables and will be there to help you when you need it. 3) Get two part glue and a big sheet of fabric. These things are tough but it will leak or get punctured eventually. Enjoy your Cat 30! Jim h37.5 "Prospect"
Are you going to use it from boat to dock/shore or is it going to be your gunkholing, exploring runabout? If you're just going local then a small dinghy with a small motor (or none) will work. If not then get the biggest dinghy you can safely carry with enough horses in the engine to get you, crew and gear up on plane and gone. We have the latter use and think nothing of going to remote places for exploring or fishing or snorkeling. Our's is an 11' Avon with a 15HP outboard. (but it still rows well enough to enjoy a trip around the quiet anchorage) In either scenario some suggestions: 1) Buy Hypalon, it's worth it. PVC doesn't do as well in the sun. In either case keep it covered as much as possible. 2) Buy a name brand from a dealer that specializes in inflatables and will be there to help you when you need it. 3) Get two part glue and a big sheet of fabric. These things are tough but it will leak or get punctured eventually. Enjoy your Cat 30! Jim h37.5 "Prospect"
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david lewis
Sand Dollar
What you need is a sand dollar. I would not recommend the walker bay at all. The sand dollar will row beautifully, It will also sail great, it can be rigged three different ways (lug, gunter, or sprit) and it can be powered by a small outboard. Has room for three or four and is what I consider the perfect dinghy. It can be rowed leisurely around the harbor or to shore, you can sail it around for entertainment or motor it to some further distant location. It has watertight compartments for positive flotation. The only drawback with this dinghy is you have to build it yourself. Let me know when you start your project and I will help you if you have any questions. dave
What you need is a sand dollar. I would not recommend the walker bay at all. The sand dollar will row beautifully, It will also sail great, it can be rigged three different ways (lug, gunter, or sprit) and it can be powered by a small outboard. Has room for three or four and is what I consider the perfect dinghy. It can be rowed leisurely around the harbor or to shore, you can sail it around for entertainment or motor it to some further distant location. It has watertight compartments for positive flotation. The only drawback with this dinghy is you have to build it yourself. Let me know when you start your project and I will help you if you have any questions. dave
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Barry
Dingy Evaluation
I started with a hard F/G dingy. Towed liked a feather and rowed nicely but didn't have enough carrying capacity and was unstable. Upgraded to a RIB inflatable with 15hp. Fun to go 25 knots but I towed like a stone and weighed a ton (150#). Didn't use it that often as a result. Now using a roll up inflatable that weighs 45 lbs. Easy to lift up on the deck, stable, easy to tow. The best part is being able to roll it up and stuff it in the quarter berth. Moves OK with 3hp but I rarely do that. Could row better but I don't go long distances so it's OK. Barry h34 'PER DIEM too"
I started with a hard F/G dingy. Towed liked a feather and rowed nicely but didn't have enough carrying capacity and was unstable. Upgraded to a RIB inflatable with 15hp. Fun to go 25 knots but I towed like a stone and weighed a ton (150#). Didn't use it that often as a result. Now using a roll up inflatable that weighs 45 lbs. Easy to lift up on the deck, stable, easy to tow. The best part is being able to roll it up and stuff it in the quarter berth. Moves OK with 3hp but I rarely do that. Could row better but I don't go long distances so it's OK. Barry h34 'PER DIEM too"
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Tom Lukas
Dingy
I bought an Achilles hypalon air floor last year, LS-88 I think was the model. I tow all the time in Maine. I did a lot of checking around and the Achilles won, very pleased with it. I had a 8' FG which towed nice but unstable and heavy, Achilles is about 65 lbs. The Achilles is very stable, good payload and it plans with just me (170lb.)in it with a 4 hp Johnson. Tows very well with a bridal I run to the transom. Place in California had the best price, about 1300 for 88 model.
I bought an Achilles hypalon air floor last year, LS-88 I think was the model. I tow all the time in Maine. I did a lot of checking around and the Achilles won, very pleased with it. I had a 8' FG which towed nice but unstable and heavy, Achilles is about 65 lbs. The Achilles is very stable, good payload and it plans with just me (170lb.)in it with a 4 hp Johnson. Tows very well with a bridal I run to the transom. Place in California had the best price, about 1300 for 88 model.
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Ron
Inflatable tradeoffs
A dinghy choice (like a boat) is a compromise of form & function. Assess what your usage & lifestyle will be & start from there. Those who just use a dinghy to and from their home-port mooring & like to row probably won't want an inflatable. If you cruise offshore, you definately don't want to tow a dinghy; it must be brought aboard & secured on deck or below; that says you'll need something light weight & small like an inflatable. If you do coastal cruising in protected waters, stopping each night, you'll probably want something towable, like a hard dinghy or a RIB. Personally, I have a combo usage involving a lot of local sailing, some "protected water" (Massachusetts Bay) weekend cruising, and once-a-year offshore/coastal (to Maine or Long Island Sound) 1-2 week cruising. For that I just bought an Achilles LSI-96 inflatable (9ft6in, high pressure inflatable floor). Its all Hypalon, including the floor -- If you get an inflatable floor, Hypalon is important, as spilled gasoline is not kind to PVC. Overall, Hypalon also resists UV radiation better than PVC but that's more of a concern in the tropics than New England. I also have an 8hp Nissan 2-stroke short-shaft outboard. Both the dinghy & the outboard are individually light enough for me to lift them solo. Even more easily with a "halyard assist" or another helper (mate). Cost wise, this combo was $2600 new ($1400 for the LSI-96, $1200 for the Nissan) through Defender Industries. They often have "web specials" below their usually low prices.
A dinghy choice (like a boat) is a compromise of form & function. Assess what your usage & lifestyle will be & start from there. Those who just use a dinghy to and from their home-port mooring & like to row probably won't want an inflatable. If you cruise offshore, you definately don't want to tow a dinghy; it must be brought aboard & secured on deck or below; that says you'll need something light weight & small like an inflatable. If you do coastal cruising in protected waters, stopping each night, you'll probably want something towable, like a hard dinghy or a RIB. Personally, I have a combo usage involving a lot of local sailing, some "protected water" (Massachusetts Bay) weekend cruising, and once-a-year offshore/coastal (to Maine or Long Island Sound) 1-2 week cruising. For that I just bought an Achilles LSI-96 inflatable (9ft6in, high pressure inflatable floor). Its all Hypalon, including the floor -- If you get an inflatable floor, Hypalon is important, as spilled gasoline is not kind to PVC. Overall, Hypalon also resists UV radiation better than PVC but that's more of a concern in the tropics than New England. I also have an 8hp Nissan 2-stroke short-shaft outboard. Both the dinghy & the outboard are individually light enough for me to lift them solo. Even more easily with a "halyard assist" or another helper (mate). Cost wise, this combo was $2600 new ($1400 for the LSI-96, $1200 for the Nissan) through Defender Industries. They often have "web specials" below their usually low prices.
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Tim Schaaf
Tube size
I had an Achilles for eighteen years of serious use, then sold it, still in good shape. A GREAT buy.(They did have one terrible year when they had to destroy several thousand defective boats, however). And, I have a Tinker Tramp, which I bought used in 1994. What a great boat....they actually do sail quite well, which is fun, although the rig is a bit more tedious to set up than they imply. I happened to have the opportunity to video an offshore, heavy weather test of the Tinker, set up with the liferaft option, vs. a Switlik offshore liferaft. Surprise, surprise, the Tinker was WAY better, much more capsize resistant. Plus, you can sail it to safety. Quite amazing to find something that purports to be a good tender, sailing inflatable and liferaft, and to find it is actually all three. Two years ago, when I sold the Achilles, I bought a two year old Avon Rover 3.11 with inflatable floor. That boat has been great but the floor was a nightmare. To my surprise, I found that the famous Avon ten year warranty does not include floors, which have a one year warranty. That goes for the hard hull of a RIB, a regular floor, or the air floor. But Avon, good guys that they are, replaced mine. The new one, built very differently, seems pretty good, so far. I agree that a hypalon floor, a la Achilles would probably be better. My conclusions are that most of the name inflatable boat builders (notably excepting the infamous Zodiac) build and backup a very good boat. But, do insist on Hypalon. An important decision, however, is the size of the tubes. Bigger is much better. The Achilles had fairly small tubes, 14 inches I THINK. The Tinker has 16 inch tubes which are much better, and the Avon has 17 inches which is better still. This applies to the handling and the dryness of the boat and the comfort. When it comes to inflatables, tube size MATTERS. I think you can make a good case for "the biggest one you can carry", or "something more handy", but there is no getting around the advantages of big tubes. And be sure the OUTBOARD is something you can lift or otherwise handle on board the mother ship. If it falls or bangs anything (let alone tumbles in the water) the consequences are disappointing.
I had an Achilles for eighteen years of serious use, then sold it, still in good shape. A GREAT buy.(They did have one terrible year when they had to destroy several thousand defective boats, however). And, I have a Tinker Tramp, which I bought used in 1994. What a great boat....they actually do sail quite well, which is fun, although the rig is a bit more tedious to set up than they imply. I happened to have the opportunity to video an offshore, heavy weather test of the Tinker, set up with the liferaft option, vs. a Switlik offshore liferaft. Surprise, surprise, the Tinker was WAY better, much more capsize resistant. Plus, you can sail it to safety. Quite amazing to find something that purports to be a good tender, sailing inflatable and liferaft, and to find it is actually all three. Two years ago, when I sold the Achilles, I bought a two year old Avon Rover 3.11 with inflatable floor. That boat has been great but the floor was a nightmare. To my surprise, I found that the famous Avon ten year warranty does not include floors, which have a one year warranty. That goes for the hard hull of a RIB, a regular floor, or the air floor. But Avon, good guys that they are, replaced mine. The new one, built very differently, seems pretty good, so far. I agree that a hypalon floor, a la Achilles would probably be better. My conclusions are that most of the name inflatable boat builders (notably excepting the infamous Zodiac) build and backup a very good boat. But, do insist on Hypalon. An important decision, however, is the size of the tubes. Bigger is much better. The Achilles had fairly small tubes, 14 inches I THINK. The Tinker has 16 inch tubes which are much better, and the Avon has 17 inches which is better still. This applies to the handling and the dryness of the boat and the comfort. When it comes to inflatables, tube size MATTERS. I think you can make a good case for "the biggest one you can carry", or "something more handy", but there is no getting around the advantages of big tubes. And be sure the OUTBOARD is something you can lift or otherwise handle on board the mother ship. If it falls or bangs anything (let alone tumbles in the water) the consequences are disappointing.
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Zodiac
You've gotten lots of advice, and you'll get more I'm sure, but I thought I'd weigh in anyway - First, do determine what you think you're going to use this boat for. That and storage space will determine what style of boat you need. I have a West Marine RU260. This is exactly the same boat as the Zodiac 260, with the name plates changed and a different thwart configuration. This is a very simple, slat floor boat, with a wooden transom. I use a Merc 3.3 to push it. The whole rig cost 1200 bucks. My biggest requirement was stowability and light weight. The boat and engine combined weight 68 pounds. The deflated package fit in the back of my VW golf - with the seats up!. I do sometimes tow the dink, but it goes in the lazzarette without issue. That's what mattered most to me. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
You've gotten lots of advice, and you'll get more I'm sure, but I thought I'd weigh in anyway - First, do determine what you think you're going to use this boat for. That and storage space will determine what style of boat you need. I have a West Marine RU260. This is exactly the same boat as the Zodiac 260, with the name plates changed and a different thwart configuration. This is a very simple, slat floor boat, with a wooden transom. I use a Merc 3.3 to push it. The whole rig cost 1200 bucks. My biggest requirement was stowability and light weight. The boat and engine combined weight 68 pounds. The deflated package fit in the back of my VW golf - with the seats up!. I do sometimes tow the dink, but it goes in the lazzarette without issue. That's what mattered most to me. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Eric Steege
Unusual Dingy Choice -- 46 MPH
I had a hard shell dingy which worked great, but I have three girls ages 8 - 12 and they love to anchor, go to the beach, and waterski. So, I did an unusual thing for our dingy -- I bought a 13.9 foot hard bottom Zodiac with a 50 HP outboard. It tows behind the boat at the price of about 1/2 knot, but is available for us to go anywhere we want to when we are anchored. It has a top speed of 46 MPH, has a steering wheel, seats six, and can pull a 200 lb adult up on waterski's. I know it is not conventional, but you should know that this is a fun option! Sometimes, when the wind isn't blowing, I just go powerboating! (I may have a little "stink-pot" in me, but I am trying to keep that part in check. (LOL))
I had a hard shell dingy which worked great, but I have three girls ages 8 - 12 and they love to anchor, go to the beach, and waterski. So, I did an unusual thing for our dingy -- I bought a 13.9 foot hard bottom Zodiac with a 50 HP outboard. It tows behind the boat at the price of about 1/2 knot, but is available for us to go anywhere we want to when we are anchored. It has a top speed of 46 MPH, has a steering wheel, seats six, and can pull a 200 lb adult up on waterski's. I know it is not conventional, but you should know that this is a fun option! Sometimes, when the wind isn't blowing, I just go powerboating! (I may have a little "stink-pot" in me, but I am trying to keep that part in check. (LOL))
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Pat Spino
Question for Dave Lewis
Tell me why you object to the Walker Bay....I was thinking of buying one. Thanks, Pat
Tell me why you object to the Walker Bay....I was thinking of buying one. Thanks, Pat
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Ron
Walker Bay?
I purchased a Walker Bay 8 when they first became available. I have seen pictures with 4 adults aboard. This "did not" look safe to me. But I can take my wife for a nice row around the harbor. I put up the sail kit and my children have a great time sailing. (me too!) At 70 lbs. I can pull it up on the foredeck alone. It fits on my Cat 30 nicely. I can tow it easily behind (install cover for daggerboard!) It rows well and is indistructible! My son will attest to that! Drawbacks? It is not as stable as an inflatable. It won't go 40knts. Three adults MAX! I have not put an engine on mine but it calls for a 3 horse engine (maximum size) Like boats, we all have our dinghy preferences. For me and my uses I would purchase another Walker Bay! If I were planning on cruising, an inflatable and outboard would be on my list. Hope this helps... Arrgghhh!
I purchased a Walker Bay 8 when they first became available. I have seen pictures with 4 adults aboard. This "did not" look safe to me. But I can take my wife for a nice row around the harbor. I put up the sail kit and my children have a great time sailing. (me too!) At 70 lbs. I can pull it up on the foredeck alone. It fits on my Cat 30 nicely. I can tow it easily behind (install cover for daggerboard!) It rows well and is indistructible! My son will attest to that! Drawbacks? It is not as stable as an inflatable. It won't go 40knts. Three adults MAX! I have not put an engine on mine but it calls for a 3 horse engine (maximum size) Like boats, we all have our dinghy preferences. For me and my uses I would purchase another Walker Bay! If I were planning on cruising, an inflatable and outboard would be on my list. Hope this helps... Arrgghhh!
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Scott
Walker Bay
Bill: I bought one of these because I live in the northwest which has a lot of rocky beaches. It tows very well behind my 25.5 without a motor, but not with my Honda 2hp mounted on the transom. I keep the 2hp, while cruising, on my pushpit which works great. It rows well, and is great for two adults max, or one adult and two smaller kids. It is far less stable than a comparably sized inflatable, but not unreasonably so. It requires no maintenance, seems indestructible, and is cheap. The sailing with the sail kit is OK for kids, and uncorfortable for adults. It works well for our purposes. You'll need to figure out how you're likely to use it most of the time. Good Luck.
Bill: I bought one of these because I live in the northwest which has a lot of rocky beaches. It tows very well behind my 25.5 without a motor, but not with my Honda 2hp mounted on the transom. I keep the 2hp, while cruising, on my pushpit which works great. It rows well, and is great for two adults max, or one adult and two smaller kids. It is far less stable than a comparably sized inflatable, but not unreasonably so. It requires no maintenance, seems indestructible, and is cheap. The sailing with the sail kit is OK for kids, and uncorfortable for adults. It works well for our purposes. You'll need to figure out how you're likely to use it most of the time. Good Luck.
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david lewis
Object to Walker Bay - Pat
I have never rowed, sailed, or motored around in a walker bay dinghy. i was merely putting in a plug for the dinghy that I just finished building (almost finished) which is a little larger, I believe will be more stable and certainly will require more maintenance but it's a labor of love as they say. I really prefer inflatables except I wanted something I could sail in block islands great salt pond, little narragansett bay, newport harbor, etc. regards, dave
I have never rowed, sailed, or motored around in a walker bay dinghy. i was merely putting in a plug for the dinghy that I just finished building (almost finished) which is a little larger, I believe will be more stable and certainly will require more maintenance but it's a labor of love as they say. I really prefer inflatables except I wanted something I could sail in block islands great salt pond, little narragansett bay, newport harbor, etc. regards, dave
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