Walker Bay 8

MoonSailer

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Apr 6, 2009

I have a walker bay 8 dinghy and want something a little larger. The Pelican Scorpio and some other small plastic boats look OK. Anyone have thoughts about a hard dinghy in the size range of about 9-10'??? I have considered inflatables but really prefer a hard dinghy. The cathedral hulls seem at face value to be more stable. But in the real world of waves are they really more stable??? Again ideals on small plastic boats about 10' and less than $1000.00.
Thanks

sailingdog

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Apr 6, 2009

Porta-bote... makes a 10' 6" model that folds up to a 10' 6" x 2' x 4" package...

MoonSailer

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Apr 8, 2009

we are also considering buying an inflatable to use with our 3.5hp Tohatsu 2 stroke. A roll-up that can be stored below and then taking our two 12' kayaks on deck. Kayaks are a lot of fun and we REALLY like the lack of noise!!! It is hard to decide with a 32' sailboat there isn't that much room. An inflatable offers an escape route if the sailboat should sink. I doubt that we could survive in kayaks on the open sea in rough weather. An inflatable with 5 gallons of fuel would make it possible to motor 50 miles or so to shore. A liferaft would depend upon rescue. A hard dinghy would be simular to an inflatable but take up deck space. The kayaks would be great paddling around in the Bahamas or coastal rivers and streams.