what do you Dink

[George H260]

I am interested in obtaining a used dink this winter.Any ideas what size would be right? I would like an Inflatable (easy storage).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.

 

[Michael Brooks]

Murphy's Law

George, It's really a matter of taste, remembering that "Murphy's Law" is prevelant more so in water activities than normal life for the land lubber. A rule of thumb is if you fill it with air it will eventually leak somewhere. I've had an inflatable and it was extremely difficult getting in and out of the thing, maybe it's an age thing, however I stay in good shape. The hard dink that we now have appears to be the best thing we have purchased, in and out of it is solid and ya can't punch a hole in it with the normal daily routine that's accustome to boaters. The inflatable was nice storage wise, but with a good dink tow set up you really lose no speed while pulling it behind you. And as far as storage, ours only weighs 75lbs and its easy for two people to pull it up and store it on the foredeck of our H34. As far as motors the smallest is the cheapest and easiest to maintain, after all its purpose is to get you from point A back to the boat, it wasn't made for race'in. Good luck.

 

[Bryan C.]

What is important to you?

Is performance the most important thing to you? Consider a RIB or a hardfloor. Is ease of setup more important? An air-floor or roll-up are better. Do you have a place to store the boat out of the water? Or will you need to deflate and store it after every trip. Is price a factor? Are you talking about weekend use in protected waters or continuous use in choppy seas?

 

[Jim Ewing]

I agree with Bryan

If you're only going to put-put to the beach or dock to transfer crew and supplies then size doesn't matter much. But if you'll be using the dink for gunkholing, exploring, diving, fishing etc then get the biggest and fastest that's in your budget. I've got a hard floor 11' Avon with a 15hp motor. It's great for two people but with four it's a slug. A friend has 1 14' aluminum skiff with a 30hp and it works GREAT for four people. But it costs him 1/2 knot to tow it.Just a matter of preference and budget.Jim"Prospect"

 

[Steve Dion]

to add to your confusion.

George:Everyone has posed some questions for you. Where are you going to use the dink? Are you sailing in open or protected waters? Are you going to leave the dink stored or are you going leave it inflated and out in the weather? How far are you going to be transporting your crew (few hundred yards or a few miles)? What size boat do you have (this will determine what you store on the deck)? When you answer these questions we can answer yours!

 

[George H260]

Steve

Yes Steve I will use it in protected waters. I plan on lleaving it in the water against the bow and the dock. There is plenty of room. Most times I will be transporting the crew a few hundred yards. But I may also take it out to fish, again in protected waters. Also, I have a 340.I plan on towing it too. On the deck is too much work.Thanks

 

[Bryan C.]

Leaving dinghy in water

George, you didn't post your location, but if you leave your dink in the water in salt water areas, plan on regularly cleaning the bottom. Here is South Florida it is not an option. We left our old dinghy in the water for a couple month once and it became eligible for a marine coral reef sanctuary.If you are planning on leaving the dinghy inflated and outside, make sure it is hypalon (most bigger and more expensive ones are) and not PVC which degrades in constant exposure to sunlight.