What size dinghy

[LordNelson]

I have an Oday 20 that we day sail on Seneca Lake in NYS. I need a dinghy to get out to the mooring which is probably 250 feet from shore. I have a chance to buy a 8 foot fiberglass dinghy based upon a Penn Yan design, but am concerned it may be too small when in a 1-2 foot chop. For the most part it would be just myself and my wife, probably around 360 lbs. (not my wife but combined : )

Would this be adequate or should I look for something larger?

 

[Sunbird22358]

I would think it should be OK, based on my image of a "Penn Yann Design" dinghy. I use an 8' Eli Laminates dinghy for my DS II and I have about the same, maybe a bit longer row. Our cove is semi-sheltered, but not always flat-calm. I usually have myself and my Dad, combined weight around the same as you are estimating. We used to use this same dinghy for our old CAL 21, often carrying my Mom & Dad plus my Sister and I..... I guess in those days my Sister and I added up to about 150# added to my Parents at maybe another 250-300#.
One other factor is that this 8' dinghy should be pretty easy to tow behind your 20 if you were sailing to a beach or another harbor where you might go ashore.

I used to have a 7' version of the 8' dinghy that I use now..... that was a bit borderline for my Dad and If any sea was rolling into the cove! The 8' has just enough more freeboard and beam to give me more confidence. (Plus she has a SAIL RIG!).