What size dink?

[Paul Borchardt]

I have a 1999 H340 and am in the market to buy a dink.I would like to purchase one that can carry my wholefamily (4 of us) I'm considering a 10' 2'' model.Does anyone have any expirence carrying a fully inflated dink of that size on the foredeck?Thanks.Paul

 

[Carl and Juliana Dupre]

10'2" Won't Fit.....

....in front of the mast; not even close. Remember that the Hunter sail plan places the mast further forward than more conventional designs. We bought an 8'6" inflatable and selected that size for that EXACT reason. We measured before buying, and the 8'6" dink JUST fits on the foredeck; dink transom board is right against the mast and with just (barely) enough space to slide by the dink bow to get up to the pulpit to get at the anchor or catch a mooring. The 8'6" dink is OK for the two of us plus either (but not both at the same time) some gear or our Bassett Hound, but no more. For a family of 4 the size you are considering sounds good; forget the foredeck and just plan on towing.Carl and Jules/v 'Syzygy'

 

[Robert Polk]

Get an Air Floor & electric pump

Get an roll up air floor dingy and an electric pump. You can get a small high volume AC or DC pump at West Marine for about $65. That way you can roll the dingy up and store it in the boat or on deck. It will also extend the life of the dingy by keeping it out of the sun. We got a PVC 10' 2" Zodiac for much less money than an Avon Hypalon dingy since we won't keep it in the sun. Its light and easy to handle and can hold 4 people. We also got an 8HP Nissan which moves it along very nicely. Also look at the Garhauer davit for $199. to handle the motor.

 

[Tom Payne]

If you Tow

make sure you pull the dink in as close as possible in heavy seas. I flipped mine once and ended up destroying the dink, but was lucky and saved the 9.9hp.