What's the best kind of dinghy to have aboard? Do you prefer the convenience of a stowable, inflatable dinghy, the security of an RIB, or tradition of a good ol' wood or fiberglass boat? Do you lust after a techie, folding dingy, or some other tricky tender? Express your dinghy thoughts here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Inflatable is by far the most versitle
Having had a hard dink (too tippy and not very good load capacity), have a RIB (goes like hell and can almost tow the Hunter), had an inflatable and think that they are really the best all around units. The hard dink is just tooooo tippy and will not carry more than 2-3 people. If you have a dog on board they do not really cut it. You usually can only have a 2-4 hp engine so getting anywhere is not the fastest thing, but who's in a hurry if you own a sailboat. They do row nicely and tow well, but can easily swamp. They also do not give you any sense of security in rough water. The RIB really is nice if you don't care about the additional load when you are towing it. They are not very practical to stow on deck unless you have are larger boat (over 40'). You need a large engine to make them move because the overall unit is fairly heavy. There are some newer units on the market now that have a single bottom which can get the weight under 100#. You typically need a motor of at least 9.9hp and larger is better, so stowing the engine is a real problem. We presently have a 10' Caribe with a 15hp engine. We can almost water ski behind it. We also had to buy a trailer for storage in the off season. They can be beached without worrying about damage to the bottom unless you are on rocks. The inflatable with an inflatable floor is really the ticket. They are easier to stow (weather on deck or deflated and stowed below). If you have an inflatable floor you can probably put it together on boat. You can use a smaller engine 5-8hp and they move well. Weather you decide on a RIB or a regular inflatable you really need to consider the additional cost of hypalon. The lower cost units are made of PVC. They are OK if you do not spill fuel on the fabric, keep them out of the sun and they are problematic to abrasion. A hypalon unit will outlast a PVC unit by 2-5 times.
Having had a hard dink (too tippy and not very good load capacity), have a RIB (goes like hell and can almost tow the Hunter), had an inflatable and think that they are really the best all around units. The hard dink is just tooooo tippy and will not carry more than 2-3 people. If you have a dog on board they do not really cut it. You usually can only have a 2-4 hp engine so getting anywhere is not the fastest thing, but who's in a hurry if you own a sailboat. They do row nicely and tow well, but can easily swamp. They also do not give you any sense of security in rough water. The RIB really is nice if you don't care about the additional load when you are towing it. They are not very practical to stow on deck unless you have are larger boat (over 40'). You need a large engine to make them move because the overall unit is fairly heavy. There are some newer units on the market now that have a single bottom which can get the weight under 100#. You typically need a motor of at least 9.9hp and larger is better, so stowing the engine is a real problem. We presently have a 10' Caribe with a 15hp engine. We can almost water ski behind it. We also had to buy a trailer for storage in the off season. They can be beached without worrying about damage to the bottom unless you are on rocks. The inflatable with an inflatable floor is really the ticket. They are easier to stow (weather on deck or deflated and stowed below). If you have an inflatable floor you can probably put it together on boat. You can use a smaller engine 5-8hp and they move well. Weather you decide on a RIB or a regular inflatable you really need to consider the additional cost of hypalon. The lower cost units are made of PVC. They are OK if you do not spill fuel on the fabric, keep them out of the sun and they are problematic to abrasion. A hypalon unit will outlast a PVC unit by 2-5 times.
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david
Best-Dinghy
Hypalon Inflatable with inflatable keel and solid floor. In second place is my home built sailing dinghy the Sand Dollar designed by Arch Davis. This provides a nice platform to sail around harbors and to fish without worrying about hooking the inflatable. I have yet to launch her and sail her but the flat bottom and hard chine should prove more stable (INITIAL STABILITY) than a typical hard shell dinghy. I am also partial to the Fatty Knees brand of dinghy.
Hypalon Inflatable with inflatable keel and solid floor. In second place is my home built sailing dinghy the Sand Dollar designed by Arch Davis. This provides a nice platform to sail around harbors and to fish without worrying about hooking the inflatable. I have yet to launch her and sail her but the flat bottom and hard chine should prove more stable (INITIAL STABILITY) than a typical hard shell dinghy. I am also partial to the Fatty Knees brand of dinghy.
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Jon Petersen
Rib under 100lb is for me
I have tried alot of Dink's, and now I have an 10' 80lb Rib.. with a 9.8hp. It will plain with 3 people, Not 4. It also has a lot of bounce to it, so hold on. I love it because I can take the dogs ashore and not put a hole in the bottom.
I have tried alot of Dink's, and now I have an 10' 80lb Rib.. with a 9.8hp. It will plain with 3 people, Not 4. It also has a lot of bounce to it, so hold on. I love it because I can take the dogs ashore and not put a hole in the bottom.
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George Haus
Inflatable - only way to go
I bought a WestMarine/Zodiac 8'6" inflatable last year. I bought it primarily as transportation from shore to my boat. Mases a GREAT step to get in boat - more stable than I ever would have emagined - at 200 lb I can stand on one side and step up. Now use it as a transportable fishing/sight seeing boat when traveling/camping around the state (without my sailboat). Deflates, rolls up, stores on top of my van in about 15 min. flat. Unrolls, pumps up and in the water in about 20 min. I put an old 3hp motor on it - great stability.
I bought a WestMarine/Zodiac 8'6" inflatable last year. I bought it primarily as transportation from shore to my boat. Mases a GREAT step to get in boat - more stable than I ever would have emagined - at 200 lb I can stand on one side and step up. Now use it as a transportable fishing/sight seeing boat when traveling/camping around the state (without my sailboat). Deflates, rolls up, stores on top of my van in about 15 min. flat. Unrolls, pumps up and in the water in about 20 min. I put an old 3hp motor on it - great stability.
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Roger Mummah
Again - It Depends!
The best dinghy IMHO depends on what you're gonna do with it and how you, your boat and crew can handle it. We have the dreaded PVC Zodiac (10' 2") with a 6hp Yamaha. It has not fallen apart as predicted and it has served us well. It is too long to lay on the fore deck of the h31, for long passages, and the 6 hp is barely adequate when we have 200 pounds of water (in jugs) in the dink with us. We have bought a dinghy motor davit which we will install shortly. It is difficult to get the outboard from the stern rail to the dink stern when the dink and the mother ship are bouncing independently. The RIB is nice when beaching where there are rocks and/or shells (or anything sharp) on the shore. Our dinghy has a PVC floor and we had to get out of it a little off the beach and anchor it off. We made it work and it will have to last for a few more cruises! The best dinks we saw in the Bahamas were 13-15 foot Boston Whalers with big out boards. They allowed folks to leave their boat at anchor and travel long distances by dinghy for supplies. For this youneed a BIG boat. Most people had RIBs with 9.9-15 HP outbards, and they had dinghy davits. We really liked the "AquaScan" RIBs because they build a compartment in the bow for the gas can and the fuel lines run inside the floor back to the engine. No mess! A hard dink with a sailing rig would provide the ability to cruise around the anchorage, but you need the space to store the mast and sails. We only saw one sailing dink in 6 months, but Byron was having a blast while we watched. We saw big boats with both a RIB and a hard dink. If you only need to get out to your boat at her mooring, then a good sized inner tube would work. Even better would be a floating lounge chair with TWO beer holder sockets! So IMHO, the dink needs to fit its intended uses(s). Good dinking around. Roger and Susie Mummah, s/v Endless Summer
The best dinghy IMHO depends on what you're gonna do with it and how you, your boat and crew can handle it. We have the dreaded PVC Zodiac (10' 2") with a 6hp Yamaha. It has not fallen apart as predicted and it has served us well. It is too long to lay on the fore deck of the h31, for long passages, and the 6 hp is barely adequate when we have 200 pounds of water (in jugs) in the dink with us. We have bought a dinghy motor davit which we will install shortly. It is difficult to get the outboard from the stern rail to the dink stern when the dink and the mother ship are bouncing independently. The RIB is nice when beaching where there are rocks and/or shells (or anything sharp) on the shore. Our dinghy has a PVC floor and we had to get out of it a little off the beach and anchor it off. We made it work and it will have to last for a few more cruises! The best dinks we saw in the Bahamas were 13-15 foot Boston Whalers with big out boards. They allowed folks to leave their boat at anchor and travel long distances by dinghy for supplies. For this youneed a BIG boat. Most people had RIBs with 9.9-15 HP outbards, and they had dinghy davits. We really liked the "AquaScan" RIBs because they build a compartment in the bow for the gas can and the fuel lines run inside the floor back to the engine. No mess! A hard dink with a sailing rig would provide the ability to cruise around the anchorage, but you need the space to store the mast and sails. We only saw one sailing dink in 6 months, but Byron was having a blast while we watched. We saw big boats with both a RIB and a hard dink. If you only need to get out to your boat at her mooring, then a good sized inner tube would work. Even better would be a floating lounge chair with TWO beer holder sockets! So IMHO, the dink needs to fit its intended uses(s). Good dinking around. Roger and Susie Mummah, s/v Endless Summer
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Jon W.
Inflatable for us
Since we don’t cruise extensively, and spend about half our nights in marinas when we do, we went for the light weight and easier storage of a 10’ 2” PVC inflatable with the high pressure floor. This combination also gives us good load carrying ability, and good speed with our 8hp Nissan motor. I hate towing a dinghy, although I do it occasionally.
Since we don’t cruise extensively, and spend about half our nights in marinas when we do, we went for the light weight and easier storage of a 10’ 2” PVC inflatable with the high pressure floor. This combination also gives us good load carrying ability, and good speed with our 8hp Nissan motor. I hate towing a dinghy, although I do it occasionally.
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Trevor
Sailing dinghy for us...
It sure does look convenient and zippy to haul around a stinkpot behind your sailboat, but I am willing to put up with the hassle of stowing the dinghy sailing gear in order to enjoy exploring new anchorages by sail after dropping the hook. I enjoy rowing ashore, but feel more and more like a dinosaur as it's hard to find people who go ashore without all that buzzing noise anymore! We used to have an 8' fiberglass (Quartermaster brand) dinghy, but we found it heavy to haul up the beach, so we bought a 10' Gig Harbor that actually weighs less (75lbs). Again, it's different strokes for different folks... Trevor
It sure does look convenient and zippy to haul around a stinkpot behind your sailboat, but I am willing to put up with the hassle of stowing the dinghy sailing gear in order to enjoy exploring new anchorages by sail after dropping the hook. I enjoy rowing ashore, but feel more and more like a dinosaur as it's hard to find people who go ashore without all that buzzing noise anymore! We used to have an 8' fiberglass (Quartermaster brand) dinghy, but we found it heavy to haul up the beach, so we bought a 10' Gig Harbor that actually weighs less (75lbs). Again, it's different strokes for different folks... Trevor
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Ron Parkes
D4 Plywood
I considered all of the options and decided to build a D4 from plywood. I am about 1/2 way through, and I am glad that I took up the challenge. It's really not much work, interesting, and costs about $250. By the way, I am buiding the sailing option so it can be rowed, motored, or sailed.
I considered all of the options and decided to build a D4 from plywood. I am about 1/2 way through, and I am glad that I took up the challenge. It's really not much work, interesting, and costs about $250. By the way, I am buiding the sailing option so it can be rowed, motored, or sailed.
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Les Blackwell
Avon retrofitted
I have the standard Avon RIB that many people have. However, two years ago I saw where Zodiac had a new model with a better inflatable floor. Since Zodiac had just acquired Avon, I wondered if that floor could be put in my Avon. The local Seattle repair shop said they would give it a try. I now have my favorite Avon inflatable for my dinghy with a super stiff floor at a much cheaper price than buying a new one. Apparently, newer Avons now come standard with this inflatable floor. It is very stiff and the total package weighs in at about 60 lbs. I also bought a new bag for the Avon but it is not a bag, but a flat piece with straps that you put on after deflating the dinghy. I haven't tried it yet but boating world people at the boat show showed it to me--it seems to be what most of us were looking for.
I have the standard Avon RIB that many people have. However, two years ago I saw where Zodiac had a new model with a better inflatable floor. Since Zodiac had just acquired Avon, I wondered if that floor could be put in my Avon. The local Seattle repair shop said they would give it a try. I now have my favorite Avon inflatable for my dinghy with a super stiff floor at a much cheaper price than buying a new one. Apparently, newer Avons now come standard with this inflatable floor. It is very stiff and the total package weighs in at about 60 lbs. I also bought a new bag for the Avon but it is not a bag, but a flat piece with straps that you put on after deflating the dinghy. I haven't tried it yet but boating world people at the boat show showed it to me--it seems to be what most of us were looking for.
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Larry Watkins
Best dink
Right now we have a 10ft. Avon with an 8hp Nissan that we hoist with a davit/radar arch, but I'm looking for a 10 footer with a hard bottom and a slightly bigger engine for its ability to handle chop better. I also have a Fatty Knees sailing dink I hoist onto the foredeck for sailing around the anchorage. Great fun! Larry and Annette S/V Moondance
Right now we have a 10ft. Avon with an 8hp Nissan that we hoist with a davit/radar arch, but I'm looking for a 10 footer with a hard bottom and a slightly bigger engine for its ability to handle chop better. I also have a Fatty Knees sailing dink I hoist onto the foredeck for sailing around the anchorage. Great fun! Larry and Annette S/V Moondance
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the wildman
Try Sailing
2 years ago we bought an 8' Walker Bay sailing dinghy. This has been great... not too heavy, easy to throw in the truck and my kids love it. I add a small electric trolliing motor/gel cell battery and can go cove cruising all afternoon. This works well for us!
2 years ago we bought an 8' Walker Bay sailing dinghy. This has been great... not too heavy, easy to throw in the truck and my kids love it. I add a small electric trolliing motor/gel cell battery and can go cove cruising all afternoon. This works well for us!
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DJ Dreyer
Britannia Folding Dinghy
I had an inflatable but got tired of the time it took to set up and the time it took to deflate and clean up enought to stow below. Ended up with a Britannia Boats Folding Dinghy. It is made of plywood and folds up to about 4 x 20 inches x 8 feet and fits inside the aft cabin of my H34. I stow it on deck if I have guests aboard. Rows great, sails great, two mins to set up (3 if you are slow like someone I know). http://www.britanniaboats.com
I had an inflatable but got tired of the time it took to set up and the time it took to deflate and clean up enought to stow below. Ended up with a Britannia Boats Folding Dinghy. It is made of plywood and folds up to about 4 x 20 inches x 8 feet and fits inside the aft cabin of my H34. I stow it on deck if I have guests aboard. Rows great, sails great, two mins to set up (3 if you are slow like someone I know). http://www.britanniaboats.com
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Steve G.
Logic 12
I use a Logic 12 poly boat. It's heavy but I'm able to use a yamaha 25hp (35mph)on it and it's indestructable.Plus it's a hell of alot ah fun! Since I live on my boat, it gets used for fishing, funning around the sound, etc...
I use a Logic 12 poly boat. It's heavy but I'm able to use a yamaha 25hp (35mph)on it and it's indestructable.Plus it's a hell of alot ah fun! Since I live on my boat, it gets used for fishing, funning around the sound, etc...
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gary jensen
Best inflatable
Best dinghy (for me) is an inflatable. Best Inflatable depends on several factors. Cruising----I'd like a hard botton (AVON) and with a bimini....For what I do, I like my Achillies. Its managable and I can launch it easily. I'v had a Nissan (air bottom) that was excellent but it was 13 feet. I'v had two Avons one had a hard bottom and the other was an inflatable floor and I presently have the Achilles....All were good rafts. Just make sure that its made from Hypalon!!!!!!!
Best dinghy (for me) is an inflatable. Best Inflatable depends on several factors. Cruising----I'd like a hard botton (AVON) and with a bimini....For what I do, I like my Achillies. Its managable and I can launch it easily. I'v had a Nissan (air bottom) that was excellent but it was 13 feet. I'v had two Avons one had a hard bottom and the other was an inflatable floor and I presently have the Achilles....All were good rafts. Just make sure that its made from Hypalon!!!!!!!
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Pat & Faye
Port A Bote
Has anyone had any experience with these folding dinghy's? We saw them at a recent boat show, and Practical Sailor rated them very highly. It seems to meet most needs. http://www.portabote.com/
Has anyone had any experience with these folding dinghy's? We saw them at a recent boat show, and Practical Sailor rated them very highly. It seems to meet most needs. http://www.portabote.com/
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Tim Schaaf
Tinker....Porta Bote
I have a ten foot Avon with the inflatable floor. Great Ride. But, my personal favorite is the Tinker. It is supposed to sail and be used as a lifeboat, as well as fill the normal dinghy roles. It actually does it all, and is quite fast under power.I have the "Tramp". They now make a model with a Rib-like bottom that I have not tried. The Tinker is more expensive than other inflatables, but it really does eliminate the need for a liferaft, which makes it inexpensive! A friend had a Porta boat, which he despised, apparently because it took much more room than advertised to stow. Seems like they don't calculate for the seats. Then again, some cruising friends on a Pacific Seacraft 25 footer (now in Samoa) loved their Porta-bote, so I guess they mastered the stowing challenge. Go figure. My vote is for the Tinker.
I have a ten foot Avon with the inflatable floor. Great Ride. But, my personal favorite is the Tinker. It is supposed to sail and be used as a lifeboat, as well as fill the normal dinghy roles. It actually does it all, and is quite fast under power.I have the "Tramp". They now make a model with a Rib-like bottom that I have not tried. The Tinker is more expensive than other inflatables, but it really does eliminate the need for a liferaft, which makes it inexpensive! A friend had a Porta boat, which he despised, apparently because it took much more room than advertised to stow. Seems like they don't calculate for the seats. Then again, some cruising friends on a Pacific Seacraft 25 footer (now in Samoa) loved their Porta-bote, so I guess they mastered the stowing challenge. Go figure. My vote is for the Tinker.
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Jeff Miller
Inflatable and Hard Dinghy
We have a Walker Bay stored on davits for rowing, sailing and everyday use. Then for longer explorations or hauling provisions and people we use an inflatable with outboard
We have a Walker Bay stored on davits for rowing, sailing and everyday use. Then for longer explorations or hauling provisions and people we use an inflatable with outboard
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Paul Palmer
Nymph: A 7 '9" Mind Boggler
The book with the plans called it the Nymph: A 7'9" Mind Boggler. After building it I have to agree. Because of the design, I was afraid while building it that it would be very tippy. It is exactly the opposite. I am amazed at how stable it is. It skims across the water with little effort while rowing and tracks straight. There is also very little drag while towing. It still boggles my mind. Its a great little dinghy. Paul Palmer
The book with the plans called it the Nymph: A 7'9" Mind Boggler. After building it I have to agree. Because of the design, I was afraid while building it that it would be very tippy. It is exactly the opposite. I am amazed at how stable it is. It skims across the water with little effort while rowing and tracks straight. There is also very little drag while towing. It still boggles my mind. Its a great little dinghy. Paul Palmer
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Jim Willis
TINKER IS BEST
Bought mine in 1994 for my trip to Hawaii. It rolled up and was tied to the steering pedestal with inflatable canopy (deflated) already attached. It has CO2 cylinders for emergency lifeboat use. It rows great, you can crawl in over the bow and sails and motors great as well. THe double chamber pontoons make it virtually unsinkable. It has stood up well after haning on the davits (mainly() in the tropical sun since 1994. The only thing I did was to recently replace the apron with a new red hypalon one (the old vinyl one finally gave out- thin vinyl!) and used two part white interlux on the wooden floor, transon etc since the original varnish did not hold up. THe boat still does not leak and works (and looks) good. Jim WIllis
Bought mine in 1994 for my trip to Hawaii. It rolled up and was tied to the steering pedestal with inflatable canopy (deflated) already attached. It has CO2 cylinders for emergency lifeboat use. It rows great, you can crawl in over the bow and sails and motors great as well. THe double chamber pontoons make it virtually unsinkable. It has stood up well after haning on the davits (mainly() in the tropical sun since 1994. The only thing I did was to recently replace the apron with a new red hypalon one (the old vinyl one finally gave out- thin vinyl!) and used two part white interlux on the wooden floor, transon etc since the original varnish did not hold up. THe boat still does not leak and works (and looks) good. Jim WIllis
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