Where and how do you store your inflatable dinghy

[Brian D]

I keep mine rolled up and in it's bag, out of the sun, in the garage.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Different ways for different types. Fully deflatable ones (have owned 6-ft to 10.5-ft versions) are deflated and stowed on the boat or at home in the garage. Fully hard shell (8.5 ft) on a rented dinghy rack at the marina. Inflatable RIB (9.5 ft) inverted on the foredeck, covered with a custom-fitted canvass cover.

I see other ways around the marina. RIBs and larger console dinghies might be stowed on a float that fits (more or less) within the allowed dimensions of the slip space. If painted with anti-fouling paint, then directly in the water of the yacht’s slip. Then, of course, for boats with lifting davits astern on the davits lifted from the water, etc.

But the water does not freeze here and there is no snow. A “cold” winter night remains above 45 deg F.

 

[Terry Cox]

You're welcome, Jay. Open sea water around here remains a pretty constant temperature range of 48-53 degrees maintained by the Pacific Ocean tide changes. So yes, pretty cold and always a risk of hypothermia. Sea waters will warm up some in small shallow coves and bays where tide changes have little effect; sometimes as warm as 60-70 degrees during the summer months.

Our marina, for example, will get a thin layer of ice when a cold snap in the teens arrives then departs in a few days. Even then the water temperature beneath will still be in the upper 40s.

 

[nightowle]

Hi Jay. Winters and summers pretty moderate around these precincts west of the Cascades. Prevailing ocean winds and water help to moderate our climate. Seldom get a hard freeze (below 20 degrees) during the winter. Some snow, but usually gone in a day or two. We've done several winter cruises with the furnace on around the clock to keep the boat warm. Some even in the snow. No need to winterize the engine, tanks, etc. We keep a space heater on while away from the boat to protect from an unexpected cold snap and also to help keep mold at bay.

Pump outs and dock water will shut down during a cold snap, but then turned back on once it passes in a few days. Our winter cruises usually last about a week, then back home. Either way, we keep the dingy stowed the way I described in my article. That way no need to deflate and haul it home for storage, then back to the boat to inflate all over again.

+1.....we do the same with our boat. Space heater is usually on low to keep things dry and warm. We have a full enclosure. We "reassemble" the side panels by fall sometime so we can cruise around Puget Sound during the winter. The boat has a diesel heater that performs exceptionally well. The cockpit gets cold even enclosed and I've been known to have a fuzzy blanket over my lap while motoring for a few hours to Port Orchard or elsewhere. It spoils my sell professed reputation as a hearty sailor, so don't let anyone else know!

 

[Terry Cox]

It spoils my sell professed reputation as a hearty sailor, so don't let anyone else know!

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