Dinghy

No one else has mentioned it so I will. You can always go a Porta-bote. Very light, easy to stow, don't need a lot of power, don't have to worry about sun affecting them and they don't puncture like an inflatable can.
 
They are all a PITA, with Inflatables the worst of them all. Which works best depends on how often you will use it and how far you expect to go. A soft bottom roll up with a 2hp or oars might be all you need for anchoring occasionally 100 yards from shore in calm weather. OTOH for frequent use over greater distances a hard bottom or even a non inflatable gets better. I hate mounting a dink on the platform but what other choice do you have other than a roll up?
Weaver type davits and some sort of winch seems to work for a lot of folks but soon enough you see the dingy hanging limply in the water as it deflates, sun fades it, barnacles grow and other bad things happen.
"Current sea" is trying a foldboat and I cant wait to hear his review. That might be a good solution to consider for occasional use. The smaller Inflatables have immense buoyancy but because of the fat tubes there is little room in them for people and stuff depreciably if you try to carry CG regulation stuff.
Oh, did I mention I hate inflatable’s? I have owned three. :(
 
The Porta-Bote is an atractive alternative. Does anyone here have any real time experience with them?
 
I have ridden around in a Portabote and they are fun. The flexing of the hull takes some getting used to, it's just a noticeably different experience. But once you get used to it, it seems they can take a lot. I have not seen very many used as tenders; seems like the folding and unfolding may be a bit of a hassle. Everyone I have met who has one loves them though.
 
We had an 8', to do over, I'd would get a 10'. We left it assembled since we had plenty of deck to store it (42' trimaran). They do flex when underway but unlike an inflatable, they row extremely well. A 10' with a 5 hp two stroke short shaft would be a good combination. The 8' with a 3.5 hp would plane with me and the dog.
 
Yes I have the portabote 8'. Looking for a engine for it still. Still not wet.
 
On leaving that motor in Davy Jones Basement.....My friend almost cried when his new Merc 10 went to the bottom. The Chain tether was inside a plastic covering, and the chain had rusted, which could not be seen because of the Plastic.

Tsc tsc....
 
Use SS airplane cable for tethering. It won't rust or break and is also covered by a plastic shield. worth the cost!
 
quote:
Originally posted by Thudpucker

On leaving that motor in Davy Jones Basement.....My friend almost cried when his new Merc 10 went to the bottom. The Chain tether was inside a plastic covering, and the chain had rusted, which could not be seen because of the Plastic.

Tsc tsc....

Click to expand...


after a few shaky momemts on the swim platform, balancing my 64 lb 9.9 Merc 2 stroke, i bought a St Croix mini crane. Takes 3 minutes to set it up and it picks up the Merc from the lazarette, swings it right over the dink transom.

We also use it to hold the MErc for flusing out the salt water.

Good tool to have.

RWS
 
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