Simplest dinghy solution for TomCat

[tparrent]

Tomfoolery is finally where it's supposed to be at Burlington Harbor Marina on Lake Champlain. There was a little excitement on the way north as one of the trailer brakes locked up. Fortunately, I had the wisdom to hire a pro to tow it up there and he just pulled off and rebuilt the brakes. Worth every penny. Call Blair at Triton Marine in Oriental NC if you need your boat (or anything) hauled. True pro.

I was only up there for a couple days but I quickly got the boat sorted out and had a weather window of a couple of hours before summer ended and the leaves changed so I headed out for a quick exploration. The lake was glass and I was the only boat out there at 6 AM (ain't long northern summer days grand?).

I let the boat run up to ridiculous speeds and circled a total of six interesting looking islands before I had to head back and begin my igloo construction. I'd forgotten how wicked a northern front can be.

As I rounded the islands, I realized that I absolutely need a way to get ashore without swimming (that water temp will kill you dead). Shorelines vary from sand to gravel to rocks to cliffs so beaching the boat is a really bad idea.

I would not use the dingy to explore - that's why I have the TomCat. I just want to get ashore when anchored. I'd prefer to a) not fall in the lake and b) not throw out my back with every launch retrieval cycle.

I've read a lot of ideas for some serious dinghies and kayaks but they all seem a bit complex for my simple get to shore requirement.

One (or maybe two) limiting factors - I'm not particularly nimble and I don't have great balance. Not sure if those are the same thing but both can land me in the water. It's not that I can't get around but my lack of flexibility and balance should be taken into account.

A paddleboard seems simple enough but I think it would likely result in more hilarious stories than safe landings. Same may be true for a cheap inflatable unless I can figure out how to stabilize it.

I appreciate all suggestions

Unrelated note - if you are in the Burlington area, stay at Burlington Harbor. One of the nicest marinas I've been too and the staff is outstanding.

[thataway]

inflatables are best. The West Marine or equivalent PRU 3 (the 2 is a little too small for two people. It is light, can be put on the top of the cabin, and a decent inflatable.

Do you want a motor? If so, the Torqeedo electric outboard is light and plenty for going ashore. Rowing?

Other options include small hard plastic dinghies, such as the West Marine
SportYak. These have been around for over 50 years, and more recently West Marine has been branding them. They are so ugly that no-one will steal them, and so rugged that you cannot destroy them...7' but stable for the size.

[kaelc]

There are some pretty cool catamaran inflatables out of Australia and NZ that are sold in the US.

Paddle boards are a great solution. Take a lesson and you will find them amazingly stable. I have a 22lb red paddle that is great for shore trips. We still have our Alaskan but I loathe to use it given the weight and difficulty of use.

[bobjarrard]

Lots of choices now from Asia, may I suggest you look up the following brands on the internet (also lots of choices on YouTube by brand and model):
Saturn Boats at https://www.saturnrafts.com/
Bris Boats at https://www.brisinflatable.com/products
Another Saturn source at https://www.boatstogo.com/
Gary King's boats that are well liked at http://www.alaskaseries.com/
West Marine for inflatables at a long link - sorry
https://www.westmarine.com/inflatable-boats?gclid=CjwKCAjw47eFBhA9EiwAy8kzNODa_ccBTjUHTj7W4OYIs-JxQrQ2OJNRku3DSQl0X7GMJSl2d-i4DBoCvqYQAvD_BwE
Defender Marine at https://www.defender.com/categoryBoatsMotors.jsp?id=1794282&path=-1|215570
Paddle Board from Costco at https://www.costco.com/paddle-boards.html
Hope this helps, Bob Jarrard

[bobjarrard]

I have owned Zodiacs, Avons, and more than a few hard shell dinks. By far and away I am a hard shell/hull guy. I know the challenges but an 8' lightweight wood or glass hull is well under 60 pounds (under 35 pound in carbon fiber) and will row, motor or sail. I also like some of the sit on top kayaks and the PortaBotes (hard to assemble on a C-Dory). The origami folders work well and they come in very short lengths. Do not rule out a small canoe, lots of very light models out there in all price ranges. If you have not yet been there, our Forum here on the site named "Dinghys" which I believe is sorta supposed to be spelled "Dinghies" has all this and more (I want a new Mokai or an ultra small lightweight micro-skiff). While the Torqeedo is an engine option, I much prefer a small gas outboard hung on a transom bracket or inboard on a side of the cockpit mount. Any kicker is better than no kicker. They come from the major brands as small as 2.5 HP and under 40 pounds in weight. If you can handle 20 more pounds (58 pounds or so) you get up to 6 HP. See ya. Bob Jarrard

[bobjarrard]

Heavy but a classic at https://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/91339
Safe great boat at https://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/66975
CLC has the best of wood at https://www.clcboats.com/life-of-boats-blog/ultralight-dinghy.html
Out of New Zealand at https://www.huntsmarine.com.au/collections/tenders
Likely the lightest at https://www.duckworksmagazine.com/10/designs/stasha/index.htm
One of the best but heavy at https://wavetrain.net/2015/08/31/the-perfect-dinghy-does-it-exist/
Only 22 pounds at https://www.woodenwidget.com/stasha2.htm
I think I need a boat for the dink I do not own. Like a very nice C-22 or a MaryNot or a Toland anything. Bob Jarrard

[tparrent]

A lot of these options are a bit larger than I was hoping for but it may gosh darn physics that is dictating size and weight.

I would likely just row or paddle to shore to keep complexity low. Maybe an electric but certainly not a gas outboard.

I am sure an SUP would be very entertaining for all of you. I've never been on one but I can imagine six different ways I can end up swimming while trying to use one. Maybe I'll rent or borrow one to try out.

All of these appear to need a roof mounting setup of some sort. We've talked about that before. A bit challenging with my radome but you've all figured out how to make things work.

I suppose all of these solutions are better than me getting that Nordic Tug 32 I looked at the other day...

[Swee Pea]

I had a Mercury inflatable, rarely used it. Seams gave out because it was PVC and glued seems, probably China made. I talked to the people at the repair shop Offshore Rafting, formerly in NC now in FL, who recommended the Defender Wave series of value minded inflatables. Even though they are PVC (Zodiac) all the seams are welded not glued, and made in France. They are great buys and can be gotten at Defender.com at discount.

John
Swee Pea

[bobjarrard]

If you opt out of using a motor then try a kayak paddle first, if the beam is not too wide, you can move most dinks fine that way. If you elect to row, the cheap two part oars are not so great, look for better oarlocks and stands and consider nice one piece oars, not cheap but worth their weight in full beer cans or more.
These are among the best at https://www.shawandtenney.com/blog/selecting-best-style-oar-your-boat
CLC again at https://www.clcboats.com/shop/boat-gear/oars/
These look nice also at http://www.grapeviewpointboatworks.com/oars.html
Skip the sub $100 oars at Cabelas/Bass Pro Shops, they will die and or warp without constant care and good storage.
NRS is a good store at https://www.nrs.com/product/1309/carlisle-2-piece-oar-shaft
Happy rowing or paddling or electric motoring or paddling or swimming.
Bob Jarrard

[robhwa]

I've used kayaks for years, and they are great, particularly for mucking around when anchored, and sea kayaks can handle some bad conditions. One I've used has been paddled around Vancouver Island....twice!!!!, inside and outside (not me, I inherited it).

I now carry a single kevlar kayak (32 lb), and a canoe, a "Wee Lassie 12.5 ft", made by Wenonah, which comes in at 24 lb. I'm getting to prefer the Wee Lassie, since it is much lighter, and I'm not getting stronger. If I put a few things into the bottom, it is incredibly stable, and I can get in easily without any problems. You have to kind of slide into the kayak.

I've order a Wee Lassie 10.5 ft, which is only 15 lb. We'll see.

The 12.5 ft version is actually tough-as-nails, though at first light it appears fragile. I wouldn't run them hard onto a rocky beach, but I wouldn't do that with any boat.

If in a hurry, I can push the canoe with my Torqeedo, but with a double paddle, it is very fast. It is also easy to load it up with things that you can bring back to the boat, like oysters and clams.

[tparrent]

Robhwa, how do you carry the Wee Lassie?

What's your trick for getting in it without putting on a log rolling show for other boaters?

[tparrent]

I suppose the new Hobie could work too. Only 37 pounds and should be stable enough for me to board

https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-itrek-9-ultralight/

[robhwa]

[gulfcoast john]

Tom,

I think it was a very prudent decision to hire a pro to do your first long haul trailer trip. Shorter trailer trips and loading/launching adventures will quickly build your confidence and (perhaps more importantly) your competence to the ‘no big deal’ level.

It took us over 8 years to decide on the best solution for us...an inflatable air floor 12ft KaBoat. We bought it lightly used from Calm C at the Hontoon hoot (Bob, you might add that to the official tally of the number of boats sold there for the record). Our criteria were HP floor, stability for us geezers, 2 seats, cap for another guest and/or provisions, relative seaworthiness (compared to PVC toys) and electric or OB engine possible.

https://www.saturnrafts.com/12-saturn-kaboat-en.html

You also need paddles and a high pressure inflator at a minimum and the space they take up. Calm C chose a 12v trolling motor and AGM battery. This is going to take up as much cockpit space as a guest sitting in a director’s chair. I don’t know where else we can put it. We hope when inflated we can cruise with it on its side, half in the cabin and half hanging out between the aft boarding rails. It’s much more narrow than a dinghy, but very stable. This pic may give you an idea of the cockpit space we will have to give up. 45SF of cockpit space is one of the most compelling TC255 advantages.



A one-person version limits your crew options. Your rooftop AC unit, radar and rail mounted antenna makes rooftop storage difficult, and we would say impossible for us at 66 without a hoist etc. Besides, someday you may want that remaining rooftop space for a solar panel array...we will.

We had a Mercury 14ft air floor and air cooled 2HP Honda (1 boat unit), and it was way too much trouble for us on the Regal 2665.

Eileen’s sister and her husband have a West Marine PRU-3 with Torqueedo (2-3 Boat Units) and spare battery for sale because ‘it’s way more than the two of us can manhandle from the car to the ramp’. The cap is up to 900 lbs, way more than you need for your stated purpose.

I think Kaelic has a good idea re a super stable SUP and pro instructor. Our only experience with SUP’s was falling off of them. However, our Instructor was my younger brother, and his Instructor Skill Set consisted mainly of stifling his laughter while slapping his thighs, yelling, cussing, and rolling his eyes. And, they were not beginner boards. I suspect Kaelic had a better Instructor. And a better beginner board. Trying that would seem an easy option with the minimum investment to start with.

The new Hobie Mirage is indeed intriguing for a solo boater.

Thanks all for those numerous other sites...great info. Getting one piece kayak paddles now sounds like a good idea.

Champlain is some serious water with a north or south wind and that prolonged fetch. Keep a waterproof HH VHF and PLB on you if you solo SUP to these islands.

Burton Island State Park Marina is a must see overnight! Take the ferry to the mini island.



Like most big marinas, if memory serves (and often it does not) Burlington had a ‘for sale’ bulletin board that can lead to some 50% off options compared to new.

Best of luck in your search! We encourage you to complete it by May 2029, if not even sooner.


John