Just found my dinghy

Lynn Marie · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 6:27 pm Post subject: Just found my dinghy

Got home early today and was thumbing through a new stuff, products, and what have you catalog from West Marine. On page 23 they show a new nylon covered Mini Dinghy good for 2 people/360 lb. It's 6'7" with a 4'5" beam and weighs in at 22 lb. Cost is $199.99 which includes break down oars, foot pump, and carry bag. Now that fits a 22 cruiser roof top! Now all I need is approval from the crew who is still out of town.

B~C · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:01 pm Post subject:

How old are you? and you JUST now found your dinghy? I take it you're not talking about the 2005 master catalog, cuz me no find. That thing sounds like a pretty good deal

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:46 pm Post subject:

page 251 in the master catalog

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:40 pm Post subject:

Starcrafttom,

I'll bet if you asked Tyboo or Bill you could get your name changed to C-DoryTom, or something close. I had a Starcraft for about 6 months. Traded in in for GUESS WHAT.

Hope to see you at Lopez.

CAVU · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:07 pm Post subject:

Changing name without a formal ceremony could be very bad mojo.

Robbi · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 12:26 am Post subject:

I bought mine yesterday! Seems to be an ok dinghy, and I have no trouble putting it on the cabin top. I have a Achilles LT 2 that is a great dinghy, but it is heavier, larger and is not easy to inflate at anchor. It also takes up much more room stowed. I think this Mini will work out for most of cruising. Robbi

A further report after "sea trials".

Da Nag · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:15 am Post subject:

Interesting...

Online link for those of you without the catalog.

Catman · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 2:57 am Post subject:

Tim, just yesterday I was looking on page 251 at the same dinghy. I like that critter, and wonder how durable the fabric might be. Robbi, what are your reservations?

El and Bill · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 6:59 am Post subject:

We have been using a similar dinghy for the past few years. They are light, easy to handle on and off the boat, sit on the cabin roof easily, and are a fine little dinghy. In strong winds, they scuttle so rowing them under those conditions can be a challenge.
For those of you who believe in simplicity, don't need a motor, or a hard bottomed dink, we would recommend them.

Robbi · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:43 am Post subject:

Catman,
My reservations about this little guy are the durability of the PVC, (At least it patches easily) and how it will row.The good thing is that the dinghy is covered with a very durable nylon "cover" which also adds a great deal of rigidity. When you lift it and toss it around it feels like a light version of a hypalon dinghy, not one made of PVC. As far as rowing, C-Dorys can anchors so close to shore, it shouldn't be a problem. Cool

I will give it a "row" test today or tomorrow and let you know. Robbi

Lynn Marie · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 10:27 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone for the comments and especially to you Robbi. My thoughts exactly on the close to shore for a short trip. Beats the heck out of dropping your mooring bouy and then loosing it. Also will get you a bit closer for an accurate cast from time to time at some lakes and stuff. Ours won't be an often used but really nice when needed, Just right for the cost/reward ratio I'm thinking and I'll be interested to know about the rowing.

Robbi · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 12:58 pm Post subject:

Sea trials are complete! It actually rows very well. I was in a windless protected area, but I was impressed. One interesting thing is that water gets between the nylon and the PVC (the cover and the dinghy) and when I went to pick it up out of the water it had gained a few pounds. The water will drain out of a mesh patch on the bottom fairly easily. It only amounted to a qt or so. I will post pictures in my album.

Robbi a little dinghy, but ok

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:04 pm Post subject:

Roberta-

How hard is it to get into this dinghy? Did you do it from a swim step? Was it just you, or two of you? How was the comfort for two, if so? Is it a general principle that the smaller the dinghy, the actual stepping into it becomes more difficiult? Joe.

Robbi · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:27 pm Post subject:

Joe, I got into the dinghy from shore. It wants to move around a bit before you get in, but it was very stable getting in and out. The inflatable floor and the nylon cover helps to give it some stiffness. I could sit on the tube no problem. It will be tight for two. Have not tried two, or the dog yet. If you look at the picture in the catalog, there is a reason the woman is half out of the dinghy! I think that the non rowers legs should fit low enough so as to not get in the way of the oars. I thought that the oars would be flimsy, but they work great. It's not a tour boat, but I can see casting a fishing line from it when conditions are calm. I'll just have to watch my backcast! "pssssst" would not a good sound. Shocked

rogerbum · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:03 am Post subject: