Cheap dinghy

[Donald Tyson]

Anyone using the West Marine roll up RU250? They’re 599.

[thataway]

We have owned both the 6 1/2 (too small)' and this 8 1/2' versions. The slats in the floor can break or crack. Our solution was to basicaly re-make them using fiberglass and epoxy. To get the best stability then make a 1/4" plywood "floor" to go inside as it is pumped up.

We used both a Torqeedo and a Suzuki 2.5 hp outboard. They are lightly built and you don't want to drag over sharp rocks. You could glue a secondary protective layer on the bottom if necessary.

We used ours in AK and being careful there were no problems taking the dog ashore at least 4 times a day.

[Donald Tyson]

Fiberglass staves sound good. Almost like sail battens. I was thinking of slats cut from the sides of plastiic 55galln drums. But they may not belong enough for the 8.5’ boat. The plywood you mention is what I thought you meant. I like the boat as it’s Inexspensive and easily replaceable almost anywhere on the loop.

[Donald Tyson]

Fiberglass staves sound good. Almost like sail battens. I was thinking of slats cut from the sides of plastiic 55galln drums. But they may not belong enough for the 8.5’ boat. The plywood you mention is what I thought you meant. I like the boat as it’s Inexspensive and easily replaceable almost anywhere on the loop.

[thataway]

Yes like robust sail battens, but you do not want these slats (Not staves) to bend. Some sail battens bend.

The plywood should be covered in a layer of light fiberglass cloth, totally sealing the plywood with epoxy. The plywood would cover the entire bottom of the boat, and have a nonskid surface on the top-1/4" plywood would be enough. I have owned a 15' runabout whose bottom was cored with 3 mm ply, encased in fiberglass and epoxy. Light weight and strong.
But you don't want to puncture it!

[thataway]

How would you propel a dinghy? The motor is going to cost more than the dinghy. Oars? (or paddles as these are more likely akin to) are not adequate for a head wind. Once I had a 2 hp on a 12' inflatable. I was going down wind at San Miguel Island, As I turned to go to the boat, I realized that the the outboard full out would not push the boat into the. Fortunately Marie had a line she threw to me, as I slowly went past the stern, outboard full open throttle.

I once rescued 4 divers and their gear at San Miguel, when their outboard would not push them against the wind. Eventually the boat swamped and the outboard stalled. They were stranded on a rock. The wives were panicked. They could not reach CG on VHF, I took them 2 at a time, with a little gear to their boat. I had 25 hp on the 12 foot inflatable, which was enough to push against the wind. Ironically those who were stranded were physicians from a nearby city. Each "Anniversary" they sent flowers and a bottle of wine to my office. They would have been in serious trouble if some boat had not come along. Even with wet suits, the chill factor, no water etc could have taken a toll. The other factor was that the wives were not capable of handling the 50' power cruiser they were on. This is only one of the reasons I advocate so strongly that your partner or some person aboard has to be able to operate your boat in the case of an emergency!!!

[Donald Tyson]

Yes I remember those nights so many years ago, rowing around the moorings at key port, thinking I might make it, but I was Youg and much more capable then. I’ll row for now. In the long picture I see the newer electric motors being adaptable. Kim will get the hang of this little C-Dory pretty fast.

[Donald Tyson]

I have a 36 lb minkota trolling motor on my 12' double ended Driftboat. I pushes the boat along at up to 5 mph. It is my understanding it is the prop pitch that is the limiting factor or it might even do better. I may use that for the first year on fresh water only...they're $120 or so on sale. But I already own one.
I don't want to be left in cold water but if it gets me free wine I might try rescuing a person or two.

[Donald Tyson]

On the subject of replacing dinghy floor slats I spoke with Michael Warner of Boat Outfitters, Orlando FL. He suggested that their product "King Starboard" would be an excellent replacement for wooden dinghy slats for rollup dingies. In addition to this, he pointed out several other products that would be useful aboard our little boats. Products, such as Cousa bored and Nida Board come to mind right now. I suggested that Michael visit us on the C-Brat site and perhaps that will generate some sales for his fine product products over the years. Take a look at his links below and maybe you'll find something helpful for your own projects.
Best wishes!


Michael Warner (Boat Outfitters)
Feb 13, 2025, 9:23 AM EST

Hi Don,

Thanks for shopping with Boat Outfitters!
I enjoyed talking to you about your C-Dory potential purchase and an inflatable Roll-Up 250 Dingy from West Marine.
Please see all of the cool products that we carry that West Marine doesn't;
https://www.boatoutfitters.com/material/plastic-sheet/king-starboard,
https://www.boatoutfitters.com/coosa-composites-board,
https://www.boatoutfitters.com/nidacore-structural-honeycomb-fiberglass-laminated-panel,
and; https://www.boatoutfitters.com/dock/fish-cleaning-tables,
https://www.boatoutfitters.com/storage/tackle-boxes
and so much more!
Please contact me at the number below and I will help you navigate our website.
Please contact us at 407-890-8312 or 866-633-7961 8-5, EST, M-F and we can help you out.


Sincerely,
Michael W.
Sales
407-993-7144
M-F 8:30 - 5:00

[thataway]

None of your links work for me. No matter, I have used all of those products in boat building, and know exactly how the handle. None would be better than the original battens or ones made of 1/4" plywood, edges rounded, saturated with epoxy, and a layer of light weight glass cloth wrapped around them. Yes, I do now better than the person who sells these fine products. Each has a place, and none are better than wood core in this place.

Small trolling motors will work but not as well as an electric outboard.