Whats the aggregate wisdom on tenders

NewMoon":2m5i6xcd said:
Yes, we deflate almost every time. If we leave it inflated it takes up too much space onboard, and towing it gets in the way in a bunch of ways. With our upper helm and the shrimp and crab pots we carry on the roof, it can't practically be carried inflated up there. Takes maybe ten minutes to get it ready to go.

On New Moon the deflated dinghy rides rolled up atop the engine box against the transom. Oars ride on the side of the roof, wedged in next to the grab handle along the side, with a velcro strap to make sure we don't bounce them off in rough water.
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Wondering how you do that -- I find, at least for my Alaska Series dink, I need a flat surface to support the boat as I inflate it (typically a dock.) Maybe there is a technique that I could adapt? I carry collapsible pots but having the option of regular ones would be nice.

Warren
 
Hi Warren,

We unroll the dink and lay it out fore and aft in the cockpit, with the stern against the cabin door, a foot or so of the bow draped over the transom, and the painter cleated off. As it inflates it straightens up on its own, and then we can swing it over the transom and into the water. Helps that it is so light.

When we use the motor, we position the inflated dink such that its bow sticks out to the side, held from going out too far by the cleated painter, and the stern is supported by the swim step. Then it's easy to put the 22lb motor onto to the dink's motor mount.
 
Thanks, Richard. I think I could do that, too. Do you have an inflatable or slat floor? How do you handle that aspect of it?

Warren
 
Our Avon Redcrest has a plain fabric floor.

I made a plywood floor for use on lakes on camping trips, but I don't take it with me on the boat. Not only too much space/hassle, but also I think it would increase the chance of getting a tear in the hypalon on the sometimes very sharp shoreline rocks and barnacles, by concentrating pressure on a very small spot.

As it is, if we're careful, we can land on some pretty gnarly stuff without damaging the dink, which has survived thirteen summers so far.
 
I never considered leaving the floor behind. I will have to give that some thought, maybe try it out near home first. Thanks!

Warren
 
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