Yacht Tenders
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I'm thinking of buying an 8'10" Alaska Series inflatable which weighs about 50#. I heard about them from another member of this group (C-Dancer) and am going to buy one at the SBS, if all goes as planned.
Warren
Warren
Silverback
New member
Has anyone here had experience or seen the Innova line of inflatables? I've considered a couple of the models (Sunny, Vagabond) but have never actually seen one. I know a few members chose similar boats (SOAR and Aire) over traditional tenders.
Bill
Bill
I guess I have tried a little of everything here for a tender, dinghy or what have you.
a. The portabote. I have one and could set it up in the cockpit, but what a PIA.
b. Inflatable canoe. Actually works pretty well but not self bailing. you can tie it too the roof, lay it across the back and just about anything else. It also carries alot. Paddles pretty well with one or two people. Mine was a West Marine on sale (meant we gotta get rid of this) for $150. Still have it and use it. Biggest disadvantge was not self bailing. In the rain you were always having to dump water out of it.
c. Mercury roll up inflatable. Great for one person with limited gear. Paddles well with small oars and can move out pretty fast. However no good place for a second person to sit if you try to use the oars. You could both sit on the tubes and paddle but that makes the boat handle like a donut unless you practice alot. This would be the right choice with a 2hp motor or so. You can put it on the roof right side up, however, it doesn't drain well. If you put it upside down but then the transom is sitting on the roof and that isn't good. I have tied it on the roof upside down leaning on one sea kayak and that worked pretty well. You could lay it across two kayaks upside down but the load would be pretty high.
d. Sea kayak. Great for one, paddles fast but need good balance and some agility to get in and out. I carry one or two of these with me alot for touring after anchoring for the day. I also keep a small dinghy around because for a short jaunt to shore with two people, it is a lot easier.
e. Self bailing inflatable tandem kayak/canoe. This is my next great experiment since I have one of everything else. Some people collect props, I collect dinghys. The Aire Traveler canoe looks great but at 51lbs and $1760 it seems a little heavy on both me and the wallet. The Aire Tomcat looks like a good choice but I sure like the seat arrangment in the Traveler. I am thinking about making some seats like the Traveler for Tomcat. This site has the best selection of this type of boat (http://www.theboatpeople.com/iks_tandem ... _tomcat-II).
a. The portabote. I have one and could set it up in the cockpit, but what a PIA.
b. Inflatable canoe. Actually works pretty well but not self bailing. you can tie it too the roof, lay it across the back and just about anything else. It also carries alot. Paddles pretty well with one or two people. Mine was a West Marine on sale (meant we gotta get rid of this) for $150. Still have it and use it. Biggest disadvantge was not self bailing. In the rain you were always having to dump water out of it.
c. Mercury roll up inflatable. Great for one person with limited gear. Paddles well with small oars and can move out pretty fast. However no good place for a second person to sit if you try to use the oars. You could both sit on the tubes and paddle but that makes the boat handle like a donut unless you practice alot. This would be the right choice with a 2hp motor or so. You can put it on the roof right side up, however, it doesn't drain well. If you put it upside down but then the transom is sitting on the roof and that isn't good. I have tied it on the roof upside down leaning on one sea kayak and that worked pretty well. You could lay it across two kayaks upside down but the load would be pretty high.
d. Sea kayak. Great for one, paddles fast but need good balance and some agility to get in and out. I carry one or two of these with me alot for touring after anchoring for the day. I also keep a small dinghy around because for a short jaunt to shore with two people, it is a lot easier.
e. Self bailing inflatable tandem kayak/canoe. This is my next great experiment since I have one of everything else. Some people collect props, I collect dinghys. The Aire Traveler canoe looks great but at 51lbs and $1760 it seems a little heavy on both me and the wallet. The Aire Tomcat looks like a good choice but I sure like the seat arrangment in the Traveler. I am thinking about making some seats like the Traveler for Tomcat. This site has the best selection of this type of boat (http://www.theboatpeople.com/iks_tandem ... _tomcat-II).
Have a approximately 9' west marine inflatable that weighs 43 lbs from West Marine. Its a roll up model they no longer sell. Worked good for us. Fits and rides well on top. Have been debating on power source between electrical and small 4 stroke. After checking out the Mokia Jet Boat that I learned about on Yukon Chris last thread, we think that's our dingy for the future. Its basically a 11.5 foot 2 person kayak with a honda 6 hp, 4 stroke motor with jet drive. Supposed to be quiet. Have sent for the DVD on its operation. Will either tow, set it side way in cockpit when have to or working on mounting on top. If it works out its going to add to a already planned wonderful Alaska exploration cruise.
Pete in NY
New member
Aside from the need to fuss with the tow line when backing or repositioning the dinghy to the side when docking with the other side to the dock, what are everyone's thoughts about towing the dinghy?
Millions of folks do it with sailboats, where ondeck space is limited.
Would have to remove the dingy motor and gas tank, if so equipped, on longer or rougher passages.
Will a dinghy bail itself (or is that a problem)?
We do this all the time with ski boats and jetskis towed behind houseboats on Shasa Lake, sometimes 2-3 boats towed in tandem (behind each other).
A bridle can be made off the stern with a float or series of floats to help keep the tow line from being sucked into the towing boat.
Joe.
Would have to remove the dingy motor and gas tank, if so equipped, on longer or rougher passages.
Will a dinghy bail itself (or is that a problem)?
We do this all the time with ski boats and jetskis towed behind houseboats on Shasa Lake, sometimes 2-3 boats towed in tandem (behind each other).
A bridle can be made off the stern with a float or series of floats to help keep the tow line from being sucked into the towing boat.
Joe.
Wayne McCown
New member
I appreciate this discussion. I do not think there is one "final answer" to the question. Choosing "the right dinghy" probably varies dependent on how much it is used, where, how, and for what purposes.
For the present, I have decided we only need a dinghy along occasionally, to get ashore and/or to "play around in." So for Christmas, I bought my wife(!) the Coleman inflatable "sit-on-top" kayak for two: it only weighs 23# and only cost (through amazon.com) $75. I figure that is a modest investment, and that we can use this inflatable else wise too (e.g., when traveling with our fifth wheel).
My only concern is getting in and out of it from the CD. (Kayaks are not noted as the most stable of craft!) But I think, at this point, that it is going to work satisfactorily for us...for our (not-so-serious) purposes.
For the present, I have decided we only need a dinghy along occasionally, to get ashore and/or to "play around in." So for Christmas, I bought my wife(!) the Coleman inflatable "sit-on-top" kayak for two: it only weighs 23# and only cost (through amazon.com) $75. I figure that is a modest investment, and that we can use this inflatable else wise too (e.g., when traveling with our fifth wheel).
My only concern is getting in and out of it from the CD. (Kayaks are not noted as the most stable of craft!) But I think, at this point, that it is going to work satisfactorily for us...for our (not-so-serious) purposes.
When faced with same question, we bought an Achilles LT-4, which weighs 56 pounds. Being made of Hypalon, it outlasts every other material out, short of fiberglass. With wooden floor, oars and outboard bracket in place, we can easily slide it under the tall radar arch. Our last Achilles, which this one replaces, lasted 19 years.
A note on putting any inflatable on top of a C-dory: do so from the bow, wher ypu can get much better leverage. Pictures can be found in page three of our album.
Nick
"Valkyrie"
A note on putting any inflatable on top of a C-dory: do so from the bow, wher ypu can get much better leverage. Pictures can be found in page three of our album.
Nick
"Valkyrie"
Although we have towed "dinghies" up to 20 feet in length behind larger boats and I have a friend who tows a 25 footer to the Caribbean every year--we avoid towing inflatables. They can act like kites when the wind gets under them. I have seen some lost, capsized and fill with water.
We prefer to either carry the inflatable--inflated on top up side down, or deflate the boat. With an electric pump we find that we can inflate the boat in less than 5 minutes and it is much easier to deal with rolled up.
We prefer to either carry the inflatable--inflated on top up side down, or deflate the boat. With an electric pump we find that we can inflate the boat in less than 5 minutes and it is much easier to deal with rolled up.
Fred,
Your kayak type blow up should work very well for you. The way it sounds you solo a lot. The air floor inflatables are very light and will move very well with a 5HP kicker.
We used a 5HP Nissan 2 stroke as a tender motor for a number of years. We also used it as a get home on our 246 Rosborough. We made about 3 knots in calm conditions. The Rosborough was a lot heavierer than our 22. We now power with a single reliable Honda 90.
Fred and Pat Messerly
Your kayak type blow up should work very well for you. The way it sounds you solo a lot. The air floor inflatables are very light and will move very well with a 5HP kicker.
We used a 5HP Nissan 2 stroke as a tender motor for a number of years. We also used it as a get home on our 246 Rosborough. We made about 3 knots in calm conditions. The Rosborough was a lot heavierer than our 22. We now power with a single reliable Honda 90.
Fred and Pat Messerly
Folks,
I went out and purchased a 7" West Marine rollup inflatable. No engine yet. I should be able to carry two people and two dogs, and be able to hoist it on my cabin (cockpit) top when inflated. When not, it goes in the bag in to the bunk.
I am going to start looking for a small outboard soon.
Thank you for you interest and help.
Fred
I went out and purchased a 7" West Marine rollup inflatable. No engine yet. I should be able to carry two people and two dogs, and be able to hoist it on my cabin (cockpit) top when inflated. When not, it goes in the bag in to the bunk.
I am going to start looking for a small outboard soon.
Thank you for you interest and help.
Fred
Valkyrie":2k6uht6x said:
Thank you for posting this. I had previously considered, and rejected, the Achilles because I thought it was too heavy. When I read your message and then went back to check the specs, I discovered that I had confused the 82# shipping weight with the actual weight. In addition, the Achilles does not require a long shaft outboard, which means I can get the 2.5 Yamaha that I am interested in.
Now I am going to have a hard time deciding between this and the Alaska Series!
Warren
I'm looking at the Achilles LT-2
At 7'3" and 38# it's similar to the Alaska Series 220
for about 1'2 the money. Both are Hypalon which seems to be considered superior to pvc (Decitex(Mercury Rollup)). I'm also looking at the Mercury 240 RU
but at 7' 11", PVC, 61 Lbs I doubt I could horse it onto the roof. Finally, a boat like the Bombard X-2 Slat
at 6' 7", PVC, 46 Lbs seems more workable. It and the Mercury 200 Rollup
seem like a good compromise. However, Pat Anderson's(Daydream) poetic imagery keeps ringing in my ears. On the RU200
Years ago I was towing a 8' fiberglass dink and got caught by a following wave and almost sunk my boat, we cut it away as soon as we could...and the coast guard get it back later that week....torn into shreds by the water...destroyed.. it was a cheep lesson... I don't tow in anything but flat water...and then not for far..
What I now use is a Avon 8.5' with an inflatable bottom... nice inflatable with large side tubes... (keeps ya drier) and I use an ancient Mercury 4hp one cylinder ..... works just fine... 3 gallon tank I carry in the bow of the inflatable. I also have a 8hp Johnson that I sometimes carry if I plan on taking the inflatable any distance....but don't use it much as it is heavy and I don't like lifting it into the boat.
If anyone is interested I have a good Johnson 4 hp two cylinder motor that I will sell for $200...(in Chester Ca)
Joel
SEA3PO
What I now use is a Avon 8.5' with an inflatable bottom... nice inflatable with large side tubes... (keeps ya drier) and I use an ancient Mercury 4hp one cylinder ..... works just fine... 3 gallon tank I carry in the bow of the inflatable. I also have a 8hp Johnson that I sometimes carry if I plan on taking the inflatable any distance....but don't use it much as it is heavy and I don't like lifting it into the boat.
If anyone is interested I have a good Johnson 4 hp two cylinder motor that I will sell for $200...(in Chester Ca)
Joel
SEA3PO
Little Catelyn
New member
Hmmm, I still have a never-been-wet Mercury RU200 with cover and underseat bag that was not included with the sale of our boat... Anyone interested could send me an email.
And, for that matter, I also have one of those Mystic Sea VHF/GPS hand held units that I will no longer need.
Corwin
And, for that matter, I also have one of those Mystic Sea VHF/GPS hand held units that I will no longer need.
Corwin
El and Bill
New member
Like all such decisions, it is important to determine the use of the dink and then make the choice, since most decisions are a matter of compromise.
Our uses are simple:
1. To take us to and from boat and shore when on anchor, usually because tidal range is too great to put Halcyon's bow on the shore. So, we need a light dinghy, easy to lift to roof and to deploy. Therefore, a small inflatable. No need for motor or a rigid floor -- keep it simple -- we can row, and do (and the g'kids love to row it around).
2. Secondary use is as a life raft in an emergency situation. Needs to be quickly and easily deployable -- so, the small inflatable fits this bill as well.
Therefore, we have a small inflatable inexpensive Sevlor dink. We have it, inflated, on the roof for our salt water or remote cruising with a tie that can easily be released or cut in emergency and it has worked perfectly for us.
Keep it simple, we suggest.
Our uses are simple:
1. To take us to and from boat and shore when on anchor, usually because tidal range is too great to put Halcyon's bow on the shore. So, we need a light dinghy, easy to lift to roof and to deploy. Therefore, a small inflatable. No need for motor or a rigid floor -- keep it simple -- we can row, and do (and the g'kids love to row it around).
2. Secondary use is as a life raft in an emergency situation. Needs to be quickly and easily deployable -- so, the small inflatable fits this bill as well.
Therefore, we have a small inflatable inexpensive Sevlor dink. We have it, inflated, on the roof for our salt water or remote cruising with a tie that can easily be released or cut in emergency and it has worked perfectly for us.
Keep it simple, we suggest.
The info I've found on the internet says the Mercury RU240 weights 41 pounds not 61. So weight wise it and the Achilles LT-2 look like winners. The Achilles is about 3 inches narrower inside, about the same length inside but is about $230 less than the Mercury. I'm leaning toward the Achilles.
Does anyone else have experience using such a small dingy? Until I see one in person I have no idea if it is suitable for two people. Maybe sometimes I would try and squeeze three in.
Thanks,
Bill
Does anyone else have experience using such a small dingy? Until I see one in person I have no idea if it is suitable for two people. Maybe sometimes I would try and squeeze three in.
Thanks,
Bill