Dinghy for 21EC

T

Tugger

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
13
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C SE
Vessel Name
Tugger
We're pondering what size, type, manufacturer of dinghy might be best for Tugger. We think the ones we've seen on the 25's are a bit too big for our 21EC and aren't sure if it's best to rig something to hold it up sideways on the swimstep (we prefer to keep our cooler there), tow it behind us or try to mount it on top. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Also, we'd prefer to use an electric motor instead of gas. Suggestions?
 
Gee, I thought my R-21 EC was the tender/dinghy. 😉

I saw a photo today on a blog where some folks were using a pontoon boat as a tender for a houseboat.

Gene
 
I like the look of Sam Devlin's polliwog. I'm planning to make this my summer project for use next year.
I feel that same about many of the inflatables that are out there; they seem a little too large for the R21.

Gregg

http://www.devlinboat.com/polliwog.htm
 
Funny Gene! :lol: I guess a lot of folks would see these little boats as almost dinghy size, but we need a way to get Teaco (Chihuahua) from the boat to shore and sometimes I just can't get the wife to make the swim! We're thinking more along the line of an inflatable. I think the Poliwog is hardshell, isn't it?
 
Greg, I wish I had the time to build a boat like Poliwog, but unfortunately..... Anyway, we really want to go with an inflatable. I think it will be a little easier for Marilyn to blow up. 😉
 
We are pretty happy with the West Marine RU-260 inflatable for basic needs, at only $799 and just over 51 lbs. It is currently rolled up in "the cave" but we plan on tying her to the swim step when we plan on needing it, using something else we bought called the "Dinghy Sling"

Sparky
2009 R-25
Starry Night
 
The cruising I've done with our R-21 EC so far hasn't been such that I've thought about a dinghy.

However, it appears one could carry an inflated dinghy in the cockpit when underway. The surrey top hardware may make it difficult to get on board.

I think there's more room between the uprights on each side than at the stern of the boat. The way to find out is to measure everything and compare to the dinghies.

Good luck. I'll keep watching to see how you make out. If I come up with something I'll post it.

Gene
 
The West Marine RU-260 is 8' 6" long, two feet longer than the beam on the 21. Has anyone tried cruising with a dinghy that extends out 1' beyond each side of their boat? Seems like it would make things a bit difficult when docking, etc.
 
I just took a pix of my dinghy and posted it on the k7mxe owner page. I just pumped it up this
afternoon and will shove off to cruise the Ohio river in the morning. I bought it from a C-brat who
lived local and was in the three or four hundred dollar range, I have forgotten but was a great deal.
I sold the old dinghy to Andrew of Ranger tugs but have one real tiny one left thats too small for me
but is perfect for a tug if your real small in size. Its in Washington however.. Bob Heselberg
 
Hi Bob! I don't know if you remember me, but you were very instrumental in us making our decision to purchase the 21. Prior to our purchase, you were kind enough to offer your opinions and advice regarding the little tug over on the C-Dory site before Tugnuts was conceived. Many thanks to you and hopefully, we will be able to help someone else like you helped us to take the leap and buy one of these great little cruisers! Regarding the dinghy, you're a bit far away from us in AZ, but thanks for the suggestion.
 
We use a Torqeedo and really like it. If you have any questions, feel free to pm us.
Nancy and Kerry
 
Funny how the Polliwog came up in this discussion. I am in the middle of a build right now that is moving along nicely. When all is said and done, I'll probably have about 30 hours in it - over the course of 4 weeks or so. For these projects, you spend an hour here and there, then wait a day or two as the epoxy has to cure before continuing. This project is so small that it only takes about 30 minutes to put a coat of epoxy on either the inside or outside.
 
Honukai,
I would love to see pictures when you're done. Any pointers that you can share would be appreciated, too. I'm hoping to start mine in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks,

Gregg
 
Honukai,

Just curious, where do you plan on attaching the Polliwog? I have considered building the Polliwog but I don't like the idea of a dinghy hanging off the swim platform.

I have considered a small crane to lift it up on top of the cabin, I even talked to Andrew and John about it but they don't like the idea of putting a crane (even a small manual one) on the cabin. I have had hard shelled kayaks on the cabin roof, but it's a pain to "drag" them up there, I really don't want to drag the Polliwog or my current dinghy up on the roof.

I have towed my inflatable dinghy, but that is kind of a pain also.

Any ideas?

Maybe I just need a bigger boat! :lol:

John
 
Thanks Trinity on the testimonial for the Torqeedo electric motor.

Seems like a good choice with it's relative light weight, no gas to deal with and the built-in battery. The video we watched at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHTJjH-C2Tw sold us.

Also the 25 lb. weight and 2hp equiv. power seems to be a real plus.

Any negatives?
 
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