Dinghy Options.

[Pdoyle58]

Recently purchased a 2024 R27 OB. Did not come with factory dinghy rack. Trying to decide to purchase an aluminum bottow or roll up dinghy. Closed bow or open bow. I am able to configure a rack for above canvas top above the cockpit. Fold up seems to make more sense when transporting boat from site to site. Not having to design a rack that will withstand 70 mph winds when driving on Highway. Does anyone have a roll up dinghy ? Pros cons of a roll up ? Tyia.

 

[scross]

Recently purchased a 2024 R27 OB. Did not come with factory dinghy rack. Trying to decide to purchase an aluminum bottow or roll up dinghy. Closed bow or open bow. I am able to configure a rack for above canvas top above the cockpit. Fold up seems to make more sense when transporting boat from site to site. Not having to design a rack that will withstand 70 mph winds when driving on Highway. Does anyone have a roll up dinghy ? Pros cons of a roll up ? Tyia.

Had one. Came with boat. Got rid of it ASAP. Much happier with Alu RIB.
1. Performance: Cannot plane easily, resulting in slower speeds; they are not designed for high-speed, long-distance travel.
2. Ride Quality: The flat hull creates a rough, uncomfortable "pounding" ride in chop and can cause significant spray.
3. Handling: Prone to sliding in turns and less capable of tracking in a straight line compared to V-hulls.
4. Durability: Less durable, especially with cheaper PVC materials; the soft, flat floor makes it less robust for dragging over rocks.
5. Limited Power: Usually restricted to smaller, lower-horsepower outboard motors.
OK for: Short trips from boat-to-shore in calm harbors, lakes, and rivers.

 

[Pdoyle58]

Had one. Came with boat. Got rid of it ASAP. Much happier with Alu RIB.
1. Performance: Cannot plane easily, resulting in slower speeds; they are not designed for high-speed, long-distance travel.
2. Ride Quality: The flat hull creates a rough, uncomfortable "pounding" ride in chop and can cause significant spray.
3. Handling: Prone to sliding in turns and less capable of tracking in a straight line compared to V-hulls.
4. Durability: Less durable, especially with cheaper PVC materials; the soft, flat floor makes it less robust for dragging over rocks.
5. Limited Power: Usually restricted to smaller, lower-horsepower outboard motors.
OK for: Short trips from boat-to-shore in calm harbors, lakes, and rivers.

What model do you have now ?

 

[scross]

What model do you have now ?

Zodiac Alu Cadet 270. It’s a bit long (9’) but we made it work on our 2017 C-28. Carries up to 4 people. Only 82 pounds. A smaller 240 (7’11”) would be a good choice too for up to 3 people. It comes in at 73 pounds I believe.
Not sure how you would manage either one on a O/B boat though.

 

[Martin610]

I had a roll up dingy from West Marine. We were not happy with it. Very hard to maneuver. Without a keel it slipped around terribly. Lot of pounding in any sort of chop. I have a Highfield UL240 now. Much happier with the aluminum RIB.

-martin610

 

[JMarshallR25]

I have a Zodiac 270, but it is the aero version with the high pressure air floor. Inflated, it has a keel so tracks well, and it planes easily with a 5hp or 6hp motor. I don't know where I would put a hard floor dinghy on my R25, but I can easily transport this one deflated.

 

[hawk232]

I have a roll up achilles hypalon dinghy that has an inflatable keel and high pressure floor. I only use a 2hp so planing is not a consideration regardless of boat type. Not sure how I would store a RIB or bigger engine on the R27.

 

[gswearin]

Several folks on here have the Takacat and like them.