Looking for a dinghy solution

D

DBBRanger

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2013
Messages
261
Fluid Motion Model
R-25 Classic
Vessel Name
Still Crazy
At this time, we are not interested in putting a dinghy with davits on the swim platform like the ones shown in this picture. http://instagram.com/p/qsCSB8AbIM/

Therefore, my question is to those who have found another solution - what is it!! I know kayaks are popular, but it is a tad unwieldy dealing with groceries and certainly not very practical for spear fishing or other utilitarian tasks. We tried a blow-up Sevylor boat but it was too much of a toy and not workable. Are there any other inflatable boats out there that would work? I think they must have a keel and motor mount and be able to be stored on or in the boat when traveling between anchorages. Another solution is to pull it behind the boat, but that's no fun. The engine, of course, is a whole different story, but that I can deal with.

Also, we have to put the dinghy in the truck (inflated or deflated) when towing the Ranger so that limits the dinghy size.

I've even thought about a Porta-Boat but they are heavy (68lbs).

I think I'm asking too much for that perfect solution, but I'm hoping one of you will convince me of the best way for me. Any suggestions?

Doug
 
I've been thinking of buying a SeaEagle inflatable kayak. They have many types and seem to be quite rigid and durable.
 
We've also been looking seriously at a dinghy, possibly to be mounteed on davits though.

Now we use a Sea Eagle 370 2-person inflatable kayak, but your transom does get wet using it. It does seem better built, imho, than the sevylor, and inflated it mounts beside the solar panel on the roof rack.

They do have a line of inflatable motor-mount boats at:
http://www.seaeagle.com/MotormountBoats

Maybe one of those can work for y'all.

Bill
 
My original post seems to have vanished. In a nutshell, maybe look at the new generation of RIB inflatible switch aluminum or Fiberglas hulls that now come in sizes under 3 meters or about 8 feet. They fit across the back of the swim platform. Ours is secured on edge from brackets on the swim platform and held vertically just outside the swim platform railings. When we trailer, and before we leave the water we simply walk it up bow first over the swim platform railing and transom, flipping it upside down in the cockpit with the tails of the inflatible tubes just hanging out over the back of the transom. At anchor we flip it down from the mounted position on edge behind the swim platform and let it float on the water still attached to the swim platform mounts unless we are using it. The motor stores on a dummy mount just outside of the transom above the swim platform on the side opposite to your cockpit access door. Here is the best picture I could find of of the swim platform mounts that clip onto metal loops permanently mounted on one of the RIBS tubes:

http://www.snapdavit.co.uk/inflatables/

The RIB of course is a marvellous runabout and serves as our life raft. We only use our kayaks for pleasure - as you say not the best to head for dinner or haul groceries.
 
Not sure if your issue is the davits or the boat flipped up or just a dingy in general. We use a dingy similar to this http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794282|1794295&id=2396112. I use the ratchet type straps and it works out quite easily. I removed the standard hook off of one end and sewed back on a snap hook, which I clip onto the swim platform cleats. I then wrap one turn on the rear pontoon and then bring it up over the other rear pontoon. At the bow of the dingy I weave it through the side tow loop and then the bow tow loop. I then flip it up and hook both straps to the tern rail and ratchet it down. So far it works quite well. It sounds a bit more complicated than it is. When not in use the dingy stays deflated and stored on the roof below the solar panel.
Another system that would be my choice if I were going to install anything would be the Hurley Davit. Jim Favors of Kismet uses that one on his boat and has even trailered short distances with the dingy in place. The dingy lays flat and you can leave the motor attached. I saw him retrieve and deploy and it is fairly easy.
 
Oops - guess you don't want an inflated dinghy at the rear. Just looked at your pic. Can't imagine what else to do on a small boat except inflate and deflate a rubber soft dinghy. Not my cup of tea and not very seaworthy even without a motor. Certainly no way your are going to manhandle a real dinghy of any kind up and down from the bow of our boats.
 
I went with a great inflator. I inflate/deflate my dink with each trip. It's a 110v unit I got at West Marine for about $100. It takes literally about 60 sec. to inflate the dink. So, you need to turn on the generator or use the inverter. Once inflated, I secure it to the swim platform. When I leave, I haul it up into the cockpit and deflate it and fold it up.
 
For 16 years and ~35K nm of cruising we've used a 1998 Avon Redcrest, rolled up on our motor box when not in use. Hypalon, tough, very long-lasting, weighs only 40 lb. Well-designed fiberglass motor mount goes on rear tube when needed. A good pair of oars (Sawyer 6.5 feet) makes rowing quite decent. Yamaha 2hp outboard weighs 22lb, will push the Redcrest at 3-4 knots, goes ~4 miles on built in 1 quart gas tank. Carries one or two and a dog easily, three if necessary, 4 in a pinch.

If you go looking for one, make sure you get one of the later models like ours, with larger tubes.
 
Wow, thanks for all the input. It looks like an air floor dinghy is what I need. Sounds like I can inflate and deflate at will although Mike's pump is a bit pricey even though his boat isn't - maybe I just need to look at it as one package.

Mike, do I understand correctly that you do not have davits - you just lash it to the swim platform? Also, did you consider the Zodiac Wave Air Floor (http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794282|1794295&id=2289570)? It is a bit more expensive ($400) but a lot lighter(54lbs vs 79), has welded seams and has a 5 year rather 2 yr warranty? I like the cheaper price, but......

Thanks again

Doug
 
DBBRanger":1ab0jjj2 said:
Wow, thanks for all the input. It looks like an air floor dinghy is what I need. Sounds like I can inflate and deflate at will although Mike's pump is a bit pricey even though his boat isn't - maybe I just need to look at it as one package.

Mike, do I understand correctly that you do not have davits - you just lash it to the swim platform? Also, did you consider the Zodiac Wave Air Floor (http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794282|1794295&id=2289570)? It is a bit more expensive ($400) but a lot lighter(54lbs vs 79), has welded seams and has a 5 year rather 2 yr warranty? I like the cheaper price, but......

Thanks again

Doug
Click to expand...
Doug,
That pump I have is very good. A friend of mine recommended it to me years ago and his is much older than mine and it is still working great.
The dingy you put in the link is 9 foot long. Personally I would try to stay to 8'-6" if you can. That extra 6 inches can make a difference when docking and in locks if it is overhanging to one side, but it won't be catastrophic. The reason it is lighter is because it is PVC and not hypolon. Hypolon is more rugged, but mine is PVC because I liked the weight difference. The one you chose seems to be lighter than the one I suggested although it is bigger and made out of PVC. Maybe the materials on the smaller one are thicker. Lighter is nicer when you have to lift it and store it deflated under the solar panel. The inflatable floor makes for a stable and comfortable ride.
Yes, I do lash it to the swim platform. My thought is try it for a while, you can always add a Davit system later. I'm all for doing a temporary installation before I go for the permanent one.
 
The reason I mentioned the inflator/deflator is I store it folded up in the cave. (you can find a good place) I take it out and inflate it when I need to use it. Then when I leave the anchorage, I deflate it and fold it up and store it. I feel a dink being towed or on the swim platform would be a problem in a "panic" situation.

I remember at least 2 occasions that a dink in toe was a problem. Once when a squall popped up out of nowhere with heavy winds. Another was a maneuver in a tight marina.

You'll figure it out. I just want to throw in my 2 cents!
 
We have a 7 1/2 inflatable Accillies with an inflatable keel and wood transom. We cruise with it mounted onto a Hurley Davit system, parallel with the swim platform. While cruising the outboard is left mounted on the dinghy. We've trailered our R27 with the dinghy mounted and strapped down as far as 400 miles with no problems, but we take the outboard off. If traveling cross country or down to Florida we deflate the dinghy and stow everything in the bed of the truck. If I were to do it again the only thing I would change is to have the inflatable floor, like Mike Rizzo, instead of the 4 piece wood slat floor boards.

Jim
 
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