Portland Pudgy VOTE

[Sealeggs]

After multiple trips to tugnuts and endless research i am more confused than ever so asking for a vote and brief reason for your vote. We hav a 25 SC 2014 which we predominently use on large north idaho lakes but hopefully will visit the san juans on occasion. We know they are two very different creatures but hav narrowed to an 8' achilles RIB or a portland pudgy. HELP

 

[daveo]

We have a RIB. We recently pulled the boat to Campbell River, deflated the RIB and put it in the back of the truck. Will you tow your boat with the Portland Pudgy on the back? Will it fit in your truck?
I have been a white water rafter for 30 years and have never seen this mentioned here. If you haul your inflatable dinghy through a mountain pass, you should reduce the pressure in the tubes. On white water sites, I have seen people complain that the lower air pressure and sun on tubes, caused their baffels to blow.

 

[Sealeggs]

Thank you. Pudgy or achilles rib would b in truck. Im just having real trouble spending the money for a roto molded pudgy when you can buy a roto molded kyak for $150

 

[baz]

In that case get the "roto molded kyak for $150" as you have little to lose if it does not work out for you.

As much as love the Pudgy (I had one for my R-25 Classic) for its sea worthiness it has some -ives such as weight and this being on the swim step will cause your fuel burn to be higher. Adding weight to the stern will always slow down your achievable top speed and cause greater fuel burn compared to no Pudgy. The Pudgy weighs around 150 lbs, or more if you stow gear in it.

 

[Crewdog]

I vote right tool for the right job.

It's difficult to make an informed choice without knowing the limiting factors and primary area of use.

If we didnt do much trailering and cost and weight was not a factor, the pudgy is a wonderful and stout craft.

But as we trailer, and the weight is a factor, we opted for a dinghy.

 

[Sealeggs]

Great. I love all my non commital tugnuts. Leaning towards a 90 lb rib
Thanks

 

[Brian B]

I would caution against an inflatable floor dinghy, they tend to leak on the seams as they age.

 

[captstu]

I have had numerous inflatable's over the past 50 years.

When I purchased R-25, I looked at both the Portland pudgy and the walker bay dinghy. Both are rigid molded boats that seldom leak. The pudgy can be upgraded to sort of a lifeboat.

I purchased a walker bay 8 with a Sailing rig and tubes used. I also purchased weaver davits for the Walker bay and mount them on the swim platform. We infrequently use the walker bay as a dinghy, preferring to stop at Marinas when we travel. I often take a few moments and Rig the sale for a ride around the Anchorage.

The Walker Bay sails quite well with one person and it's tight but acceptable for two people. It rows so well I no longer carry the engine, eliminating that weight and the need to carry gasoline. The Walker Bay fits The swim platform well but my mounting has it sticking out an inch or so on the starboard side so I work the tip from time to time when I don't pay attention. There is been no damage to the Walker Bay because the material is in distractible. The Walker Bay is fairly easy to lift but it does block the rearview and makes it more difficult to use the swim ladder when the dinghy is in place.

The best part of the Walker Bay is that I paid $700 for the boat the sail rig and the tubes and it's indestructible so it looks and performs as a new boat except the tubes of failed due to age and were replaced.

I need new tubes out of some swim noodles and they seem OK.

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

We had a Walker Bay on our Nordic 26 with tubes and sailing kit. Nice dinghy and sailed well. However, purchased Portland Pudgy for our Ranger Tug 31. No comparison. The Portland Pudgy is more stable, holds more people/weight, smaller footprint, and rows and sails better than the Walker Bay and no air to leak. We have not found a better dinghy in this size.

 

[Todd]

I also vote for the pudgy. Great boat. Fun to sail when anchored for the evening and a great rugged dinghy. Plan to purchase a Torqeeo electric some day as I here it is a great combo.

 

[vicwa67]

I am new to Tugnuts. This is my first posting or question. Just sold our Monk 36 after finishing the Loop and want to travel faster between cruising spots. We are in the process of buying a new to us 2013 R27. It has the SS handrails at the rear of the swim platform. Can the specialized davit system for the Portland Pudgy work with these handrails in place? Has anyone tried the ST-275 tilt up davits for inflatables made by Olsson Mfg. They allow the motor to stay on the dingy. Thanks.

 

[Sealeggs]

The weaver davit system will work but must order the " two up, four out" davits made specifically for ranger tugs