Portland Pudgy

[Todd]

I have a 2012 R29 and need a dingy this year. Really like the Pudgy but have a couple of questions for you Pudgy owners.

I was thinking of green as it is a close match to my hull color but was wondering about fading. Has anybody experienced fading of any of the colored hulls. My second choice is white. Wondered if it yellowed over time in the sun.

Has anyone mounted one on the swim platform of a R29 with the bumpers on the swim platform. What size / configuration of Weaver davits do you need.

Really don't like having a dingy on the swim platform. Has anyone rigged an easy method for rooftop storage. I want to be able to launch and recover the Pudgy quickly and easily by myself.

 

[jimschu]

I have a R 29 with the factory installed Pacer lift and a ranger 8.5' hard bottom dinghy. The pacer lift is mounted on rails so that it can be used to lift from either side of the tug. I have found the best way is to have the lift on the port side. I rotate the arm 180 so it is facing port. then have the dinghy bow facing the stern of the tug. I then lift the dinghy, now for the tricky part. You have to then push the dinghy around 180 so the bow faces forward. I made a cradle that is mounted on the Stbd side of the cabin top. I know it sounds complicated but is fairly easy to manuver.

You could also pick up the dinghy from the Stbd side but then you have to push the whole thing, the lift with the dinghy attached back over to the Port side.

The biggest downside is the lift arm is too short by about six inches so you have to be careful when lifting that you don"t scratch the gel coat on the hull. I also use the Weaver davits sometimes so extra caution is required when loading and unloading. Stainless steel davit mounts and gel coat do not get along very well.

I plan on extending the lifting arm this spring. I also am going to try towing a 9" boston whaler on longer trips this Summer, but am pretty sure that also presents some hassle's.

I have also thought about a kayak which due to the narrow beam would be much easier to lift with the Pacer unit.

Hope this didn't sound too confusing,

Jim

 

[Nellie Too]

Hi Todd,
We carry two kayaks on top of the boat and have a Pacer Lift for launch and retrieval. You can see pictures in our photo album "Nellie Too" showing the lift details and the installation and how it travels from side to side. A friend of mine built them and the factory installed it for me, they no longer offer the lift but if you are interested, I can put you in touch with my friend. What made us install it was watching the factory personnel trying to retrieve a kayak that had blown off the boat in a demo cruise, they are certified for a 200 lb lift but tested to 400 lbs. We are in the process of creating a lift seat in case someone falls overboard and are unable to get them selves out of the water. Send me a pm with you phone number if you would like more details.

Bob

 

[baz]

I have a Sunset yellow Pudgy. No fading whatsoever after 4 years.

See her http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=34040 for how I quickly lower it to the water, and for raising it using a block&tackle which cost less that $100 as I recall.

Capt. Mac has a white Pudgy and from when I last saw it it was not faded in any real way I could see.... and his Pudgy is older than mine.

If you want a dinghy that is USCG certified for 4 adults, is unsinkable, stable and serves as a true life raft in an emergency then get the Pudgy.

If you want more testimonial post back or PM me.

I've given several boaters/sailors first hand use of my Pudgy and they've all been sold on it.

 

[Levitation]

Also take a look at the BIC Sportyak 245. :mrgreen:

 

[tks29]

I have a white Pudgey on my R29 for the last 3 years. No fading and it takes punishment very well. I also have Weaver Davits and use 4 x 4 extensions to get it high and far enough out to clear the platform rail. I can pull it up and secure it on my own, but it takes a good heavy pull. I don't have much difficulty seeing behind it when docking. Very happy with the arrangement.

 

[Irish Mist]

tks29 when you have a chance could you post a picture of your set up
Thanks

 

[Namaste]

We love our yellow Portland Pudgy and have it mounted to Weaver davitson the swim platform on our R-25.

As far as color is concerned you may want to consider visibility both of your Ranger and the Pudgy when you are out on it. People often think of tenders as simple transportation to and from a dock but the Pudgy is so much fun we have taken many trips of ten miles. From time to time we may run into periods of low visibility in fog, rain, etc. The yellow really stands out.

 

[mmcdonald47]

I have a white Portland Pudgy and it hasn't faded at all. I have weaver davits that I had to extend out to compensate for the rubber bumpers. I use a block and tackle that I saw being used by one of the other boats on this forum and I can raise and lower it with one hand very easily. I purchased a Lehr 2.5hp propane motor and I am very pleased with the whole setup. I am cruising full time and am currently in the Keys at the Mangrove Marina in Tavernier and you are more than welcome to stop by and see my arrangement.