Tenders for R23 OB

Ray Johnston

New member
Joined
Jul 29, 2024
Messages
3
Fluid Motion Model
R-23 (Outboard)
Vessel Name
Kasper Z
Hi everyone, We have an R23 and are hoping to find a tender that is easy to store when cruising. We have a UL 7.5 AB, but its too heavy to get on the roof and doesnt fit between the transom and outboard and I dont think the R23 has a gimbled transom lift option. IF I could find something like the AB with smaller pontoons I might be able to slip it between transom and outboard. I am hoping to find something that is small but standard configuration as opposed to the kayak versions like the Kaboat. any suggestions?
 
I was looking at those, but couldnt find all the dimensions I need. The pontoons are slimmer than the AB and since it doesnt have an aluminum bottom, it might fit between transom and motor. If anyone has one, it would be great to know how tall it is when sitting flat on a flat surface. The AB is 16" pontoons and another 7" or so of aluminum v hull inside the pontoons. the resulting 23" is more than the motor to transom space available. Takacat looks lighter too.
 
Ray, what are those 'clearance' dimensions for your R23? I too am trying to solve the shore boat puzzle for my 248 and will look at the measurements on my boat on Monday. FWIW I did do some research on pack rafts since they pack away to nothing, weigh very little and - the largest ones - can (barely) accommodate two people on flat water. Ken on Paddle TV (YT channel) has trialed several of these, even on longer runs and in modest white water. You might look at this video:
To me they seem like the answer for the question "How do I get the last 10' to shore without getting wet?" Leaving the boat at anchor to take the laundry ashore is obviously not in the cards. OTOH some of my friends chide me for even thinking about a dinghy. "You draw less than 2' and are in Florida. What the hell do you need a dinghy for?!" But I can't shake the notion that a boat is for cruising (at least some of the time) and you can't do much cruising without being on the hook and needing to get ashore. Please keep the thread alive; it's more of a need than it might seem for us smaller boats.
 
Ray, what are those 'clearance' dimensions for your R23? I too am trying to solve the shore boat puzzle for my 248 and will look at the measurements on my boat on Monday. FWIW I did do some research on pack rafts since they pack away to nothing, weigh very little and - the largest ones - can (barely) accommodate two people on flat water. Ken on Paddle TV (YT channel) has trialed several of these, even on longer runs and in modest white water. You might look at this video:
To me they seem like the answer for the question "How do I get the last 10' to shore without getting wet?" Leaving the boat at anchor to take the laundry ashore is obviously not in the cards. OTOH some of my friends chide me for even thinking about a dinghy. "You draw less than 2' and are in Florida. What the hell do you need a dinghy for?!" But I can't shake the notion that a boat is for cruising (at least some of the time) and you can't do much cruising without being on the hook and needing to get ashore. Please keep the thread alive; it's more of a need than it might seem for us smaller boats.
I plan to measure this weekend. I had a kaboat, which is the kayak type, but that does not work well for guests that we might want to ferry ashore. Its looking like the Takacat might fit. unlike my AB, its total top to bottom thickness is 19" compared to about 26" for my AB tender.
 
I have a C24 and found a 52 lb 7 1/2 foot long hard plastic tender. I made mounts that go into the rear rod holders. Works great and my wife and I can handle it easily. The tender was from the plastic boat company which is also Backwater Boats. It’s pretty much a two person Dingy which can take a small motor but it comes with oars.
 
Take a look at the high pressure air floor tenders, might fit where you want, or it can easily be packed or moved.
 
Check out the Zodiac Cadet Aero Air Floor 7’ 7”. Get a good electric air pump and inflation is quick and easy.
 
We have a Takacat we carry just in front of the outboard and behind the bulkhead.

Hi everyone, We have an R23 and are hoping to find a tender that is easy to store when cruising. We have a UL 7.5 AB, but its too heavy to get on the roof and doesnt fit between the transom and outboard and I dont think the R23 has a gimbled transom lift option. IF I could find something like the AB with smaller pontoons I might be able to slip it between transom and outboard. I am hoping to find something that is small but standard configuration as opposed to the kayak versions like the Kaboat. any suggestions?
 
I carry an upside down Highfield 200 inflatable inside my R23 cockpit. The bow sits down on the floor to the left of the door. Stern sits on its tubes on the railing across the rear of the cockpit. There is room to open and close the door. It’s very light so I chuck it in the water when I want to sit in the cockpit. The inflatable is small but has plenty of carrying capacity for 2. Use oars or a torqueedo.
 
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