Trailering with a "Pudgy" Dinghy

[andygmontara]

I have a 25 SC tug and recently purchased a "Portland Pudgy" dingy which I plan on carrying on the swim platform with Weaver Davits. Are there any known problems if I trailer the tug with the dinghy on the swim platform? Thank You, Andy on the "Keep On Tuggin"

 

[baz]

Send a PM to Capt. Mac who will trailering his new R27 with a Pudgy starting this Friday I believe. I have a Pudgy but do not trail our R25.

 

[walldog]

I have a 25 SC tug and recently purchased a "Portland Pudgy" dingy which I plan on carrying on the swim platform with Weaver Davits. Are there any known problems if I trailer the tug with the dinghy on the swim platform? Thank You, Andy on the "Keep On Tuggin"

I think the Weaver davit system is strong enough to support the boat during trailering. A much lighter setup, but we trailered with our inflatable coming back from the North West last fall. The only downside was fuel mileage was greatly reduced. So much so that after one day, we deflated and put the dinghy in the cockpit.

 

[CaptMac]

We've had a Pudgy for years on our R-25 Island Ranger, but didn't really do much trailering. We have moved it to our new R-27 Passage Weaver and have trailered a couple of times - on 1-2 hour trips. We do plan on trailering down to Mexico starting this weekend (1900 miles) and will be glad to let you know if we see any issues.

I do leave the lifting strap (I don't use a Weaver winch, and use a block & tackle to raise & lower the Pudgy) attached as insurance, and to snug the Pudgy up against the standoffs. Good thing too since one of the standoffs became disconnected (unscrewed) during my last trailering trip.

Mac

 

[baz]

I would imagine that if you were to install a cover over the Pudgy it might/could reduce air drag during trailering. The Pudgy or any other dinghy on the swim step will act as an air dam and cause considerable drag. I lean my Pudgy as far forward as is possible and don't use standoffs. I lean the Pudgy onto the rear handrail and secure it there with a strong quick release strap. This position reduces the air dam affect. I've thought of placing a cover over the Pudgy while it's in this position when cruising to reduce its drag affect. The Pudgy can be ordered with a cover I believe from manufacture.

With my Pudgy leaning forward the way I've described there still plenty of room for storing two large tuff end fenders and 400' of stern tie line on a reel.

 

[walldog]

I notice no problems with a dinghy on the swim grid at the in water speeds most of our boats travel. Only at highway speeds while trailering does the effect of the wind become apparent. For us it was just simpler to stow the dinghy, for the Pudgy owner trailering, a cover may or may not help. If I had no other choice, I would not hesitate to trailer with the dinghy installed. I can see how a rigid dinghy maybe difficult to carry any other way. Certainly securing the dinghy as far forward as possible is a plus. However, those of us with the patio rails and gate are limited as to how far we can lean the dinghy into the stern of the boat. The safety and convenience of using the rails and gate to enter and exit the dinghy is a plus for us.

 

[baz]

I guess if the wind is from behind the standup dinghy would act like a sail.... :lol: