Folding and bagging up West Tender RU-3

[PetePetePete]

We just deflated and bagged our West Tender RU-3 since we won't be using it for a while.

We got it in the bag! Along with the oars, pump, seats, slats, etc.

Got me thinking.

Is there a "wrong" way that we could have done it? We read the instructions which were terrible, but I'll try and explain what we did.

First, we full deflated it - even used the pump to "vac" the remaining air out.

Second, we removed all the floor slat EXCEPT for the stern-most one (couldn't get it out).

Third, we tucked/folded the stern sponson "bullets" up onto/toward the oar locks. Then we folded the sides a bit (to make the width of the boat overal close to the width of the bag).

Forth, then we "rolled" (more like folded/rolled) it up... I think we got "three" folds/rolls out of it.

Fifth, we wrestled it into the bag. Put the slats and seat on top... and with some more wrestling, we got it zippered.

Good, bad, doesn't matter? Don't want to ruin it.

Thanks for reading!

[OldManMirage]

I have the same dinghy. I don't think there's a wrong way really, there's only so many ways you can "fold" the darn thing since it doesn't truly lend itself to folding.

That said I do pretty much what you did BUT I don't bother taking out the floor slats. I still get it pretty compact and get it in the "bag" - if you can call it that ! Lol - then I use the compression straps on the bag to cinch everything tight and away you go. Bob's your uncle !

[PetePetePete]

Ha! As silly as it sounds, that really makes me feel better! We don't use it very often, but when we do, we really want it to stay in good shape.

Funny you say about not removing the slats! When I got mine the slats were in it. We tried to "roll" it up with the slats and it was impossible.

I'm guessing I'll be just fine.

Didn't know about the cinches on the bag. Gonna look for those.

Many thanks!

[OldManMirage]

I realized too that what I have is the PRU-3. It's the same as yours except its PVC. So it is possible that they roll up differently.

But this is the "bag" I have with mine...

https://www.westmarine.com/west-mari...013061049.html

Yours might be different.

[CaptTom]

I had a similar one. Actually I still have it somewhere, still in the bag from the last time I rolled it up. It's surprising how it all fits back in eventually, with a bit of effort and after a few tries.

I always hated the slat floor, so I cut two pieces of plywood to fit and painted them with deck paint. I had to do it in two pieces because they have to slide in under the tubes when it's deflated. I couldn't do that with just one piece.