Two dinghies clamped together

[DsquareD]

Surely I can't be the only person who ever thought of this, but Google searches are not turning up any leads.

Let's assume a dinghy with a perfectly flat gunwale, bow, and transom, so that when inverted on a flat surface it would be touching all the way around. Now take two of them and clamp them together (with a seal in between) with one inverted on the other like a clamshell.

With this arrangement there would be no worries (theoretically) of a capsizing dinghy when towing. Whichever side it's on, it would always be upright and would never swamp.

It would also have the added bonus of having two tenders, making it easier to transport supplies.

I look forward to your thoughts.

[Orion Jim]

Twice the weight.....

[Pelagic]

Clamped like that, it would be top heavy thus much more prone to capsize if towing was the objective.

My guess is it would stabilize on its side under tow and shear all over the place.

Not to mention the logistics of trying to bolt together at anchor.

[Panope]

Storm survival capsule?

Steve

[Panope]

In addition to the proposed arrangement, make it so the two dinghies can be attached "transom to transom" thereby making one boat, twice as long. Perhaps use a hinge along the top of the transom(s) so the boat can convert in seconds.

Steve

[SV DestinyAscen]

If I were forced to tow two dinghys of a twin design, I'll have them linked like a catamaran.

[four winds]

How about a cover for a single dinghy, to prevent swamping.

[siamese]

Interesting.

I agree with responder who said "twice the weight".

Unless, each half is only 5 or 6 feet long, yielding a nice size dinghy once fitted together.

I like the concept that they bobble around without fear of swamping.

However, if you want to bring them on deck, they're going to be too bulky.

Unless you can make them nest. Maybe one has a wider flange and a slightly smaller hull so it can nest inside the other.

When you look for financing, try Mitt Romney. In the clamshell towing mode, they'd be the perfect place for his dog.

[DsquareD]

Wow! Really great replies.

The transom to transom idea is one I haven't thought of.

Thanks for the ideas. Keep them coming.

[Snowpetrel]

Strayas Longsplice dinghy is a neat transom to transom design. It has too much sheer to bolt each half together on top of each other.

http://www.boatbuilding.xyz/boat-des...-dinghies.html

[Seaslug Caravan]

Originally Posted by DsquareD

Surely I can't be the only person who ever thought of this, but Google searches are not turning up any leads.



I look forward to your thoughts.

Steve Callaghan produced the "CLAM" dingy which clamped gunnel to gunnel.

I understand its no longer in production , but he now has a new version. http://www.stevencallahan.net/images...signs/frib.pdf

Looks like some characteristics of the clam survived.

Sitting in his life raft for so long certainly gave him time to think.

[Snowpetrel]

I really want one of those Clams. A near perfect dinghy, but I bet it would be expensive! Thanks for the link seaslug.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[valhalla360]

I think it's an economics issue:


They are too pricey for their market. The people who wouldn't blink an eye at the price have big boats and the capability of storing a dingy onboard.


The guys who can't afford the big boat also can't afford the expensive dingy.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by DsquareD

Surely I can't be the only person who ever thought of this, but Google searches are not turning up any leads.

Let's assume a dinghy with a perfectly flat gunwale, bow, and transom, so that when inverted on a flat surface it would be touching all the way around. Now take two of them and clamp them together (with a seal in between) with one inverted on the other like a clamshell.

With this arrangement there would be no worries (theoretically) of a capsizing dinghy when towing. Whichever side it's on, it would always be upright and would never swamp.

It would also have the added bonus of having two tenders, making it easier to transport supplies.

I look forward to your thoughts.

To be polite, nonsense!

[Dave22q]

Complex solution to a non problem. If your dinghy capsizing under tow is not a rare event change whatever you are doing to cause it. My guess is that you need to adjust your tow line to the wave conditions.