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thirtywest · 15-07-2018, 07:41

Morning all.

Just getting started at looking for a dinghy. Primarily it’ll be used around Clear Lake and surrounding Houston area lakes, but there is an annual trip to the Ft Myers area where I’d like to trailer it.

I’d like something that would work well around Pine Island / North Captiva to do some fishing with the kids—mostly on the east side of north Captiva in the calmer waters.

Can anyone make a recommendation? I’m towing with an Odyssey so obviously I’d like to keep the weight down, if length doesn’t ruin it first. So: best length within weight limits that I can trailer to do some light fishing in relatively easy waters. And a unicorn for my daughter—since I don’t think I was demanding enough in my request.

Thanks.

thirtywest · 15-07-2018, 18:19

How about something like a Boston Whaler?

Maybe the 5.2? Seems to have the space and weight requirements.

belizesailor · 15-07-2018, 18:30

How many do you plan to have aboard?

You want it to be a sailing dinghy too?

thirtywest · 15-07-2018, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by belizesailor

How many do you plan to have aboard?

You want it to be a sailing dinghy too?

Maybe three fishing. More likely just two of us.

belizesailor · 15-07-2018, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirtywest

Maybe three fishing. More likely just two of us.

A Whaler or Livingston would be fine for that, but neither are sail boats.

thirtywest · 15-07-2018, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by belizesailor

A Whaler or Livingston would be fine for that, but neither are sail boats.

Sorry I meant Boston whaler harpoon. Something like the 5.2.

belizesailor · 15-07-2018, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirtywest

Sorry I meant Boston whaler harpoon. Something like the 5.2.

Ah, maybe not so great for fishing, but meets your criteria I think.

Hardhead · 16-07-2018, 08:58

Small carolina skiff?

gulfcoastsailor · 16-07-2018, 09:44

My vote is Port-A-Bote. Check them out. I have an 8’ but you could use a 10’. Don’t miss the sailing package.

Scout 30 · 16-07-2018, 09:49

Portland Pudgy?

Dinghy | Lifeboat | Yacht Tender | Sailing Dinghy | Portland Pudgy

Hardhead · 16-07-2018, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by gulfcoastsailor

My vote is Port-A-Bote. Check them out. I have an 8’ but you could use a 10’. Don’t miss the sailing package.

How well do they sail? I've always thought I'd get one at some point.

brendanwalls · 16-07-2018, 10:10

Walker bay 10 with RIB. I love mine; it car tops, sails and points well, takes a 3hp nicely, and is so stable you can stand on the gunwale while reeling in the big one. Maybe a bit cramped for more than 2 kids.

thirtywest · 16-07-2018, 12:03

Ok, the Portland made me chuckle.

The porta-bote almost made me lose my rootbeer. Then I stopped laughing and realized how cool that thing really is. I'm curious how tight those joints really are.

I emailed for a price quote. The sail package would be cool down around Ft. Myers where I'd be. But for fishing, it looks really useful. It might be a really good crossover. I'd still need a small tow behind to carry the motor unless I can find a safe way to put a small hp outboard on top the van.