On-the-Hook Cruisers . . . What Kind of Dinghy Do You Use ?

[44'cruisingcat]

A big tender is very difficult on a small boat. That was my point.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Of course by that logic, a smaller tender would be even easier on a big boat. So it can't be just that . Maybe people get a big yacht b/c they want a big tender. Hmmmm...

IIRC, it was one of the Herreschoffs who said, when asked how big should a cruising boat be, "it must be large enough to carry a tender which will accommodate the entire crew"... or something like that.

Sounds about right to me... of course, he was considering a rowing tender, and very likely a professional crew.

And Mike, another way of interpreting the data is that there is a correlation between larger motorized dinghies and experience of the cruisers in question.

Cheers,

Jim

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Of course by that logic, a smaller tender would be even easier on a big boat. So it can't be just that . Maybe people get a big yacht b/c they want a big tender. Hmmmm...

It's not necessarily about it being easier. People prefer bigger tenders generally speaking but it's hard to fit a larger tender on a smaller boat.

Of course there are going to be other factors.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by colemj

Just sayin, I notice that people who stay on their boats because they can't go very far in their dinghies seem to be less healthy than those who can get to the fun places.

+1. We experimented with a small rowing skiff for a year, but found that it didn't serve us well when it came to shuttling dive tanks or bicycles. And it's no fun at all trying to board a skiff after a dive.

I now use a 10' RIB with a 15 hp outboard, which is just big enough to get the two of us, our provisions, and a couple jerry jugs of water up on a plane.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Of course by that logic, a smaller tender would be even easier on a big boat. So it can't be just that . Maybe people get a big yacht b/c they want a big tender. Hmmmm...

No, I think experienced cruisers simply get the largest dinghy and motor they can safely and reasonably handle for their size boat. No bigger, no smaller.

Mark

[wildbillca]

That's exactly what I've found.I can get a bigger dink but why.My 11' works fine for the crew and me we all fit in it.I have a crew of seven and two alway's stay aboard for security.We run a 4 hr. shift and two will go back and replace the ones when there shift is over works very well and we alway bring stuff back for other boaters.

[svWindfall]

We have the Walker Bay 10'6 with the Honda 15Hp 4 stroke (electric start). We chose this motor with electric start so my wife could use the dinghy when when she wants. Plus, it makes for a quick start when exiting a beach with surf.

And Dinghy Wheels - important for the rocky and/or sandy beach landings & exits...especially with the big tides on the Pacific side! You may find you have to drag your dinghy hundreds of feet back to the water (exhausting)...or, find that your dingy floated away because you didn't drag high enough onto the shore. Fun for sure! Be sure to carry an anchor with ample scope for the conditions and KNOW the tides!

[colemj]

Originally Posted by wildbillca

I have a crew of seven and two alway's stay aboard for security.We run a 4 hr. shift and two will go back and replace the ones when there shift is over

YIKES! How dangerous is Port Orchard WA????

Mark

[capttman]

I use 13 foot carolina skiff with 25 hp outboard..... lots of room but wet in chop

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by highseas

The problem with name on dinghy,when left ashore,is the thieves know who's boat to rob.

I have a thing about my property. I always park where I can see it. or I dont park it.

Very rarely that I park where I cant see what I own, And that is for all my vehicles and boats.

If I find some one robbing me, The police can have whats left.

But also, They will take what they want anyway, They actually do sit and watch first.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Mr B

I have a thing about my property. I always park where I can see it. or I dont park it.

Very rarely that I park where I cant see what I own, And that is for all my vehicles and boats.

If I find some one robbing me, The police can have whats left.

But also, They will take what they want anyway, They actually do sit and watch first.

Really? How do you go grocery shopping or take a leak on shore? Actually, don't answer the last part. But really, you never go sight seeing or shopping or beach walking or eating out or anything? You just go to shore and sit and stare at your boat?

Mark

[Vasco]

Unfortunately the Walker Bay 8 folks with the 2 hp Tohatsu didn't get to the party until after dark and the party was over.

[boatman61]

Boat 6.3 metres, Dinghy 2.6 metres....
Engine 5hp Tohatsu (dual purpose)
Great fun and nippy... can even get her to plane with 2...

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Mr B

I have a thing about my property. I always park where I can see it. or I dont park it.

Very rarely that I park where I cant see what I own, And that is for all my vehicles and boats.

If I find some one robbing me, The police can have whats left.

But also, They will take what they want anyway, They actually do sit and watch first.

So you never sail out of sight of your car/house?

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

So you never sail out of sight of your car/house?

Its all locked up and I have people watching it.
Like I said, very rarely do I park where I cant see them,

But a padlock is no deterent to a thief that really wants what you own.

If you want to be pedantic, go for your life, hahahahahahaha

I am a Engineering Blacksmith, On/site Boilermaker DLI Welder for 49 years, I can blow a hole in one of those 2 foot thick safe doors in about an hour, Big enough to crawl through. So nothing is safe.