How to choose a dinghy

[StuM]

Originally Posted by bcripps

I've been kicking around down here for 15 years.

It might help if you say where "here" is

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Nice combination. I use a 3.5 hp Tohatsu with our bote. At 1/2 throttle it goes for a long time on one little tank of gas. It will easily plane the bote with one (heavy ) person on board. Two if the conditions are flat. But we tend to row most of the time.

We also carry two inflatable kayaks which we use when we’re anchored for longer periods. As you say, it’s good to have two options.

I’ve never had davits. They're handy when everything is easy. No way would I want a dingy swinging from them in heavy wind/seas though. Almost as bad as dragging a dingy.

Roger on the kayaks. My nesting dinghy is for people and the Portabote is for cargo for the most part. I don't care (and nor does it) if stuff get spilt. It's a rugged unit.

The 2.0 Honda (which I may change up for an extra horse, except I love its air-cooled one-hand hoist aspects) can't drive me and the Portabote faster than 4.5 knots in flat water, but it can do so for nearly a hour flat out...such as that is. I've taken to filling empty 1 litre oil jugs of the lawnmower/chainsaw type with gas if I feel like putting about. It's pretty funny to empty one into the top of the tiny Honda and realize "yep, that's another five miles of flat-out."

[bob mundle]

I have a 34 citation. Had an inflatable- was a pain- I was always wet and it punctured easily-. I bought an 8’ plastic dingy that fits before the mast and can be boarded solo- very happy with that- a bit “tippy” so have to stay low getting in and out- otherwise good. I am not at the boat now so I can’t give you more details- but it is manufactured and rated for 2 hp

[zeehag]

what you need is something you can manage solo, easily stowed and functional for carrying large and heavy items from a beach to your boat. with oars as secondary or primary propulsion method.
what you WANT is a nonfunctional heavy as hell r i b with hugeassed engine for zooming all over.
\now you get to figure out which YOU will use so you donot have a deteriorating pile of heavy on your bow or wherever you will stow that item. only you know what you will use once the novelty wears off.
donot forget that towed dinghies become property of others when they find em free ranging alone and lonely and unloved in ocean .