I think we all would like an auxiliary craft that does it all. We need a tender that is easy to handle and get out of the water for passages. One that can handle 4 passengers, keep them reasonably dry and secure. Handle two people getting their bikes to shore. Motors well and possibly sails well....
And 5% of the time, how about throwing in "good single or doublehanded bone fishing craft?"
I'd really like to take a catamaran mother ship down to the outer islands of the Bahamas and get back in the mangroves for bones. What creative dinks have you seen out there that could handle two people standing up and flycasting?
Since you've got deck space, would a "petite" (12' - 14') Jon Boatwork? Or I've been in some drift boats that have been surprisingly stable. Paul Butler designs a whole spectrum of designs, them included. And it's worth talking to CLC Lightcraft.
In general though I'm a huge fan of things dory'esque, with lots of flare, & a tombstone stern. They're a bit tippy initially, but when pushed are tough to capsize, & handle supremely well.
I'd also be tempted to contact Russell Brown at PT Watercraft, & or, the PT Wooden BoatSchool.
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I think we all would like an auxiliary craft that does it all. We need a tender that is easy to handle and get out of the water for passages. One that can handle 4 passengers, keep them reasonably dry and secure. Handle two people getting their bikes to shore. Motors well and possibly sails well....
And 5% of the time, how about throwing in "good single or doublehanded bone fishing craft?"
I'd really like to take a catamaran mother ship down to the outer islands of the Bahamas and get back in the mangroves for bones. What creative dinks have you seen out there that could handle two people standing up and flycasting?
Figure a 40 foot cat for the mothership...
Have you looked into an inflatable catamaran?
Do a google search and you will find several brands (e.g. DUX Great White) and sizes.
Since you've got deck space, would a "petite" (12' - 14') Jon Boat work? Or I've been in some drift boats that have been surprisingly stable. Paul Butler designs a whole spectrum of designs, them included. And it's worth talking to CLC Lightcraft.
In general though I'm a huge fan of things dory'esque, with lots of flare, & a tombstone stern. They're a bit tippy initially, but when pushed are tough to capsize, & handle supremely well.
I'd also be tempted to contact Russell Brown at PT Watercraft, & or, the PT Wooden Boat School.
Thanks for the suggestions, Guys. UNCIV - I built a Bolger stitch and glue 20 years ago and it was a decent sailing tender. It was a bit tough and clunky getting on deck etc, but worked out OK. A dory would be fun, but I don't want the weight and bulk.
Those inflatable cats are cool. Looks very stable and versatile, if not the fastest dink on the water. I suspect I would be laying up lightweight panels to replace the starboard floors, but otherwise, thanks for the apt suggestions!
This is the type of stuff I have in mind (Andros):
I think we all would like an auxiliary craft that does it all. We need a tender that is easy to handle and get out of the water for passages. One that can handle 4 passengers, keep them reasonably dry and secure. Handle two people getting their bikes to shore. Motors well and possibly sails well....
And 5% of the time, how about throwing in "good single or doublehanded bone fishing craft?"
I'd really like to take a catamaran mother ship down to the outer islands of the Bahamas and get back in the mangroves for bones. What creative dinks have you seen out there that could handle two people standing up and flycasting?
Should be able to break it down for stowage. The Eureka Canoe itself is 45 pounds. Nestable would be heavier combined, but the individual pieces would be lighter.
Absent the outriggers it'd be rowable, with or without the outriggers it could be easily driven by an electric trolling motor.