300 lb dingy for 20' 2000 lb sailboat?

[dumbaaaa]

What do ye think about pulling a 300 lb, 16 foot trimaran that is all above water; behind a 2000lb, 20 foot, bulb keel sailboat?

This would be for traveling because I don't want to have to buy a different dingy, and I also believe this thing would be a solid second boat if my first were to sink for some reason.

[atoll]

it will make a good sea anchor until it runs into the back of you in following seas......

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by atoll

it will make a good sea anchor until it runs into the back of you in following seas......

In which case your fears of the first boat sinking may be realized but at the same time the spare will likely go with it.

Better plan, make sure the first boat is in first class condition and it's less likely to sink. For a backup take an inflatable or a life raft.

[dlymn]

Just like using sails for a 20 foot boat on a bigger boat. The drag of the trimaran will slow you down as though those hulls were a part of your main boat. I also agree with the risks in a following sea.

[hamburking]

I used to pull a 9' inflatable (only about 70 pounds) behind my Tanzer 22. Took a full knot off my speed, at least.

I say, don't do it.
Get a tiny inflatable, and stow it below till you need it.

Your 20' sailboat IS your dinghy!

[Verities]

It'll make a great storm drogue. You need a small rollable inflatable that can stow below deck. i had a ten foot zodiac that slowed my old 23', 4 ton herreshoff down by two knots.

[boatster]

What small rollable inflatable do you recommend?

[Verities]

I had a zodiac 7' with a roll up slat floor. It'll take a two hp outboard also. Towed and stowed easily and weighed less that 60 lbs. it was very stable for two people and rowed well. but I wouldn't tow it offshore. It was about $900 a few years back. I'm sure other inflatable manufacturers make something similar. One caveat. I found them easy to steal as they are so portable. I had two disappear at the town dock here in Maine. Might find one in the marine classifieds or craigslist.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by boatster

What small rollable inflatable do you recommend?

This one:

7’6" Saturn Inflatable Boat | saturninflatableboats.ca

small, light, easy to inflate, good brand, inflatable floor.


Otherwise, find an old avon redcrest...they are awesome:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...hy-100007.html

Get rid of everything in the boat except the oars (wood floor, seat, engine mount, etc), and you have a super lightweight, awesome little craft.

[Scout 30]

About once a month West Marine will have a sale on inflatables. You can usually get one for about $700. These don't row well so I recommend a small outboard which can also be use as a backup kicker for your bigger boat. Defender also has good prices on inflatables. Hypalon inflatables are a little more expensive & heavier but last a lot longer in the sun. You could also go the small rowboat route as long as you can get it up on deck when you go offshore.

[Aquadome]

Bad idea.

For sailing in tropical climates you must get a hypalon dink (any brand name will be decent but I like AB) and if its not a roll up get a cover and you will add years to its use.

[jeremiason]

Sometimes I wonder if people who ask these questions have ever actually sailed?

I agree with everyone who says "NO" and suggest you start sailing your 20' boat.

You will then realize your hull speed is already very slow for "traveling" and dragging another sailboat through the water, behind your 20 foot boat will slow you even more!

[boatman61]

Sell the Tri..
Buy an 80footer..
Tow the 20footer.. keep your shopping dry below..

[Tayana42]

Anyone notice the OPs screen name is Dumbaaaa? Maybe there is a reason.


S/V B'Shert

[barnakiel]

I would actually rather sail the cat and tow the other thing. Cats are better cruising platforms in many ways.

b.