While it's true that smaller dinghys can be hard to get on plane, especially the RIBs with a deep V, it can be done. Our setup is an 8ft 3d
Tender Aluminium with a Tohatsu 9.8 2-Stroke and Doel-Fins. Works fine for two persons as long as they are less than 155kg which is about 340 pounds. Full speed is 18kts with one person and 14-16 with two.
The Doel-Fin is essential, not only for getting on plane but mostly to stabilize the
boat. Without it the ride gets very uncontrollable even in the slightest chop. It makes a HUGE difference in control of the
boat. The downside is that it slows the boat down about 1.5kts.
We used our
dinghy a lot for longer trips up to 10nm one-way, e.g. from outer San Blas to the mainland or up rivers. Being able do 15kts instead of the usual 4kts for a non-planing small
inflatable makes a big difference.
We got the 3dtender because it is the only 8ft Aluminium
RIB that allows 8hp (8hp and 10hp are the same when it comes to weight and torque). We can't fit anything bigger on our foredeck.
The Aluminium models from Highfield and AB do only allow 4hp but still have deep-V hulls. In my opinion this is a very stupid combination, a
hull form that is made for planing with a
motor that won't even get a
single person on plane.
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions