A hard dingy that looks like an inflatable

[wunderluster]

Does anyone know who makes a hard dingy that has tubes like an inflatable except they are fiberglass? I've seen a few around and they look like the best both worlds, meaning the stability of an inflatable and the durability of glass. One is for sale near me and I plan to look at it tomorrow. Any suggestions?

[Dockhead]

Walker Bay.

[wunderluster]

Thanks. Has anyone had experience with one?

[barnakiel]

There is also at least one make in Australia - they make them in rotomolded polypro (I think). I hate them but they go on plane like a dream and are great for rock/reef landings. They are difficult to fix though.

A word of warning - these hard dinghies do tend to bang against the boat if you use them in rolly anchorages. A proper rib with its inflated tubes is much gentler to the topsides.

Nothing that cannot be addressed, but good to think of such details before committing.

b.

[markpierce]

Were you thinking of the "Pudgy?

Portland Pudgy safety dinghy, inflatable boat, or fiberglass dinghy?

[stevensc]

Maybe this is what you are looking for I believe they started as Boss or Bullfrog boats and have changed hands. I have seen some in boat shows, they looked good. I think they are heavier than a conventional RIB, seems logical



Steve W

[FSMike]

A company called Jolly Boat used to make them, in Ft. Myers, Fl. I believe. Don't know if they are still in business.

[S/V Alchemy]

I thought there were inflatable tubes you could lash to the gunwhales of hard dinghies to give them extra buoyancy and stability when boarding (which I would like). They stay clear of the water when rowing for the most part, but of course can "break down" to a small package when deflated.

Here you go. They are called "Dinghy Dogs"...and I've seen more than one type. Best of both worlds, actually, and I would much prefer to come alongside with fat tubes than hard chines!

[atoll]

Originally Posted by wunderluster

Does anyone know who makes a hard dingy that has tubes like an inflatable except they are fiberglass? I've seen a few around and they look like the best both worlds, meaning the stability of an inflatable and the durability of glass. One is for sale near me and I plan to look at it tomorrow. Any suggestions?

the ones i've seen are generally owned by poor french yachties who have fiberglassed their leaking inflatable as a last resort!

[neptunesjester]

Logic Marine made tenders like this out of plastic. My buddy has one hanging on davits on the back of his 41 islander freeport. Also Rigid Boats makes these out of fiberglass.

[wunderluster]

neptunesjester, Yes, there is a logic on a charter boat in my marina.

This is the one I was asking about. It is made by Crystal Bay and sold by various dealers. I bought this one second hand.

It is 8' 8", weights 120 lbs., is very stable and can take a 7.5 outboard. I put a 6 hp 2 stroke on it, it will not plane with 6 hp but I can get around just fine.

I like the stability, the lockable storage in the bow, and it is self baling. And no holes in the tubes!

I'll add davits because it is heavy to tow and heavier than I want to put on deck.

Ciao,

David

[capn_billl]

Originally Posted by atoll

the ones i've seen are generally owned by poor french yachties who have fiberglassed their leaking inflatable as a last resort!

Dang! it, I wish I had thought of that BEFORE I chucked my Zodiac. :headsmack:

[stillbuilding]

In Aust one can buy an alloy dingy that is otherwise identical to the hypalon inflatables. Hard floor and very robust but bangs against the topsides and needs rubber fender

[zeehag]

there is a kind down here-i havent been able to see nameonit but about 3 cruisers use em--they are made of polyvinyl chloride, not fiberglass. hard and durable.

[timb7734]

I have three PVC/Ropelene boats made by Triumph, one an 11 foot open dinghy that looks like an inflatable with a 15 hp Yamaha 4 stroke will put 4 adults on plane, another with the same hull and a center console with a 25 hp Merc, and a 17' skiff with a 90 Yamaha 2 stroke. I don't use the center console anymore because the console takes up too much room. I tow the 17' skiff. It was weird to get bottom paint on the skiff, and I reinforced the keel with an add on plastic strip but I think nothing of beaching it. The boats are great for tender duty as the hull material just slides off the mother vessel. We have three dogs aboard and use the skiff multiple times every day for chores, diving, and general fun. I retrofitted a total of 24 gallons of gas and a second battery, and tow it offshore with a special bridle/hawser and a retrofitted reinforced tow eye just under the waterline of the skiff. If we have to dock we either put it on the hip or go bow in with the skiff on a short line. I bought them all used. They don't look like much but they are workhorses.