I want a new Dinghy...Please help!

[Yachts66]

First some background. I abhor inflatable dinghies,
I really do and for good reason. Tie up to a dinghy pier where there is a good tide and the barnacles will tear your dinghy to shreds (at least in my opinion). Inflatable dinghies leak...always and the older they get the more they leak. This may surprise you, but I simply don't like inflatable dinghies!

So, for a variety of reasons I want an aluminum dinghy. I'm also thinking I will attach a couple of 12" or so high-density Polyurethan tubes for added buoyancy when things go awry and the dinghy gets pooped. (Assuming I can find some extruded foam that will hold up.) The problem here is while I know what I want, finding someone who actually makes my new dinghy has become a seemingly impossible task. I did find one company in New Zealand, they are close to what I want, but they are in New Zealand and I'm in Oregon, which as we say in Oregon is a "Fer piece." Shipping costs are very high it turns out. As yet beyond finding some plans to make it myself, my score is a big zero. Ergo, I'm turning to the community in the hopes someone out there knows where I can score my new dinghy.

Here are the specifics:
Length 14-15'
Center console
Able to take a 20-30hp outboard
Enough freeboard to get through some chop (the kind you see on the Columbia River (excluding the bar of course).

And finally a preference, but not a must, it will be rowable.

Perhaps my expectations are too high, but this is what I want.

Does anyone out there know where I can find her?

My thanks to everyone in advance.

[TheThunderbird]

The Dutchs make aluminium lancets of any size

You can add your foam

[Yachts66]

Thanks, do you have their URL?

[skipmac]

They are probably out there but have not personally seen any Al boats that size with a center console.

For a while I used a 12' pointed bow jon boat and those are a dime a dozen, just regular seats, no center console. Shouldn't be that difficult to rig a remote steering wheel to a mid boat seat. I've seen them that just clamp/bolt to the sides.

[rbk]

If you can find one of these or similar they are a great compromise
Choose Whaly for boating fun! - Whaly
Made of PE, abrasion resistant etc etc.

[skipmac]

By the way, I understand and share at least some of your concerns about inflatables but after using a 12' aluminum boat for a summer I went back to inflatable. Getting in and out of the Al dink from the boat from from a dock in choppy weather it is way, way less stable than the inflatable. Plus if I was running in really rough water I would much prefer an inflatable to a similar sized Al boat.

Also, get a good inflatable and it won't leak. I have a 15 year old Avon, hypalon that only needs a couple of strokes on the foot pump every couple of weeks or so. It does go a little flat in the mornings but that is only because the air has cooled and the pressure dropped.

If you're worried about barnacles get a cover for the tubes or hang a fender.

[rbk]

Just so you don't pass it over, it looks like a traditional inflatable but is solid polyethylene plastic. No need to add foam and can take serious abrasion. Same stuff whitewater kayaks are made from, and I've been dragging kayaks over sharp rocks for many years. This will be my next tender.

[CarlF]

S/V Delos uses an aluminum dinghy from this Australian company. Shipping one might not be as bad as you'd guess. Australian dollar is down against US.

OCEAN CRAFT Foam O Float

Doesn't have a center console but these folks look like they can adapt stuff.

[Fence Man]

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...hy-190376.html

I haven't had time to finish this project, but the weather is supposed to puke soon. :-) I don't see why any custom shop couldn't build what you want.

[SVRocinante]

Originally Posted by rbk

... This will be my next tender.

Link?
Name?

Or did I miss something?
Wouldn't be the first time!

Thanks,

[Fence Man]

Originally Posted by rbk

If you can find one of these or similar they are a great compromise
Choose Whaly for boating fun! - Whaly
Made of PE, abrasion resistant etc etc.

I like aluminum, but these would have to be in the running if I was shopping.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by SVRocinante

Link?
Name?

Or did I miss something?
Wouldn't be the first time!

Thanks,

See my first post

[Dave22q]

Given your specs on size and weight (including motor) you might include oarlocks but I doubt if you could do much by rowing. If you must have a backup I would add a small outboard with separate mount if necessary.

[HopCar]

Both Lowe and Alumacraft make boats that have everything you want except a center console. Tiller steering isn’t all that bad. If it that important, you could probably install a side console pretty easily.

[Dave22q]

Originally Posted by rbk

Just so you don't pass it over, it looks like a traditional inflatable but is solid polyethylene plastic. No need to add foam and can take serious abrasion. Same stuff whitewater kayaks are made from, and I've been dragging kayaks over sharp rocks for many years. This will be my next tender.

Your reference not clear. Wailey site indicates typical PVC inflatable unless I missed something.