Replacing a rib with a hard dinghy

[Manateeman]

Well the manatee crew had their eyes on an aluminum Marlon 12 until they saw a Polycraft 300 Tuffy.
You got to hand it to the designers down under...this is one heck of a boat.
Obviously we know and love aluminum and have a TIG welder onboard but when you have a crew of blubber butts frolicking with a beer in one hand and a pizza bazooka...well you need an unsinkable, really tough boat.
We looked at Whaly but some reports said they didn’t get up on a plane without a lot of engine. Bullfrogs ? Not sure about the combination of plastic and aluminum.
The Polycraft forward deck and the storage are big plus items.
What other tender has three compartments which can be converted into beer coolers. The crew considered towing a Portly Puggie filled with ice but the authorities informed them it could no longer be considered the ship’s lifeboat.
So it’s Polycraft 300 for our tender.
I’ll sell my beloved Trinka 10 so the crew can buy two Tuffys and we will then have a lifeboat and a supply vessel full of pizza and beer.
Makes perfect sense to them.
Captain Mark

[Manateeman]

I thought someone would comment on best motor and horsepower required for a Polycraft 300 Tuffy .
Some comments on why we would choose a plastic boat when we built in aluminum.
Is everyone out sailing?
Mark

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by Manateeman

Some comments on why we would choose a plastic boat when we built in aluminum.
Is everyone out sailing?
Mark

In my mind, dinghy choice all comes down to what's practical to use for your needs and what you can practically carry. The plastic dinghies are durable and very low maintenance, so I can't see them being a bad choice for pretty much anyone.

In my own case, I went for riveted aluminum because I wanted something not-inflatable, not super heavy, and something suitable happened to pop up at a good price. So I went for it, figuring I can always sell it and get something else if I end up not liking it.

[Manateeman]

We were carrying a 14’ SeaArk with a 25 Yamaha. It was capable of transporting an expedition force of manatees, pizza, beer and one aluminum argon cylinder.
It was just too big. Fast and fun...just too big.
Stability and durability is why we are going to pass on the Marlon and go for the Tuffy. Kinda a limo stretch version of a Portly Pudgy.
The Gentlemen from the land down under usually run 15 HP.
So we need to do a bit more research on the Suzuki fuel injection 15 or 20 but it looks like a good match.
There is a good video on the web on a complete strip down of the Suzuki fuel system, including the pump and cleaning of injectors. Sorry but I’m not computer literate...maybe some member can help...it’s College something.
Again, thanks to all who have shared their thoughts.
Happy trails.
Mark and the gang

[Manateeman]

The Suzuki videos are on YouTube by The College Quarterdeck crew.
Hope it saves some Suzuki owner some money.
Mark

[smj]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

I have not seen any mention of a Porta Bote

We’ve owned a 10’ Porta Bote for the last 3.5 years and it’s the best dinghy we’ve owned.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by smj

We’ve owned a 10’ Porta Bote for the last 3.5 years and it’s the best dinghy we’ve owned.

I also had the 10' Porta Bote. Very stable, planned and I didn't have the obstacle of trying to look forward while sailing with the dinghy on the foredeck.