Replacing a rib with a hard dinghy

[motion30]

I think I finally have had it with my inflatable rib. And thinking of buying a hard dinghy.
My current inflatable is 10 foot and I would like something similar in size comma of course the main priority is stability. Thinking of something like a 9 foot Boston Whaler but they are hard to find and expensive. What are the other options something I can power with my current 15 horse Evinrude

[model 10]

I see quite a few Livingston's, the twin hull thing.

[accomplice]

I moved from a Gemini 3.80meter RIB to a Livingston 12, and now am headed back to AB 12ft RIB. I'm hoping the AB (custom with heavier fabric, two layers on the bottom) will hold air better than the Gemini did. The Livingston 12 did very well in most circumstances, but beach landings in even minimal surf were not its strength. It was very stable, comfortable, and never soft. When seas/wind 45 degrees off the starboard bow, it was a wet ride at the helm -- otherwise pretty dry. If you're not careful with fenders it'll beat up your topsides good. And don't think of trying to ring it with through-hole fenders like some launches -- there's not enough freeboard (don't ask me how I know this).

[UNCIVILIZED]

Realistically I can't think of much in terms of a hard dink of that size which can handle that much HP. As few are designed to withstand that much torque from the engine, given that making them strong enough to do so would make them fairly heavy. Both in terms of the strength of the transom, & the overall hull stiffness. Not that it can't be done, but...
Also, few hard dinks of that size will even come close to an inflatable in terms of stability, it's tough to escape physics.

There are some designs in the 12-14' range which will get up & plane quite well, although perhaps not with quite the loads that a RIB would. And generally in a hard dink, you either have something small & light, which does well at lower speeds, & or when being rowed (or sailed). Or one that's designed to plane, & is pretty flat bottomed. Which as a result it rows poorly. Something like say a Jon boat.

[Lepke]

I have a Livingston I use as a dock utility boat. It doesn't plane too well unless you have more hp than it's rated. The tunnel takes away a third of what would be the planning surface. They are stable and have molded in air pockets. 2 adults, 1 refer, and hand truck.

[softdown]

When looking at an inflatable that holds air, it is often this simple. They are available in two materials:
PVC (poly vinyl chloride) - cheaper and they need air every day
Hypalon (rubber) - these do not automatically lose air.

I think Uncivilized gave a knowledgeable answer.

You might be able to put smaller jets in the carb and bring it down to 10hp or so.

[wyb2]

Originally Posted by softdown

...

You might be able to put smaller jets in the carb and bring it down to 10hp or so.

Boats under 20 ft get their hp rating by a formula, so it's more about nameplate compliance than what the boat can actually handle. I imagine if caught in some kind of inspection (does this ever happen?) "i jetted it down" wouldn't fly.

Outboard Horsepower Ratings for Tiller-Steer Boats - boats.com

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by softdown

When looking at an inflatable that holds air, it is often this simple. They are available in two materials:
PVC (poly vinyl chloride) - cheaper and they need air every day
Hypalon (rubber) - these do not automatically lose air.

I think Uncivilized gave a knowledgeable answer.

You might be able to put smaller jets in the carb and bring it down to 10hp or so.

I think you got the PVC/Hypalon air needs reversed! PVC inflate it once a season. Hypalon has to be topped up regularly!!


PVC's down side is UV degredation not air leakage!

[Cotemar]

OCTenders OC350
Overall length (m/ft): 3.50 / 11'5"
Overall width (m/ft): 1.60 / 5'03"
Internal length (m/ft): 3.40 / 11'15"
Internal width (m/ft): 1.50 / 4'11"
Hull top side height 0.46 / 1'06"
Overall bow height: 0.60 / 1'11"
Average hull to topside height: 0.54/ 1' 09"
Hull weight (kg/lbs): 54kg / 119lb
Maximum hp: 20 hp

[softdown]

Originally Posted by pcmm

I think you got the PVC/Hypalon air needs reversed! PVC inflate it once a season. Hypalon has to be topped up regularly!!


PVC's down side is UV degredation not air leakage!

I'm pretty sure I got it right. Perhaps we shall see soon enough.

[jamesdavis]

I agree with PCMM re. PVC vs. Hypalon and air retention.

[kelbylinn]

I have a 10' Bullfrog with a 15HP 4 stroke Tohatsu on it. Aluminum hull and built like a tank. Love it.

Yacht Tenders, Utility Boats, Dinghies - Rigid Aluminum Hull Boats

[Hunky Dory]

I have had success with a Walker Bay dingy. I have a sail kit which is fun to play with, love passing big sail boats, you should see the captains tighten their sails, they are not having a little wash tub pass them, automatic race. The hull material is tough and small scratches can be rubbed out. The boat is light weight, has built in floatation, will take a motor, and is fairly stable. Price is also right.

[Colin A]

Originally Posted by jamesdavis

I agree with PCMM re. PVC vs. Hypalon and air retention.

Welded PVC tends to hold air better the Hypalon CSM, which are hand glued. If I remember right warranties for all the major brands allowed for air leakge in the 5-14% loss in 24 hrs as acceptable.

Hypalon CSM is better in durability mostly in the UV department.

[Wayfarer1008]

Without Question if you are looking for a 10 foot Dingy that you are not going to sail a Livingston or a Sorenson are the bomb.
Both are catamaran style which gives the boats a lot of stability and safety in rough sea conditions. The Livingston is part of the Glacier Bay line up of boats and are available new all over the country.
The Sorenson dingy is not being built anymore with most boats found on the west coast. It is a much tougher boat with higher freeboard and a much more robust construction. Of course this makes it heavier than the Livingston and not as easy to man handle. If you are looking for a dingy to be the family truckster my bet is with the Sorenson. If you are more into hauling crew with limited gear the Livingston maybe a better call.