Will this dinghy be stable

[sailor Martin]

I'm thinking to buy this 3 meter long plastic dinghy.
I notice that the tubes do not extend backwards from the engine bracket. I'm worried that with the load of an outboard + 1 adolt on the Stern, it will capsize backwards.
Does anybody have experience with these kind of design and can tell his impression?

Thanks
Gal

[Sailmonkey]

I've never seen one like that, but would suspect it's not rated for more than 2-3 hp at most. With a 2hp honda OB on there I think you'd need to try to go over backwards.

[sailor Martin]

I have a 3.5HP tohatsu.
You think that a tendency for going over backwards won't be an issue?

[boatman61]

That is one ugly dinghy.. hope you are only planning to use in flat water.. are you intending to use it as a tender or just to poodle about.

[sailor Martin]

I will use it as my tender. Just getting to and off the boat. I live on my yacht in a usually quiet anchorage. I can buy this one for 120$. I'm just wondering about if it'll have a tendency to flip over backwards because the tubes don't extend backwards as in other dinghys.

[LLCoolDave]

It doesn't look good. At the very least there looks to be a place for a bench. You will need to sit there and use a tiller extension.

[boatman61]

I agree.. Use a bench and tiller extension.. easy to knock one up with a bit of pvc tube and hose clamp.
3.5 Tohatsu should be okay.

[sailor Martin]

I understand the recommendation for an extension for better balance, even though this is not ideal when the speed control isn't on the tiller.
Anyway, do you think it will still have a risk of capsizing backwards (for example when mounting the outboard and applying maximum weight on the transom)? or will it just be a bit off balanced but still very far from capsizing?

[Q Xopa]

Originally Posted by boatman61

That is one ugly dinghy.. hope you are only planning to use in flat water.. are you intending to use it as a tender or just to poodle about.

Yes theft probably be much of a worry

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by sailor Martin

I understand the recommendation for an extension for better balance, even though this is not ideal when the speed control isn't on the tiller.
Anyway, do you think it will still have a risk of capsizing backwards (for example when mounting the outboard and applying maximum weight on the transom)? or will it just be a bit off balanced but still very far from capsizing?

How much does the dingy weigh in relation to you and the outboard?

If there's a fairly heavy bow up front and you're not over 200 lbs I think you'll be ok.

but if the hull leaks, you're heavy and cause 20 gallons of water to shift aft, it may topple.

google polyethylene boats and you'll find a slew of similar transom shapes with no aft flotation of roughly the same size that I assume don't topple backwards.

[JPA Cate]

Will it fit on your foredeck? You'll need a pretty big space for a molded plastic dinghy. It IS very inexpensive. You could consider it an experiment, and give it a go. Wear a lifejacket if you don't swim. Does it say anywhere on it (usually there's a little metal plaque or something to tell you what hp motor you should not exceed) what it's hp rating is? Something else to consider is does it have any non-skid? [When wet, plastic can be really slippery.]



Ann

[sailor Martin]

Fordeck space isn't an issue for me as I plan to leave it in the water.
About the max HP and non skid I'm waiting for the sellers reply.

[LLCoolDave]

I think there are two camps, you want a dinghy that will row well or a dinghy that will plane. I don't think this will do either well but for $100 why not buy it and tell us about it.

[olaf hart]

Looks like it is missing a seat on the steps forward of the oar sockets.
Replace that, a poly pipe tiller extension, and a small outboard would be fine.
If you want to row it, use proper oars..

[skipmac]

Will probably work but I would not ever use it in anything but very, very calm water.

I think I see some kind of oarlocks on the sides. I would make very sure it would row at least moderately well otherwise, if the engine quits you could end up blowing across the ocean. Even with oars I would never take that out in an open harbor in a strong wind.