Recommend me dinghies please

[Peregrine1983]

Hi all,

Looking for suggestions for new dinghy to replace the aging Takakat Lite that came with our boat. I would like a "traditional" dinghy this time with a hard floor.

About us:

- We are a cruising couple with two dogs (50 and 35 lbs)

- I normally tow the dink behind the mothership
- I have a 4hp Mercury outboard that I would like to continue to use
- Will spend up to $2000 if I need to, but would rather keep it $1500 or lower.

Thank you in advance for any input.

[Simi 60]

Get a decent tinny.

[Peregrine1983]

FWIW This mercury 310 at Defender seems like a great deal and what I'm looking for. Any thoughts? - https://www.defender.com/product3.js...293&id=3756175

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Get a decent tinny.

Thanks Simi. I might be being dense... What is a tinny?

[Combat Wombat]

Originally Posted by Peregrine1983

Thanks Simi. I might be being dense... What is a tinny?

Something like this.

Aluminium is a great material for a tender. It's lighter than grp for the same strength, it's easy to repair, and it can take a few dings and dents with no real trouble.

[Simi 60]

Aluminium dinghy

[alamoana]

May I suggest a Caribe C12 inflatable? Have one, over 18 years now. Dinghy chaps do help a lot but overall a good one.

[Kenomac]

Very pleased with our two tenders, one being a Highfield 360 pvc aluminum bottom, and the second a HydroForce inflatable with aluminum floor which cost only $599 brand new at Costco via their online store. I'd definitely compare the Costco dinghy to the much more expensive West Marine models costing $1200 or more.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Peregrine1983

FWIW This mercury 310 at Defender seems like a great deal and what I'm looking for. Any thoughts? - https://www.defender.com/product3.js...293&id=3756175

I think you'd be paying three times as much as you'd need to pay for the same thing at Costco. HydroForce.

https://www.costco.com/Hydro-Force-M...100341175.html

[LoudMusic]

I hear very good things about OC Tenders. Unfortunately they're not sold locally in the States yet so importing would be rather expensive and I have no personal experience with them. But if you're in their standard market it might be worth checking out.

https://octenders.co.nz/

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Peregrine1983

Hi all,

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
with two dogs (50 and 35 lbs)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Do you want or need a solid floor because of the dogs?


Where will you be sailing? Locally or further afield (since you said you'd always be towing)?


Are you just weekending or can you put the tender together at the beginning of the season and leave it that way?


Have you looked at the West Marine Advisor? https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvis...latable-Dinghy

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by Combat Wombat

Something like this.

Aluminium is a great material for a tender. It's lighter than grp for the same strength, it's easy to repair, and it can take a few dings and dents with no real trouble.

The issue I have with non-inflatables is that I don't have davits and so I've had them sink on me when towing under sail... it's no fun having to winch up a sunk dinghy... Thanks though.

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by alamoana

May I suggest a Caribe C12 inflatable? Have one, over 18 years now. Dinghy chaps do help a lot but overall a good one.

Thank you. These are obviously very high quality, but more than I intended to spend.

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Very pleased with our two tenders, one being a Highfield 360 pvc aluminum bottom, and the second a HydroForce inflatable with aluminum floor which cost only $599 brand new at Costco via their online store. I'd definitely compare the Costco dinghy to the much more expensive West Marine models costing $1200 or more.

Awesome. Will take a look. Thanks Ken.

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Do you want or need a solid floor because of the dogs? Yes... what happens with our Takakat (inflatable catamaran style floor) is my fat dog stands on the bow and floods the boat. It's hilarious, but also unpleasant.


Where will you be sailing? Locally or further afield (since you said you'd always be towing)? I'm buying this dink specifically for our cruise next summer from NYC to Maine/Nova Scotia.


Are you just weekending or can you put the tender together at the beginning of the season and leave it that way? Yes I just put it together at the beginning of the season and pack it up at the end.


Have you looked at the West Marine Advisor? https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvis...latable-Dinghy

No, but this is very helpful! Thank you.



EDIT: Now I'm not so convinced I need a hard floor. A standard dinghy with an actual bow should solve my dog/flooding issue.