WaterTender 9 Dinghy

[christianbarner]

Looking at a 1991 vintage dink that says it's a WaterTender 9. This does not appear to be the WestMarine Water Tender 9.4 which is quite different. I am, however, having trouble finding any info about the WaterTender 9, who made them, and whether people like them. Any info or opinions about this dink? Looks like this:

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by christianbarner

Looking at a 1991 vintage dink that says it's a WaterTender 9. This does not appear to be the WestMarine Water Tender 9.4 which is quite different. I am, however, having trouble finding any info about the WaterTender 9, who made them, and whether people like them. Any info or opinions about this dink? Looks like this:

Are you certain the description is accurate? Sellers often have inaccurate names in the descriptions of their items. An original sales receipt would help.

[christianbarner]

Actually printed on the side of the boat and on the label inside. It's a WaterTender 9, but I never have found them.

[Orion Jim]

I searched the web and one old ad stated the original owner had bought it from West Marine. Clearly not currently marketed by WM.

[rslifkin]

If it's like the other West Marine house brand plastic dinghies, it's probably made by KL Industries.

[capt jgw]

Water tender used to make one like that, round bottom and pointed bow. The 9.4 is a cathedral hull with a squarish bow. I don't know too much about the pointy bowed one other than it appears to like any other small round bottomed dinghy, probably quite tender (tippy) but should row well. I have one of the square ones and like it a lot. Pretty indestructible and way more stable than a round bottom, but not as stable as an inflatable. About half to a third the cost of an inflatable. Construction appears to be the same, rotomolded plastic of some kind inner and outer hulls with foam blocks inside for flotation. The hull parts are riveted together and that seam can leak so periodically tip the hull up and open the drain plug. The square ones are pretty popular around here, there are five or six of them here in my mooring field. They were made right here in Muskegon, MI, but alas the company went out of business last year. They also made kayaks under the Sundolphin brand. They were all sold by WM, Walmart, the big box sorting goods stores, etc.

[rslifkin]

Design wise, I'd say this one was likely the predecessor to the current West Marine Classic Dinghy more than the WaterTender 9.4.

[Bill O]

Looks like a standard foam filled hull. Did find on a quick search a WT8.8, but no details.

Is that WT9 close enough to water to take a test spin (row or motor)? See how it handles and if enough free board to carry your load (2 people plus gear?).

Does it fit your boat/have enough place to store it on deck? Are there integrated lift points for davits or get it up on deck?

If it has a drain plug in the stern, open it and see if water comes out (tilt it back if needed). Sometimes the foam gets saturated w/water and will make the hull much heavier.