[C38] New Topic: Dinghys

Fri Jan 14 23:01:08 EST 2011

I'll say amen to it being very nice to have a fast dinghy for exploring.
When we were in the Bahamas a RIB and Caribbean we had airfloor (didn't
like the way RIB stowed on deck so I got a roll up for best storage on the
long offshore passage) both powered by the same antique 15 hp two stroke.
Lots and lots of great adventures in both dinghies. If you're going to be
adventuring, a RIB or airfloor is a great option.

But air boat row for shit. In fact, they are just awful in the extreme. A
failed engine and a long row into the wind and you'd better have a radio
and anchor with enough rode to reach the bottom. (I carried a 7 pound
danforth, 10 feet of chain and 120 feet of line, a radio, GPS, a gallon of
fresh water, and flares at all times.)

Also, if you're mostly commuting to and from shore, the vast majority of
your time is spent embarking and debarking from the dinghy; far more time
getting in and out, tying off, hauling up the beach. What I discovered
this Summer is that the time "saved" between a good pulling boat and a RIB
running flat out was trivial; plus I didn't spend any time fussing with
the motor, plus rowing is pleasant, quite, and makes you strong. Plus
airboats are wet if there's any sort of chop. A good pulling boat will be
much drier.

Not saying a Ruben's Nymph or Portland Pudgy is better; just different in
a way that's worth considering!

>
> We use an old Avon built BoatUS 10 hypalon RIB with an old 10hp Honda 4
> stroke outboard.
>
> With two adults, we can plane at about 22 mph.  The boat works well with a
> 30lb trolling motor for quiet anchorages and it rows well also.  We have
> used both the trolling motor and oars to take our dogs to shore for their
> walks, often in crowded anchorages where the quiet trolling motor is very
> appreciated.  The Honda idles extremely quietly also but it is harder for
> my wife to start vs. turning a tiller handle on the trolling motor.
>
> The 10' RIB stows easily on the fore deck of a 38 allowing room to walk
> around it to gain access to the bow.  We placed the transom of the RIB on
> the cabin top against the mast which allowed the RIB to cover the fore
> hatch  allowing use of the hatch in rainy weather.
>
> My 1995 tender rig is old now but there are other combinations available
> that offer similar performance and safety.
>
> We have a smaller O'Day 8' dinghy that sails, rows and has a motor mount
> with a 3hp kicker or the trolling motor. It's much lighter than the RIB
> but
> it is easily swamped in rough seas or heavy payloads while the RIB can
> carry 6 adults safely if needed.
>
> There is nothing like the security and convenience of having a fast dinghy
> to get you from your secluded anchorage to civilization where you can
> re-supply needed essentials like beer, etc, or have a nice dinner several
> miles away otherwise out of reach with the 38.
>
> Tom Troncalli
>
>
>
>
>> [Original Message]
>> From: <david at dlrfilms.com>
>> To: Catalina 38 Listserve <listserve at catalina38.org>
>> Date: 1/14/2011 9:10:42 PM
>> Subject: Re: [C38] New Topic:  Dinghys
>>
>> This Summer we used a Bolger Glouchester Gull as our tender and it was
>> soooooo much nicer than fussing with an outboard.
>>
>> The flair of the Gull was a little awkward, especially getting our 100
>> newf in and out of hte boat, so this Spring I'm going to build
>> slab-sided
>> Junebug.
>>
>> Either of these are too big to carry on deck, but a Bolger Ruben's Nymph
>> isn't, and is reputed to row almost as well as a Gull. It'll take a
>> small
>> outboard or sail rig too.
>>
>>
>> > OK, I'm sort of dubious about asking this question.
>> >
>> > Now that the boat is looking good and safe the family of 4 is planning
> on
>> > a 10 day or so cruise to Catalina, Santa Barbara, and San Clemente
> Islands
>> > here in So. Cal this summer.  I have done the trip before delivering
>> > boats to Santa Barbara, Marina del Ray, Long Beach, etc. for races and
>> > have always used the local shore boat to get ashore.
>> >
>> > But first mate Dorothy likes the concept of instant access to the
>> shore
>> > for her jogs, dining, etc.  And what the first mate wants, the first
> mate
>> > gets.  Maybe I should start calling her Admiral..............
>> >
>> > We have a tandem kayak but that is not a stable way to leave the boat.
>> > We've tried!
>> >
>> > Anyway, probably like others out there I don't want to spend a lot of
>> $$
>> > for something that will not be used often.
>> > We don't need a high power planing dinghy because the anchorages are
>> all
>> > close to where we want to go ashore.
>> >
>> > I'm thinking about either a 10' Haypalon inflatable with a < 10hp
>> engine
>> > and a soft bottom or a 12' folding boat with a similar or smaller
>> motor
>> > (after someone on the board said they used one.)  Together we all
>> weigh
>> > apx 600lb so we are approaching the upper limit of the 12'
>> porte-a-boat.
>> > Used ones are less expensive here and may stow better on the raiing??
> But
>> > do you get what you pay for??
>> >
>> > We do not have davits, and will store it on the foredeck during
> crossings.
>> >  The ability to roll up the dinghy and not deal with floorboards seems
>> > like it would be a benifit.  But a folding boat stored across from the
>> > kayak seems like a nice balance.
>> >
>> > So what do you have out there and what do you think will work for our
>> > first dinghy?
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>> >
>> > Jay & Dorothy Sorensen
>> > C-38 #311 Broad Reach
>> > San Diego, CA
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Listserve mailing list
>> > Listserve at catalina38.org
>> > http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
>> >
>>
>>
>>
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