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tchowes
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2008 : 20:56:14

John,

Yes, you're probably right. I guess I'm trying to use the dinghy as a sport boat to explore areas of interest. Probably a bad idea. The added length makes it easier to plane the hull.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2008 : 07:19:49

Tim,
Are you cruising Buzzard's Bay down to Cuttyhunk & Martha's Vineyard? Those are beautiful places to visit under good conditions, but also challenging sometimes with strong currents and fog.

So knowledge of local conditions and "hurricane holes" is important. Others here may have sources of information for you.

My friend sails a C25 out of East Greenwich, RI and uses a Zodiak with a 3hp outboard. For our trip down the Narragansett to MV we had wet suits as insurance for the ocean conditions in July. The dinghy got us ashore easily at Cuttyhunk, for example, and was towed without the motor, on a harness, for the ocean part of the trip. Usually, for bay cruising, my friend stows the Zodiak in the quaterberth deflated, but it takes quite a while to launch while out on the water. We had mostly good weather for the entire 120 mile, 5-day round trip. Also the most delicious lobster in Menemsha harbor.

There's fun and convenience, and then there's life-threatening emergencies to consider when choosing a dink.

Happy cruising!

Edited by - JohnP on 02/02/2008 11:17:15

tchowes
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2008 : 12:46:09

John,

Yes I am. I'm actually directly across from Cuttyhunk in Dartmouth (Padanaram Harbor). About 10 NM. I have lots of experience with Buzzards Bay and Vineyard sound in various small 16'-22' whalers over a 20+ year span. However, I have little experience under sail except as crewman (more like crewkid based on how long ago it was). With a relatively fast powerboat, currents have been a nonissue on open expanses, but just a challenge (and scary one sometimes) through Quicks, Robinsons and Woods Holes. Let's just say that I've already busted out my 2008 Eldridge and studied the ebb and flows section. Sudden onset thunderstorms also add to the mix (last year,in our home harbor, I was on my friends 50' catamaran that was struck by lightning from a small, single cell that literally formed less than 5 miles away. At 9AM in the morning no less).

I don't anticipate going to the Vineyard for the 1st year. Initially, I plan to hit a couple of local beaches 2-5 NM from home, then venture to Cuttyhunk/Quick's Hole once I gain some confidence. Menemsha is just 6-7NM more from home, so that will be the first stop on the Vineyard.

The idea of having a dinghy to zip around the outer edges of Cuttyhunk (and parts of the Elizabethan Island chain) appeal to me, hence the idea of a 12' Baltik with a 9.9hp outboard.

However, I think I'm better served with a lighter motor and boat. The Tohatsu 6hp on the 11' is a good compromise of weight and power at 55lbs. I think manhandling a 9.9hp without davits would be close to impossible. Plus, while I consider myself pretty fit for my age, I'm not getting any younger and either is my back.

And yes, I have 2 full wetsuits. Excellent insurance indeed.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">[i]Originally posted by JohnP[
<br />Tim,
Are you cruising Buzzard's Bay down to Cuttyhunk & Martha's Vineyard? Those are beautiful places to visit under good conditions, but also challenging sometimes with strong currents and fog.

So knowledge of local conditions and "hurricane holes" is important. Others here may have sources of information for you.

My friend sails a C25 out of East Greenwich, RI and uses a Zodiak with a 3hp outboard. For our trip down the Narragansett to MV we had wet suits as insurance for the ocean conditions in July. The dinghy got us ashore easily at Cuttyhunk, for example, and was towed without the motor, on a harness, for the ocean part of the trip. Usually, for bay cruising, my friend stows the Zodiak in the quaterberth deflated, but it takes quite a while to launch while out on the water. We had mostly good weather for the entire 120 mile, 5-day round trip. Also the most delicious lobster in Menemsha harbor.

There's fun and convenience, and then there's life-threatening emergencies to consider when choosing a dink.

Happy cruising!

Edited by - on

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