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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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How's your dingy?

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/08/2003 : 07:19:05

I would like to get a small 2 or 3 person lightweight dingy for my 25. I only want to use oars. It seems like the only thing I can find is the heavy duty thousand dollar ones, or the toy plastic ones. I can't find anything in between. I don't want a disposable plastic one that can't be patched, like Sevylor, or a 50 or 60 lb Avon type of raft. (who has the room to store that kind of beast on your boat)
So what are you using for a dingy?

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 09:54:29

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 I would like to get a small 2 or 3 person lightweight dingy for my 25. I only want to use oars. It seems like the only thing I can find is the heavy duty thousand dollar ones, or the toy plastic ones. I can't find anything in between. I don't want a disposable plastic one that can't be patched, like Sevylor, or a 50 or 60 lb Avon type of raft. (who has the room to store that kind of beast on your boat)
So what are you using for a dingy?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I see small OLD John boats (aluminum?) that must be cheap and stable. Some of them have wheels under their transom. Beat the bushes for one and see what flushes.

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 10:29:20

Gig Harbor Boatworks 8 ft fiberglass. Best dink I've ever had. Looks like a walker bay, but it's a little lighter. From what I've seen the plastic Walkers may not be that bad.

Edited by - on

allencl
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 10:33:35

Frank,

I use a huge heavy beast from Achilles- really bigger and heavier than I want but it came at a great price. I usually leave it at the mooring for daysails or tow it behind me for cruising. For the occasional situation where I want it with me and don't want to tow it it will deflate and store in its bag in the quarterberth without taking up too much room.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 11:11:41

IMHO here's just the ticket... the Walker Bay RID (Rigid/Inflatable Dinghy)

http://www.walkerbay.com/products/rid.html

The tube adds stability and load carrying capabiities without
sacrificing effeciency.

Check out the pictures on their homepage of the guy standing on
the gunwale of the RID.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 12:27:17

Two person kayak. Stows on the bow. Tows. Paddles easy. Works great with one person. Has rod and drink holders, place to store a cooler. Seats and seat backs. Place to store paddles. Unlike the sit on top kayaks, with this one you don't get wet.

Easy to get into from the boat.

Indestructible plastic. Weighs about 50 lbs. Cost $500 including paddles (Sports Authority). Transports easily on roof racks on top of the mini-van.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 12:32:31

We also have an inflatable that we got from Costco for only $80. This is made of PVC and is much tougher than a toy, but less tough than a $1000 dinghy from West Marine. It's 10 feet long. I made my own motor mount and we run a 3.5 HP Mercury. It inflates and deflates easily with at 12 V air pump ($20 Sports Authority). We roll it up and store it in the quarter berth (the low part). Works great. I think it's a little crowded with 4 people and 2 little dogs - I usually take the kayak and leave the dinghy to the girls and dogs.

At $80 I could buy 15 of them before I even got close to the cost of one from WM.

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 13:42:34

Having had a Walker Bay and presently owning a nice inflatable I think the answer for the C-25 just depends on what you do or want to do. None of the inflatables realy stow well on the C-25. Rolled up they are still bulky due to the solid transom. I had a Walker Bay and it would fit on the bow but then there was no other room. I ended up towing it. It tows well. I found however it was very tippy, had no flotation and would sink very quickly if you lean on the stern quarter. It was great with a 3 hp engine on it and my son turned it into his personal hot rod / research vessel when in the San Juans. I purchased it in Friday Harbor at the marine store above Kings market for about $375. Funny it was the cheapest place to find one. I have also had the Sevylor and its ok for a toy for the kids as is there kyak. Dougs Dink is a classic and very very nice, built to last. For a dinghy like that your going to pay a premium price. The best dinghy I have seen so far was John Mason's from Olympia Washington. He has a great nesting dinghy that he built. I have watched as he rowed ashore with two adults in it. It even has home made oars. If you can make a boat yourself this would be the ideal boat. On line you can also find the plans for the D4 dink. I have always wanted to build one of these. http://www.no1likhim.homestead.com/d4.html here is a nice site showing it and the plans. Its a good winter project or father and son/daughter project. Could some of you others here post pic's of what you use.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2003 : 14:09:11

Frank, I've used an 8' Zodiac for the past four years. It's bulky to stow aboard so I usually tow it. It does tow well however. It's a two-chamber model with slat floor I bought at a boat show for $750.

I normally use it 32 lb thrust electric trolling motor to get to and from my mooring. The 12v battery is in a batt box bolted to the transon to get it off the floor. It's a bear to row with more than one person aboard. With the motor I can get three to four people out to the boat with no problem. Although you still have to register the Zodiac, it's a cheap, and quiet alternative to a gas outboard.

Al
GALLIVANT
25T 5801

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2003 : 11:13:34

Frank,

Here is a copy of my dinghy post of 2 weeks ago:

Busters Marine in NY has the Mercury line of inflatables on sale at really good prices.

Ask for Buster. He's the owner. Nice guy.

718-945-4377.

New in the box with a 5 year warranty. 2003 model.

6'7" Mercury "Quicksilver" Roll-up $510.00 plus shipping. I think they have 9 or 10 available.

The cheapest one I could find on the web was $795.00 + shipping.

Includes pump, oars, patch kit, seat and carrying bag. 57 LBS.

They have other sizes available too.

I'm not a spokesman for them but I bought one and asked if I could put a post up here about it.

He gave me the okay.

Tell him your with the Cat-25 association. Maybe we could get set up with him for purchases at great prices.

Paul W.
At least I have a dinghy now.

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2003 : 11:50:02

I have a heavy Boston Whaler Squall sailing dink for those longer ventures when I can tow one. But for overnight trips, etc. it is just too much work to load/unload in the truck or handle by myself, so I bought one of the 6'7" guys from Buster's on EBay. T'was about $550 with shipping to Washington. I have inflated it, and it looks pretty good for a non-hypalon boat, but I have not yet used it. Looks to me like 2 people would be the limit, but with my 3 hp E-rude, 2 or 3 trips from boat to shore would be a snap. It only weighs about 35 pounds. would fit on foredeck easily......

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR

Edited by - on

Sunshine Daydream
1st Mate

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57 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2003 : 12:52:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 II don't want a disposable plastic one that can't be patched,
So what are you using for a dingy?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We just got a Walker Bay 8 and as much as I wanted a nice glass one, I gotta tell ya it's very practical. As for the plastic, it is the same plastic that is used in whitewater kayaks and the stuff is not going to break. I have had kayaks fly off the roof going 65 mph not to mention the abuse they take when paddled on certain rivers and the plastic is very very strong. ten years ago the boats were much more likely to crack if taken to extremes, however I have not seen a plastic failure in years (not to say it doesn't happen).

It's not much for asthetics though, it's still Plastic!

We found Dinkus Winkus (our W.B. 8') in brand new condition for $400, never been in the water. and there is the optional sail rig for the kids and messing about.

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2003 : 13:41:33

Frank:

You must first decide if you want a hard or inflatable dinghy. The Walker Bay RID seems to be trying to get the best of both worlds, but I'm guessing it's not too cheap ($500+).

If inflatable, most under $800 are the cheap plastic/vinyl ones or used and of questionable condition. This Fall I discovered my family (me, wife and 2 daughters) are quickly outgrowing my hard dinghy, which is somewhat tippy in the best of conditions compared to an inflatable. JimB's "Costco Special" (Seahawk Sport 400 made by Intex in China) seems to be a great choice because of its relative durability, low price and weight (about 35 lbs?) and storage versatility. However, it was a seasonal item at Costco and thus no longer available there. You can find them on the internet, but the price is a bit higher ($125+ not including shipping). I'm hoping Costco carries them again next Spring. I called Intex and they are hoping the same thing.

If you want a hard dinghy, I suppose Sabots are the most widely available used and thus one in decent condition can usually be attained for a reasonable price. Sabots also often come with a sailing rig which can be a lot of fun (lately if I'm on a daysail, chances are I'm in my hard dinghy and not in my C25). If going this route, Mr. Hopper's suggested bush beating usually works.

Edited by - on

dgabel
1st Mate

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USA
75 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2003 : 20:38:27

I have a WaterTender 9.9. Weighs less than 100 pounds, but I really don't know how much less. I also got a set of wheels at a local marine store that clamps on the transom for rolling it up the beach to the local boat ramp. Easily carries my wife and myself and gear with good freeboard. Rows nicely. It's foam with ABS plastic skin. Will not sink, they say. Got it used for about $300.

Dave Gabel
Walkure Sail # 1484
1979 wing keel, tall rig.

Edited by - on

Chip Hunt
Navigator

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120 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2003 : 00:26:12

i use a walker bay 8. i bought it brand new, but they gave me a "scratch and dent" price of less than 500 bucks, and threw in a set of oars. i have a 2.3 johnson OB that would work great on it, but i have always just used the oars. the drawbacks are that it is sort of heavy, and you cant stand in it unless you want to take a swim (not very stable). with 2 adults sitting in it, though, it is a fine little dingy, and i would give it a favorable review.

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2003 : 16:19:45

I have two dinks, one I use for getting to and from the boat, which sits on a mooring. It is a Puffin, 8', rides really well in chop, and is a very solidly built dinghy. They are advertized in all the sailing mags. I paid a Boat Show price of $750. For an extra 500 or so you can get a centerboard sailing version of it, great for keeping the kids amused in foreign ports. I had previously owned an Achilles inflatable (I called it a deflatable). Inflatables wear out quickly when subjected to the abuse of beaching or a dinghy dock.

I don't like towing a dingy when I am on cruises (inflatables cost two knots and are a real drag, and rigid dinghies tend to surf in high seas and attack the transom, which can be quite scary. So I carry a 25-year-old PVC inflatable, which I bought for $35 (yes, 25 years ago), and which still has not a single patch on it. I use it for getting to shore in foreign ports, and stow it in either the forepeak or the quarter berth, depending on who I am sharing the boat with.

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2003 : 16:33:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by deastburn
 I use it for getting to shore in foreign ports, and stow it in either the forepeak or the quarter berth, depending on who I am sharing the boat with.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Man, would I ever love to be there to hear you explain to the inflatable why she's being relegated to the quarter berth. Guess that Modern Languages Ph.D. comes in handy for that conversation!

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2003 : 23:54:59

Thanks for all of your input. Here's what I have decided to order and why. I'm going to order one of the Imtex Sea Hawk sport 400's. I dont need that much use out of a dingy, and I want it to stow easily. You can see how it compacts down if you check out this website
http://www.funtimeinflatables.com
However, I will purchase it from http://www.outdoorguides.com for 107bucks. I'm sure it's not a sturdy as one of the mercury, or Avon inflatables, but I only want it for occasional use. I figure it will store behind the battery box under the stern berth. (the battery box is under the steps in an 89) I can't wait until spring to find a Costco, I'm heading to the Keys for three weeks in Feb.
Thanks again

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2003 : 00:34:38

If you want to see how I made the motor mount, let me know. Cost about $30. Mounting board is made from oak, this is drilled to take 3 u-bolts that go through hard plastic eyes on the stern. Bolted to the top of the board, 2 3/4 inch schedule 40 PVC pipes go forward, have elbows that plug into the rod holders. Small stainless screws and nuts hold these in. The PVC is essential because it holds the mounting board steady.

The boat really does fit in the packing bag, plus patching kit, pump and oars. This will fit under the quarter berth.

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2003 : 12:00:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I made the motor mount<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's great, Jim!

Could you take some pictures, especially where the U-bolts connect to the stern, the next time you have it out?

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2003 : 23:32:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Guess that Modern Languages Ph.D. comes in handy for that conversation! <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

JB:

How did you know I have a Ph.D. in Modern Languages? No, seriously, kidding aside?

The good thing about an inflatable is that you can always deflate it--it doesn't answer back, in any language.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2003 : 23:48:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by deastburn
 How did you know I have a Ph.D. in Modern Languages? No, seriously, kidding aside?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
You posted your email address. I preceded the domain by www and followed it to your employer's website. Did a search on your name and, voilà, it pulls up all sorts of interesting information. Pretty scary stuff, huh? I find the diversity of our backgrounds, educations, and occupations fascinating. So, I read everyone's profiles, follow the home page links, and do a little detective work on the side...just to help me understand where everyone's coming from.
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The good thing about an inflatable is that you can always deflate it--it doesn't answer back, in any language.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's sort of the same thing I say about Antares: Best girl in the world; she never gripes at me when I come to bed drunk and she never says no when I want to go for a ride.

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2003 : 23:51:56

Frank & other dinghy fans,

I built a rigid 8' plywood, epoxy & fiberglass dinghy based on the D4 drawings which are available for free on the Web. To the stock design I added two leeboards, a kick up rudder, and a 35sq.ft. balanced lug rig on 2pc. carbon mast for sailing. I sealed styrofoam in the fore and aft seats for floatation, and built the center seat extra tall with a hinged lid for battery and other storage. I added dual skegs with wheels for dragging it around on firm surfaces by myself. I built the boat like a tank, and so it turned out a bit heavy, maybe 100# with all those mods. It's a bear to get on or off the foredeck. On the other hand, I can lend it to the neighborhood kids without worrying that they'll break it. I think a slightly less sturdy rowing/motoring only version could be built to come in under 60#.

It tows great, motors fine, rows well, and sails OK.

A deep cycle battery and a trolling motor push it along just fine at its hull speed, but a 2HP Honda would be easier to wrestle with than that group 27 battery.

Fore-aft balance while rowing is, as always, a challenge with a boat this short. The optimum single adult seating location is scrunched up in the aft footwell, which actually works OK for sailing or motoring. I performed a swamp, climb in, and bail dry test. It took all my weight on the gunnel to swamp, maintained lots of freeboard while flooded, and remained very stable during bailing.

The D4 will fit inverted on a C-25 foredeck between the mast and pulpit, but it blocks the anchor locker. If I were to do it over again, I might cut a big notch into the D4 transom and aft seat at its motor board to fit around the C-25 mast, so the anchor locker could be opened with the dink on deck. Or maybe I'd just say to myself, "Get a grip! How often are you really going to need to carry this thing on deck anyway?"

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2003 : 11:41:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Walker Bay RID...I'm guessing it's not too cheap ($500+).<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I was way off -- list for the RID 9 is $1,200, RID 10 is $1,700. Sailing rigs start at $400...ouch!

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2003 : 11:47:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I built a rigid 8' plywood, epoxy & fiberglass dinghy <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Leon:

If it's like everything else you build, I'd guess it's VERY well made. Any pictures?

Edited by - on

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