Uber Tender for 30 Footer

[CapnHand]

What I'm looking for is a tender that will row and sail reasonably well with room for at least 3.

I've got just under 8 feet between the mast and the anchor locker to store it on deck.

I'm looking for advice from members who can speak from experience.

Thanks!

[capt.stu]

I have a Walker Bay 8 RID that we use on a Catalina 30. It is stable, rows well,and sails pretty well. I've had thre adults, two kids and a dog in it and was able to row it to shore. I'm very happy with it.
Stu

[FrankLanger]

Capt. Stu,
The Walker Bay dinghys have a pretty good reputation. Can you provide a bit more information about it--it's weight, how you get it on deck from the water, how you secure it to the deck in heavier weather to ensure it is stable, and whether it interferes with the headsail when you are sailing. Do you tow it ever, or always keep it on deck when underway?
Thanks,
Frank.

[sailingdog]

The Fatty Knees series of dinghys are pretty good too. A bit pricey though... but very nice.

[CapnHand]

Originally Posted by capt.stu

I have a Walker Bay 8 RID that we use on a Catalina 30. It is stable, rows well,and sails pretty well. I've had thre adults, two kids and a dog in it and was able to row it to shore. I'm very happy with it.
Stu

Thanks for the replies but that dinghy is 8' 3", just a little too long to clear the anchor locker. I'm wondering if it's all that important to have free access to the anchor when the dinghy is on deck. If that's not a critical issue, I could be looking at some slightly longer options, including the Walker Bay.

PS Before anyone makes the obvious joke, this is not a case of dink envy!

[Gary M]

Generally you would only have the dingy on deck for longer passages and when you are ready to anchor you would float it and then tow it so access to the anchor should not be critical.
Of course they are a bit heavy to lift on deck Did you ever think about making a foam glass one??

[camaraderie]

Capn' Hand...I wouldn't worry about the anchor locker. You say you want one that will ROW and Sail...so that means either a cheap & light walker Bay with sail rig or something substantial in fiberglass like the Fatty Knees or a Tinker. Can you advise how and where you will be using the dinghy and why the requirement for row AND sail?? Not saying that is unreasonable...just curious as it limits the choices considerably.
Here's a couple to look at:
http://www.trinka.com/trinka8.htm
http://www.richpassage.com/richpassa...=1169432332000
http://www.tinker.co.uk/html/detail_hub.htm
and my vote for the most interesting....http://www.portlandpudgy.com/Pudgy%20Gallery.htm

[PBzeer]

Walker Bay 8 weighs in at 71 pounds. Easiest way to get it on deck would be a whisker pole at the mast used as a boom with a 4:1 tackle. While the Walker Bay is inexpensive by itself, once you add the tubes to make it a RID and the sailkit you're talking a $2500 dinghy. Without the tubes, it's only rated for 2 people. And the tubes are what make it pricey.

I don't have the tubes on mine, and it rows well, as well as is easy to tow. Had it behind the boat going through 4-6 foot swells in 30 mph winds across a shallow lake and it just followed along like it was calm.

[Goodnewsboy]

Never block the access to your ready anchor. You can't know when you will need it.

[mjname]

Originally Posted by Gary M

Of course they are a bit heavy to lift on deck Did you ever think about making a foam glass one??

Do you have any links on these types of boat plans? I would be interested in makeing a nesting dinghy.

Matthew