Inflatable Sailing Dinghies

thesnort · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2007

OK, this is a very specific subject I know little about and am hoping there is someone with some knowledge of these.
I live in California and would really like a Tinker Traveller. Sorry I can't link because I need 10 posts on this forum to do that. I may have to settle for the Sea Eagle Sea Cat since it's readily available in the States.
Any words of advice on other inflatable sailing dinghies that might be more similar to the Tinker Traveller (mainsail and jib)?
Thanks!

therapy23 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesnort

OK, this is a very specific subject I know little about and am hoping there is someone with some knowledge of these.
I live in California and would really like a Tinker Traveller. Sorry I can't link because I need 10 posts on this forum to do that. I may have to settle for the Sea Eagle Sea Cat since it's readily available in the States.
Any words of advice on other inflatable sailing dinghies that might be more similar to the Tinker Traveller (mainsail and jib)?
Thanks!

That SeaEagle does not look like much a tender.

I guess it needs to collapse for you.

I really like this one

http://www.walkerbay.com/products/rid_310r.php

But since I want a catamaran I think I should have a cat dingy too.

thesnort · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2007

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I know about the Walker, but I am looking for something that will collapse and be able to be moved in a stuff sack or two.

thesnort · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007

Minicat and Grabner Happy Cat Light are two more I've found online. Unfortunately, at starting prices above $5,000 US, I think I'll have to pass.

therapy23 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesnort

Minicat and Grabner Happy Cat Light are two more I've found online. Unfortunately, at starting prices above $5,000 US, I think I'll have to pass.

Wow!,,,,,,,,,,,

Valiente · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007

I've bought a nesting dinghy with the ability to be rowed, sailed or motored. I expect it here in November, and if I'm feeling brave, I'll take it out and report on how it does.

Hey, ice doesn't form until Christmas...

thesnort · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007

Hi Valiente,
Could you give me more information about the nesting dinghy you've bought? Which brand and how much, and other specifications or just a link to the website? Thanks!

thesnort · #8 (**permalink**) 10-19-2007

http://www.minicatamaran.eu/
Has anyone had any experience or knowledge of these?

MiniCat · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007

Hello,
The US distributor of the MiniCat can be found at minicat-usa.com I've been very impressed with these boats (which is why I now sell them). The fact that they fit into a single bag is a huge advantage for people with little extra storage space. There also isn't the need for a vehicle that can tow a trailer, or even a boat landing on the you want to sail on; just carry it to the shore and put it together. If you have any other questions about the MiniCat please let me know. If you live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota I'd be happy to do a demo. I'm hoping to attend several boat shows over the next year, so please look for me there.
Best Regards,
Michael

CapnHand · #10 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007

Michael,

While I appreciate your testimonial, there is always a certain amount of suspicion when anyone vouches for their own products. Some will say that you should take out an ad on the site, instead of taking out a free one, as it were. However, I see that you were answering a direct question and it's not up to me to cry foul.

The single chamber design of the floats is one thing that would concern me. How well does it move with one float totally deflated?

Are there any independant third party reviews that you are aware of, besides the testimonials on your website?