Buying a small motor dinghy for camping on a lake...

merlin2375 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

This isn't about buying a sailboat but I'm hoping someone has an idea that can help me out. Every year we go camping on a lake. I'd love to have a small boat that we can go out and putz around on in the lake. The past few years we've rented a 16' dinghy with a 8 or 10 hp motor.

The last thing is that I drive a sedan and would prefer not to have to tow anything if at all possible but I would consider it. Does anyone know of a good inflatable solution that I could bring inflate, slap the motor on, and go?

Thanks in advance!

chucklesR · #2 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

Merlin, check out the portabote, I believe you could fold it, put it on your car top and it might be bigg enough to suit your needs.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

Get a Porta-bote.

The 12' 6" or 14' versions are cartoppable...and they don't take up much storage space in the off-season. Also, far more durable than any inflatable. The 12' 6" has a cargo capacity of 670 lbs., so will handle two adults, two kids, and their gear pretty easily. The 14' version has a capacity of 807 lbs. I've used the 12' 6" version with a 3.5 HP Tohatsu four-stroke, which weighs 38 lbs. and it can move pretty well with that small an engine. The Tohatsu 3.5 HP will run for about an hour on a tank, which is about a third of a gallon.

If you have a Thule or Yakima roof rack, and get the cargo pod, the boat and pod can go on top of the car, and the oars, benches and transom will fit in some of the larger cargo pods.

merlin2375 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

Thanks guys, that's a great start! I just found their website! Does anyone know where they are sold?

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

They don't really have a dealer network, so your best bet is to google for them or to call them up and ask them. Gee ordered mine direct from them about eight years ago, and I've used it mainly as a fishing boat, but will be using it more as a dinghy for the sailboat later this year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin2375

Thanks guys, that's a great start! I just found their website! Does anyone know where they are sold?