Walker Bay a decent dink?

[jonlgauthier]

Is a Walker Bay dingy a decent buy (with the sail option)? Or should I set my sights on something higher quality, like a used Trinka or a Whitehall?

All I do now is daysails and coastal cruising in my Mariner 28. The transom''s too narrow for davits, and the foredeck doesn''t have a lot of room, so the only time the dink will be stowed there is in rough weather. 95% of the time it''ll be towed.

I live on Salem Harbor, and my sailboat will be moored - so I need a "taxi" to get me to it. If I had the room I''d get an inflatable. I tend to think that an inflatable creates too much drag (my cheap Sevlor tender is a pig).

I''d like to row, but also sail it, as well as have an outboard. Any suggestions?

[coachmac]

I have a WB8 and use it to row. I will be upgrading to the sail package and one day a small engine. I tow it behind our(my wife Addy and I) O''Day 27 on the Cape Fear River, anchor and use it to shuttle our dog Kate to shore..... Very stable even with a 50lb. dog. Good luck with your choice.

[Gene66]

I like mine. I used to have an inflatable, but got tired in inflating/deflating. hey, if it doesn''t last 30 years like some 1500$ avons then just buy another 400$ WB8. I throw it on our bow or tow it behind our Macgregor 26x tows fine up to 15 or so knots.

[jonlgauthier]

Sounds encouraging so far...

I''m not so concerned about how the WB tows at 15 knots - the only time my Mariner 28 has come close to that is surfing down the face of a 20'' wave!