how does it work with a dinghy?

[wumhenry]

When you anchor and want to go somewhere ashore. Do you just tie it to a tree and stroll off to a restaurant, and if so is it likely to be there when you come back? Do marinas allow people who aren't renting a slip store their dinghies on the premises while they're galivanting around on shore?

[Eric!]

It depends where you are. Some places there are no people around and you just tie the dinghy to something (or even anchor it and swim in if the surf is big). Some places are sketchy and people tend to lock their dinghy to something. Some marinas are friendly to cruisers and let them tie up their dinghy for free, some charge a "landing fee" which usually allows you to shower, dispose of garbage, take water and use laundry. But some marinas don't want your cheap butt in your little dinghy anywhere near them.

If you have a beater dinghy with a small motor or oars you usually don't have to worry about it dissappearing.

[wumhenry]

Thanks for the straight skinny. I don't have a dinghy yet, but I'll be looking for a used one tomorrow on marina bulletin boards. I don't intend to buy an outboard.

Originally Posted by Eric!

It depends where you are. Some places there are no people around and you just tie the dinghy to something (or even anchor it and swim in if the surf is big). Some places are sketchy and people tend to lock their dinghy to something. Some marinas are friendly to cruisers and let them tie up their dinghy for free, some charge a "landing fee" which usually allows you to shower, dispose of garbage, take water and use laundry. But some marinas don't want your cheap butt in your little dinghy anywhere near them.

If you have a beater dinghy with a small motor or oars you usually don't have to worry about it dissappearing.

[sailingdog]

There are some places that you should lock up your dinghy. In others, leaving it just tied up isn't a problem. Some marinas and harbors have a dedicated dinhgy dock, others do not. Some marinas and harbors, you just have to pull the dinghy up on the beach and tie it in place.

[Newport41]

Just a suggestion. Don't put your boat's name on the dinghy. If a thief sees it on shore he know's you're not aboard. And as for where to tie up, a smile goes a long way to meeting friendly people who'll let you leave it where ever they have space.

[gc]

The best way, and least used, to get this information is to talk to other cruisers in the area. They will be able to fill you in on local marina attitudes, security, etc. And everyone I have met is more than willing to talk! So jump in your dinghy and stop by another boat on the way in.

This is a case where local knowledge is the only way to go. Asking an international board like this may get a lot of good general ideas, but nothing relevant to your situation.