Sailing the San Juans-Dinghy

[Rustyf]

In considering a cruiser to sail the San Juan Islands, I presume that a good dinghy would be indispensible for such things as getting ashore to hike, mooring/anchoring etc. Is this correct?

[CharlieCobra]

You could cruise without one but if ya wanna gunkhole in the good spots, I'd recommend one.

[Faster]

Unless you plan to use marinas every night, a dinghy is pretty much essential. I'm not sure about the common practice in the San Juans, but in BC a lot of anchorages are tight and stern tying is the normal thing. Being able to get a stern line ashore in a hurry can keep your anchoring EQ* on the low end of the scale

That said, for the last couple of seasons we have rarely broken out the roll up dinghy because we are packing a couple of 9.5 foot kayaks. Plastic, easy on the boat, rock and oyster beach proof, quick and efficient. Good exercise and diversion too.

But you do/will need a good way to get ashore for hikes, pubs(!) and whatever else rocks your boat. And kayaks don't really cut it if you are packing groceries.

* Entertainment quotient.

[kwaltersmi]

A dink is great thing to have in any cruisng ground. They get you to shore, they serve as a diversion while anchored, they can be a good fishing/diving platform, etc. etc. etc.

If you have the means and the space on your boat, get one!

[sailingdog]

Certain cruising areas, like the San Juans, where the coast is primarily rocky... require a hard dinghy if you can fit one aboard.

[Rustyf]

Question answered. Thanks all.

[jrd22]

Rusty- most sailors around here have inflatables, lot's of sand/gravel beaches and dinghy docks at the parks. A dinghy is also good insurance if the worst happens and you need something to keep you out of our chilly water.
John

[blt2ski]

I need a hard dingy because why? Rocks? lots of sandy pea gravel beaches. yes a few with oyster shells and jagged rocks.........Overall, I see a 10-1 inflatable to hard dinghy ratio in my travels! A decent built inflatable, ie not a sea eagle or some such cheap thing they call a boat will survive assuming the operator is somewhat cautious, and does not run onto the beach at mk10 all the time! Even a hard dingy will not survive that too much!

marty

[tenuki]

What I plan on adding to my hard dink this winter. puget sound is mighty cold if your dink tips...

[Moonfish]

We have an inflatable and I have no concerns with the archipelago's terrain. That doesn't mean I'm not excercising caution, good judgement, and common sense...

However, I am intrigued by the Porta-Bote. I know of several owners who absolutely love them and recommend them. I've heard horror stories of these dinks, but from what I can tell it's all heresay. I've yet to meet a person who has had a bad personal experience with one.