Dingy Options

[Stu01]

I have been bitten and constantly dream of the day when I can hit the water full time. I am currently of the opinion that I will primarily be single-handing and would be searching for a Dana 24 or an Orion 27. For some reason I don't think hanging a dingy from davits is a good idea especially in heavy weather. The size boat I am considering does not have a lot of open deck space and so I am wondering what the dingy storage/dingy types would work.
Thanks for your advice.
Stu

[sailingfool]

Tradeoffs, tradeoffs..like most things boating, the answer depends...if you want to plan for extensive offshore travel, get a soft-bottom 8' inflatable, and you can stow it down below when not in use.. But an 8' isn't a very flexible or high capacity dink.
If you are daysailing or coastal cruising, get whatever you want and just tow it. I have an 11' RIB and I love it, very fast with just 6Hp, can carry six people easily.

[sailingdog]

Another choice is a 8' 6" or 10' 6" porta-bote. The boat folds up to a 4" wide x 2' x LOA package, not counting the benches and transom. This can usually be stored on deck rather easily. They're tough, plane well with a small outboard, and assemble in under 15 minutes.