Inflatable Dinghy storage

[dm567]

OK sailors, I need some help figuring out what to do with my new avon 10 foot soft dinghy. It folds up real compact but still takes up space.

I could have sworn I saw a locker for sale that goes on the bow where you could store your dinghy, but I can't find it again. Does it exist?

What are my choices for keeping the dinghy on deck deflated, so as not to take up valuable space below?

DM

[tdw]

We keep ours on deck , in it's bag. Provided you make sure that water cannot pool anywhere it works quite well. Obviously it will depend somewhat on the level of pilfering that occurs in your area.

[sailaway21]

He probably doesn't live on a continent whose people's entire ancestry was larcenous. (g)

[Sailormann]

I leave mine in the garage at home. Doesn't take up any boat space at all.

[sailingdog]

Now, now, it isn't fluffy's fault that he lives on a former penal colony. Besides, he could be the descendent of two wrongly convicted people....

While storing the dinghy on deck is convenient, it does leave it open to theft. Also, in heavy seas, it risks losing it overboard, unless you have it lashed down quite securely. I store mine down below if on passage, or between the ama and the main hull, if day tripping. But of course, you don't have that storage option.

Originally Posted by sailaway21

He probably doesn't live on a continent whose people's entire ancestry was larcenous. (g)

[TrueBlue]

We keep ours inflated during season - towed from the stern with outboard removed. When cruising offshore, the boat is hauled up to the foredeck by harness, using a halyard and winch. We lash it securely, upside down, to the port/starboard dorade guards.

I like the added security of an inflated dinghy - in case of an abandon ship event or MOB.

[DaveNewberg]

We lash our 9' inflatable on the coachroof just ahead of our dodger deflated and wrapped in a tight cover. We keep it on the coachroof rather than on the foredeck for fear of taking a large wave over the bow and having it damaged or torn away. We have had it flip several times while towing in moderate seas and 25-30 knot winds and even porpose. No fun . . .

[wind_magic]

I've been storing mine at the manufacturer's plant. Soon I hope to send money to them to convince them to send it to me and let me own it.