The perfect dinghy

cruisingmom · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

So, I know that I am totally dreaming. However, it doesn't hurt to ask. We have a perfectly good inflatable and a perfectly good sailing dinghy, which is good to row., unfortunately is too small for the 5 of us. We have a 42 ft boat that we hope to take cruising soon and can only take one dinghy.

Is it possible to find a relatively stable dinghy that can hold 5 people ( 2 adults, 2 teens and a child - somewhere around 580 lbs, allowing for growth spurts), that is also able to be rowed with some pleasure ( unlike the inflatable), hold a motor, fit for a little sailing rig ( not perfect mind you) for the kids, be able to travel several adventuresome miles, and --- the piece de resistance- be able to be carried in the davit system??

I think we may resign ourselves to our inflatable, but it doesn't hurt to try. My husband loves to row and the kids love to sail " on their own".
Thoughts welcome

poopdeckpappy · #2 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Walker bay 10' sailing dink, row, motor, sail or all the above

JohnRPollard · #3 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Hi,

You'll probably get a few good suggestions.

My personal favorite for the criteria you described is CLC's Passagemaker Dinghy.

The only catch is, you have to build it yourself!

But we built one a few years ago and it was a wonderful experience.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Unless your family is abnormally small... a dinghy with a weight capacity of 580 lbs. is not going to hold two adults, two teens and a child. Two adults nowadays is usually close to 300 lbs at a minimum. Two teens might be 250-300, especially if they are older than 14....and a child is easily 70 lbs...That doesn't even count groceries, gear, the outboard engine, gasoline tank, or PFDs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisingmom

So, I know that I am totally dreaming. However, it doesn't hurt to ask. We have a perfectly good inflatable and a perfectly good sailing dinghy, which is good to row., unfortunately is too small for the 5 of us. We have a 42 ft boat that we hope to take cruising soon and can only take one dinghy.

Is it possible to find a relatively stable dinghy that can hold 5 people ( 2 adults, 2 teens and a child - somewhere around 580 lbs, allowing for growth spurts), that is also able to be rowed with some pleasure ( unlike the inflatable), hold a motor, fit for a little sailing rig ( not perfect mind you) for the kids, be able to travel several adventuresome miles, and --- the piece de resistance- be able to be carried in the davit system??

I think we may resign ourselves to our inflatable, but it doesn't hurt to try. My husband loves to row and the kids love to sail " on their own".
Thoughts welcome

poopdeckpappy · #5 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

WB 310 dink has a 565 max load, 4 person, 6hp ob max, rows, sails or motors and wts <150lbs; it's close to your specs but still, no cigar

kwaltersmi · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010

Hmmm...the 5th person makes things tough for finding a rowable, sail-able dinghy with that kind of space and weight capacity. Still, if I were in your shoes I'd check out the Portland Pudgy: Portland Pudgy multifunction dinghy -- the fun boat that could save your life!

klem · #7 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010

I assume that your davits are on the stern? If so, you might well be limited by length and dinghy weight. There are many traditional boats designs that would do exactly what you are looking for but they are likely to be 12+ feet long. In addition, you would have to build the boat yourself.

When I worked on the Maine windjammers, most of the boats carried at least one side boat that would do exactly what you wanted. On the boat I was on, we carried an unbalasted North Haven Dinghy which would do what you want but is probably too large for davits on a 42'er. Another boat carried a stitch and glue kit boat that would probably work better for you but I can't seem to find the design.

If you are willing to do a little work, you could build exactly what you want but it is going to be more traditional in look than most modern dinghies.

cruisingmom · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010

Thanks all. Yes our family is on the smaller side ( kids anyway), but they are still growing.... Thanks for all your suggestions. Has anyone tried a folding boat??

cruisingmom · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010

Hey, the Portland Pudgy may do the trick. THANKS> We just happen to live in Maine as well. Now, we just hope its affordable..........

kwaltersmi · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisingmom

Hey, the Portland Pudgy may do the trick. THANKS> We just happen to live in Maine as well. Now, we just hope its affordable..........

And there in lies the rub...the Portland Pudgy is pricey, but the value is in the versatility and design. I love the idea of a dinghy that can do many things quite well. I also like the idea of having dedicated storage aboard the dinghy. And how about the ability to serve as a life raft? That's a great feature too, though the life raft "kit" is an option above and beyond the base price.