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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

The Dinghy

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Bladeswell
Captain

Member Avatar

USA
490 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/08/2016 : 08:36:25

Hi guys,

For the most part, my boat will be used for day and evening sails with occasional weekend trips to Catalina Island. Avalon Bay has a shore boat service but there are many other anchorages around the island. Are any of you using a dinghy ?
And for those that do, are you using an inflatable or a rigid hull ? And sense our boats are only 25 feet I can't imagine stowing a rigid boat on deck or even on davits. I've checked out WM and it looks like a dinghy of 8' would be ok. Certainly no more than 10'. WM has their classic dinghy of 10'. The next and more costly choice would be Walker Bay with a choice of 8' or 10'. your views and opinions will be appreciated. Thanks.
Bladeswell

C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 09:07:46

This topic has come up a few times before. I went with a West Marine RU-260. It only weighs about 50lbs and when rolled up will fit in the dumpster. However, it became a pain to set it up on deck. So, I ended up towing it with a bridle when I thought I needed to have it. It got used much more often that way.

I was fiddling with the camera and shot this while in the Gulf of Mexico. You can see the little dinghy towing in the back:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf63geMSykM

It was actually made by Zodiac and they still offer a version. WM's new model is the PRU-3. I also own an inflatable kayak that would be a good alternative. It got mentioned in this thread which also had some other good suggestions:
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=28790&SearchTerms=dinghy

Davy J

2005 Gemini 105Mc
PO 1987 C25 #5509 SR/SK
Tampa Bay

DavidBuoy
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
707 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 10:14:31

I picked up a walker bay 10 this fall for free. Was planning to get a 7' inflatable but free is free. I am planning to tow it around a bit in the spring to determine what kind of speed losses I am looking at to determine realistic ranges and conditions that I would be able to bring it. If it's a real deal breaker, I'll look at getting an inflatable.

Captain Rob & Admiral Alyson
"David Buoy"-1985 C25 SK/SR #5053

Bladeswell
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
490 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 10:49:02

Sorry guys,

I was unaware of the prior posts on this subject. Thanks for the links Davy J. I did go and read them. and thanks again to David B. I had not given any thought to speed loss due to towing. Good sailing everyone.
Bladeswell

C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.

WesAllen
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 12:01:55

I had the 6.5 ft. Mercury inflatable but found that if you want 2 people in the dinghy it is a bit small. WM had the 8 ft. on sail this fall so I purchased it and a new electric trolling motor. Will try it this early spring when I get to Cape Coral, Fl. I also found that it is just much easier to tow it, the old one anyway. Especially if you do a little gunk holing along the way. One trip to key west we rolled it up and strapped it on the bow. It worked but again a PITA.

Wesley Allen
"Breaking Wind"
1982 C-25 SR/TR/SK #2773
Hemlock, MI

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 13:41:03

I have a roll up Zodiac, but generally use a kayak unless I'll be on the hook for a few days. My 9.5 kayak stows on the foredeck, but I have to keep a little tension on the sheet when tacking.

Dave B. aboard Pearl
1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399
Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 16:50:53

7'6 Backwater dinghy before the mast on the bow

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

WesAllen
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 18:47:20

Looks great Hank, what do you do with it when cruising? Nice low riding trailer too.

Wesley Allen
"Breaking Wind"
1982 C-25 SR/TR/SK #2773
Hemlock, MI

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1736 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2016 : 19:52:27

Henk & Johanna -- you guys are my heroes! You are doing what I dream of -- traveling AND sailing -- but doing both within my limited ability and time. Kudos to you both and keep posting!

Peter Bigelow
C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2016 : 12:28:38

Thanks for your kinds words guys...

We pretty well always tow our 7'6" "Someday Baby", at the cost of about 1/2kn. Towing is not without problems in rough weather, particularly with following seas.
The home-made cover prevents water from entering or swamping.
On long trips, it also provides us the extra storage for bulky, light weight materials...

Even though we added this quick release to the bow's life line in order to "hoist", the dinghy on board, it was never used on the water

sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2016 : 17:08:04

We occasionally tow a heavy 8' dinghy that was once solid fiberglass, now named "Marine-Tex 1".

Seth
"Outlier" 1987 Catalina 25 SR/SK/Traditional Interior #5541
"Zoo" 1977 Morgan Out Island 30
"Nomad" 1980 Prindle 16
"Lost" 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2 (sold - yay!)
"Marine Tex 1" Unknown Origin POS 8' Fiberglass Dinghy
https://whichsailboat.com/2014/07/27/catalina-25-review/

Akenumber
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
247 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2016 : 19:14:46

I tow my 8ft rib and don't notice much hinderance speed wise. It weighs about 100lbs. Definitely take the motor off though.

Ken
San Diego
84 C25 SR/FK 4116
The KRAKEN

DavidBuoy
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
707 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2016 : 06:19:14

Damn,

Looking at the specs of my Walker Bay 10, it weighs 125lbs just the boat alone. Oh well, probably not doing any races with the thing anyway. Just need to plan cruises accordingly.