Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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.
Captain Rob & Admiral Alyson "David Buoy"-1985 C25 SK/SR #5053
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.