Who does NOT have a Dink?

[Dave_E]

Hi All,

When we got a sailboat several years ago, we bought an inflatable... because we were new and saw everyone towing a dink behind their sailboats up here in the PNW. Now we have a Trawler (38' AOL). I am not towing that inflatable and don't want it stuffed in the slip somewhere. My wife uses the swim platform to board the boat and get off when we dock (we have a full door going through the transom), so not doing the Weaver Davit thing. We were going to put a small rigid on the upper deck, but don't yet have a mast and boom built.

She asked me today "are there Trawler people who do not have a dink"? If so do they worry about a life boat?

Dave

 

[Lou_tribal]

We don't. In fact we bought a small one last year that stays in my basement and has never been used yet.
The way we cruise we do not have a real need for one at this point. We have 2 kayak that we use sometimes for ballad when at the anchor but nothing more.

L

 

[smitty477]

Everyone boats differently - we could not imagine boating without at least one dink.

 

[alormaria]

We used one for years when we were at a mooring.
Now at a slip I don't even bring it down.
I wonder where it is?

 

[ljk]

We dont have one. Stay in marinas mostly, have access to a couple of kayaks when we want to go exploring that way. Which is not often.

 

[healhustler]

I don’t have one.....my old Caribe 9 got squeezed badly in Irma, blew out two of the three chambers. I don’t need it now, but I’ll have guests aboard going across Tampa Bay soon. I worry about not having at least something to use for a life raft. Been looking on Craigslist.

 

[Comodave]

Are you looking at a dinghy or a life raft? Two different things. If you are looking for transportation to and from the boat when it is anchored, you will need a dinghy. If you are looking for a life raft, get one that mounts on deck in a canister and save all the space that a dinghy take up. We have a dinghy. Never have used it for transport to and from the boat. We have used it to cruise up and down our river. I would not really count on using our dinghy as a life raft in a critical situation. Better to have a real life raft for that. A dinghy may suffice in protected waters if the boat goes down though.

 

[caltexflanc]

The way we like to cruise would be impossible without one. I always regard the big boat as kind of like the 747 they used to transport the space shuttle.... that being the really fun vehicle.

Up there in the PNW is no exception for sure.

 

[diver dave]

If you anchor out a lot, and have a SO on board; best have at least one method of an escape.

 

[AusCan]

We rarely stay at marina's so some form of transportation to land is required. We usually use the inflatable dinghy, but sometimes use the stand-up paddleboards, and sometimes just swim to/from shore.

 

[South of Heaven]

Dave: I think you answered your own question. Get the mast/boom, pulley/winch or whatever style hoister you like and then keep the dinghy on the bridge.

Your question seems like more of an issue for smaller boats (sub 30') but you should have adequate space on your boat.

Even if you never use it at least you know you COULD use if the situation ever arises.

I just bought a new , small composite dinghy at a reasonable price.

 

[AlaskaProf]

I've got three, not counting the life raft or the Folbot. But most germane to your situation is the 9' sailboat stored on the "boat deck" which we launch with the typical trawler mast/boom arrangement, which you can see in the pic at left.

I agree with the post above: we view the big boat as a vehicle for hauling the others.

 

[BruceK]

If you don`t have one,eventually you`ll be stuck onboard when you`d rather not.

 

[ranger58sb]

We have a dinghy, stern mounted and cantilevered so not blocking use of the swim platform. IOW, there are other davit systems than Weaver/Seawise, etc. Ours happens to be a Jatco Trillogy, but there are several options.

Our dinghy was primarily a big-dog-to-shore transport system, although we also use it for exploring when at anchor. Or sometimes trips to shore places while at anchor. We're currently dog-less, but I'm guessing that won't last much longer...

-Chris

 

[TDunn]

I have three (two hard and one inflatable), but only use one in a given year. Here in Maine you need one since there are few marinas and most of the time you will be anchored or on a mooring ball.

 

[rjwilliams11741]

Dinghy

Couldn't imagine not having a dinghy. We anchor out over 95% of the time and the "dink" is our taxi and our lifeline to restaurants, shopping, and just plain exploring.

 

[Tom.B]

Ours is in the shop... Does that count? ;-)

 

[Art]

From my very young days - when event-memory began aboard boats...

I was brought up with a dink always on a tow line. Some dinks were small some were runabouts. Currently we tow a fast 15' Crestliner runabout, comfortable 4 seater on back to backs with bimini snapped to windshield and 50 hp Johnson o/b. Great fun for anchoring our Tolly and then gunk holing as well as cruising the areas, visiting folks, going to restaurants and getting shore supplies when desired.

Due to all my life, having been exposed to towing dinks and runabouts, towing is second nature to me... no matter what conditions may arrive. Final emergency response that we've never used but always have in our "tool box" is cut the line and loose the towed boat. This would only be employed in the most dangerous weather/sea conditions. Bottom line in that instance - loose a dink, save lives. Dinks are very replaceable!

A tow behind is easy to deal-with/handle once you become accustomed to towing it and have required "control" items set up correctly. That includes but is not limited to:

- - > Applicable sized and positioned lines, cleats, chocks, harnesses, quick-clamps, fenders, soft non mark rub-rails and cushy nose piece [on the towed boat]... as well as completely easy to handle and quick to employ alternative side tie capability off either side when required.

These and other useful personally-inventive circumstances/conditions make it so that towing a dink or runabout fits hand and glove with handling the larger primary boat. Including any weather or sea conditions, operating in tight quarters with other boats in bays, channels or marinas and docking into slips or at fuel docks.

Happy Dink Daze! - Art

 

[FlyWright]

If you're only going to marina hop, there's probably no need for a dink. I would not consider a dink as a suitable replacement for a lifeboat, either. If you need a lifeboat, buy a lifeboat for the purpose...don't rely on the dink to be suitable in an emergency.

In my case, I started with a 5 year old used 9.5 ft wood floor soft-bottom Achilles with 15" tubes that I could roll up in a bag and store in the laz. Powered it with a 2 hp Honda that stored easily on the FB. Worked well for years but I soon got tired of inflating/deflating when it was time to move, so I started stowing it on the swimstep or bow...depending on how soon I'd need it next. With a covered slip, it worked well and the dink is still in good shape 10 years later.

In time, I got a 15 hp OB that runs great but is a bit oversized for the dink. I also recently picked up a dink float that sits nicely in my slip next to my bow. The 2HP Honda remains at the ready on the FB if needed.

Yesterday, I was walking through Costco and saw that they are again selling the Hydro-Force Mirovia 10'10" PVC dink for under $500 in the store ($599 online). This dink is also a soft bottom fold-up but it has 17 inch tubes, an aluminum floor and is rated for 15HP. Since my slip is covered (protecting the PVC from rain and excessive UV) and my new dink float will easily accommodate this size dink, I'll be picking up a 2nd dink today...just in time for some summer fun!

 

[dhays]

We have a dinghy but most of the year we don’t ever use it. We are either going from one marina to another, or we are anchoring out for a weekend in some secluded spot and are spending the entire time on the boat.

On our yearly longer trips, we use the dink a lot, primarily to get to shore to run stern ties.

 

[gsholz]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned dogs. We anchor out a lot but also have two pups. Their shore excursions start at 7am sharp and don't end until nightfall.

 

[caltexflanc]

Unless we were only going to be there a few hours overnight while in transit, we almost always launch the dinghy when in a marina so as to explore the surrounding area. Up in the PNW we love hiking and exploring the islands while on a mooring or anchored; I'd go batty (or battier, I should say) without a dink up there. Having a dinghy that lends itself to long excursions for exploring makes a big difference... not so much fun in a tiny tiller-steering pure inflatable (which are fun in their own right in fair weather and a nice destination on shore nearby).

When we sold our Hatteras, there was no way we were selling the Whaler too. That Crestliner looks very cool too!

 

[The Other Gary]

We would not be without our inflatable. When we cruise the 1000 Islands in the summer there are several Liquor Stores that have dinghy docks but no large boat docks.

 

[siestakey]

I have 2 depending on what type of cruising I am going on 1 avon with 4hp and a small livingston cat with a 15hp

 

[ranger58sb]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned dogs.

Post #14.



-Chris

 

[Group9]

Any boat I own that I cannot run up onto a beach, I carry a dinghy for it.

 

[FlyWright]

We have a dinghy but most of the year we don’t ever use it. We are either going from one marina to another, or we are anchoring out for a weekend in some secluded spot and are spending the entire time on the boat.

On our yearly longer trips, we use the dink a lot, primarily to get to shore to run stern ties.

I've found that anchoring with friends without rafting also is better when each has a dink. I wouldn't mind a raft of 4 good friends in benign conditions, but sometimes the CA Delta raftups (friends of friends...you know the drill) can become a bit overwhelming in many ways.

I have 2 depending on what type of cruising I am going on 1 avon with 4hp and a small livingston cat with a 15hp

I like the way you think! I'm thinking of keeping my 9.5 Achilles with the Honda 2 for kid use and light duty. Might have a 14 yr old nephew joining me again this summer for a week. He'll have his own boat.

 

[k9medic]

Up until two weeks ago I had a pvc RIB dinghy. After three very rough years, a busted seam took care of that. I’m now looking for a new one.

We have also started to tow a larger boat when we go places but the dinghy is truly the SUV of the boat.

 

[Art]

Unless we were only going to be there a few hours overnight while in transit, we almost always launch the dinghy when in a marina so as to explore the surrounding area. Up in the PNW we love hiking and exploring the islands while on a mooring or anchored; I'd go batty (or battier, I should say) without a dink up there. Having a dinghy that lends itself to long excursions for exploring makes a big difference... not so much fun in a tiny tiller-steering pure inflatable (which are fun in their own right in fair weather and a nice destination on shore nearby).

When we sold our Hatteras, there was no way we were selling the Whaler too. That Crestliner looks very cool too!

Yup - We tried an 11' inflatable with 8 hp. Nissan. It was OK... but not so much so.

13'3" Boston Whaler with 40 hp. Johnson was for a long time my families tow behind of choice.

Extremely well built 15' V hull fiberglass Crestliner with 50 hp. Johnson we've used now for near a decade is more comfortable [mono V entry into waves = less pounding and cushioned, backed seats], much drier [windshield with manual wiper and full bimini] as well as a few mph faster [due to its relatively light weight, 10 hp. more engine, dual trim tabs and less bottom contact with water at WOT.

That said - Crestliner would not hold a candle to the Whaler in really rough conditions. I'd feel confident in a Whaler if need be in just about any weather and sea condition and also feel pretty darn sure that the boat and I would together survive to come out the other end. Would not want to do that so much in the Crestliner... although it does fine in general weather and seas.

Our Crestliner with engine is 1975 model. Got it from an old fisherman first owner who kept her in mint condition! We dry store it on trailer [that has seen better days] in a lot. Keep her always fully covered with new replacement cover always on hand [even best covers rip after a few years of sun] aboard her mother ship... our Tolly.

Small Whalers and Crestliners = Good Dinks!

 

[catalinajack]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned dogs. We anchor out a lot but also have two pups. Their shore excursions start at 7am sharp and don't end until nightfall.

You must love those dogs - a LOT.

If you're only going to marina hop, there's probably no need for a dink. I would not consider a dink as a suitable replacement for a lifeboat, either. If you need a lifeboat, buy a lifeboat for the purpose...don't rely on the dink to be suitable in an emergency.

In my case, I started with a 5 year old used 9.5 ft wood floor soft-bottom Achilles with 15" tubes that I could roll up in a bag and store in the laz. Powered it with a 2 hp Honda that stored easily on the FB. Worked well for years but I soon got tired of inflating/deflating when it was time to move, so I started stowing it on the swimstep or bow...depending on how soon I'd need it next. With a covered slip, it worked well and the dink is still in good shape 10 years later.

In time, I got a 15 hp OB that runs great but is a bit oversized for the dink. I also recently picked up a dink float that sits nicely in my slip next to my bow. The 2HP Honda remains at the ready on the FB if needed.

Yesterday, I was walking through Costco and saw that they are again selling the Hydro-Force Mirovia 10'10" PVC dink for under $500 in the store ($599 online). This dink is also a soft bottom fold-up but it has 17 inch tubes, an aluminum floor and is rated for 15HP. Since my slip is covered (protecting the PVC from rain and excessive UV) and my new dink float will easily accommodate this size dink, I'll be picking up a 2nd dink today...just in time for some summer fun!

We have a dinghy but most of the year we don’t ever use it. We are either going from one marina to another, or we are anchoring out for a weekend in some secluded spot and are spending the entire time on the boat.

On our yearly longer trips, we use the dink a lot, primarily to get to shore to run stern ties.