Learned a big lesson about dinghy choices !

[@samrogrer4959]

when I sailed from San Diego Ca. to Ft Myers Fl. on my 10.7 meter sloop I had a SS tower built on the stern of my sloop with dingy davits, mount for solar panels, wind generator, and antennas. Worked PERFECTLY !! I did get one of those FOLD-A-BOATs for my dingy. But did not fold it as it was so light and EASY to haul up with the davits... 5hp motor. GREAT choice. !!

[@sailingonabudget]

@@samrogrer4959 Sounds like a great setup ! 😉👍

[@ralphholiman7401]

I think you will be happy with that Water Tender. We used a Boston Whaler 11' tender as our dinghy from 2010 to 2017 and took it to the Bahamas twice (the previous owners took it several times). It was indestructible (and unsinkable) but you had to tow it mostly (we could get it on the foredeck, for long passages but it was a job). We sold it and bought a Dell Quay Dory 13 (almost identical to a Boston Whaler 13, but a lot cheaper). Down in the Bahamas, we were always running that Whaler up on ironshore beaches or bouncing it off pilings with nails and bolts sticking out. It shook it all off. We used to joke and call the inflatables, deflatables, because everyone in the Bahamas was patching their inflatable dinghies all the time. The inflatables are lighter for sure, and the hard bottoms will go faster with a smaller motor. But, we are sold on hard and tough dinghies. And you can row them, for that time the engine conks out (and it will one day). Try rowing an inflatable.

[@sailingonabudget]

@ralphholiman7401 One of the things I like about this dinghy is that it's 106lbs. I can pull it up on my foredeck with my 4-1 block and tackle with no problem. Interestingly, Boston Whaler make a 9 footer too, but it's fiberglass and weighs 165 lbs !! 😉👍

[@helmrichharms2225]

First thing: I sailed in the Bahamas for months and had a simple PVC inflatable dinghi. If you are a bit carefull you won't have to patch it ever. Second thing: If you are a bit fit it will be no problem at all to row an inflatable dinghi with a flat bottom even for longer distances like a mile upwind in windspeeds up to 20 knots. Did it for two years in the Carribean, the Bahamas and the US-East-Coast. Sure you'll be a bit slower than with a 2 horse outboard, but you'll get less wet. The inflatable is not only lighter, but you can stow it during passages in your cockpit locker. Less windage, and the weight much deeper in the boat. That will give you a better upwind performance, and you'll have a free foredeck for sail manouvers, achoring and docking single handed.

[@sailingonabudget]

@helmrichharms2225 I agree with pretty much all your points. BUT. I'm really loving this dinghy and I'm gonna stick with it. 😉👍

[@montyspearo]

Your are brave standing up under power without lanyard. I can see another video in future of unmanned boat motoring around in circles or off into sunset. PS I've put my lanyard to test once and was very thankful that I had it on. Since then added windsurfer foot strap to floor.

[@sailingonabudget]

@montyspearo You are not the 1st to reprimand me. It is a bad habit I am trying to break ! 👍

[@nobody46820]

Helpful, thanks! I have/had the exact same situation as you, and your video has helped me decide on a dinghy. I'm getting a Whaley 270, with a Tohatsu 20 HP short shaft 4 stroke (btw this outboard is the same weight as the 9.9HP), a set of Beachmaster removable beaching wheels, Smoker Bandit oars, and Fortress anchor. 😁👍

[@sailingonabudget]

@nobody46820 Wow, that will be an awesome ride. Plenty of speed from that steed ! Handling a motor that size is just more than I want to deal with. Not enough boat and not enough me !! 🤣👍

[@nobody46820]

@@sailingonabudget Yeah, the motor is a bit much, but better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! Trying to set it up so I can do multiple things with it.

[@jamesgrigsby8201]

I’m trying to solve the same problems with my 30’ sailboat. I like your ideas, and since I haven’t got into my wallet yet, no problem. Thanks for being the test case! Lol

[@jamesgrigsby8201]

BTW: I just recently found your channel. I went back to the beginning and watched all of them. Very enjoyable! R/ Jim Grigsby Virginia Beach

[@sailingonabudget]

@jamesgrigsby8201 Thanks ! Lol, yeah I learned that lesson the hard way for sure. I was able to sell the other 2 dinghies so in the end I came out ok. 😉👍

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

I’ve had the same two dinghies and came to the same conclusion. I also considered the water tender that you bought, but I could only tow it since it would never fit on the foredeck of my small boat. What I ended up going with is the West Marine RIB 260 that you mentioned. Yes it’s PVC, but I am going to make a set of dinghy chaps for UV protection, plus the black Friday price on that dinghy right now is unbelievable.

[@sailingonabudget]

@EpoxyAndButylTape Wow, I just checked and yeah that price is fantastic. And chaps will make a big difference too, probably double or triple the lifespan. 😉👍

[@imustchimp]

Nice work. Channel catching some momentum. Stuck in dinghy deliberations at the moment... Timely vid.

[@sailingonabudget]

@imustchimp Thanks, I definitely trying to put out decent info and make it somewhat entertaining too. But yeah, picking a dinghy for smaller cruising boats is not easy. Took me 3 tries but I struck a home run with this last one think. 😉👍

[@bobdillon7886]

Great idea... Great video,,, big help really enjoyed watching... Im looking at boats as I write getting ready for the same trip... From the Boston area...

[@sailingonabudget]

@@bobdillon7886 No time like the present as they say ! 👍

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

👍great little dinghy 🤗⛵

[@sailingonabudget]

@DLBard-bv2nd It's even better than I expected ! Every time I use it I get a smile. 😉👍

[@michaelconway4316]

That looks like it will work well, and definitely should last longer than an inflatable.

[@sailingonabudget]

@michaelconway4316 I think you could drop it off and building and bounce it right into the water and it would be fine ! 🤣👍

[@markc3717]

Good presentation A few queries - 1: How heavy is it? 2: can you show us loading on and launching from you vessel? Thanks again.

[@sailingonabudget]

@markc3717 Thanks ! The Water Tender 9.4 weighs 106 according to what I could find. And the next video will have a segment on getting it on and off the foredeck. 😉👍

[@markc3717]

@ Lovely Thanks Man - much appreciated.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

We hated inflatables in the Bahamas because they were only good for one season. Next year we were putting patches on leaks until it leaked at the edge of a patch which was impossible to seal with another patch. They don't leak on the bottom where they get scratched by rocks, they leak on top of the pontoons where the sun destroys it. I got a different plastic dinghy called an Oliver Boat, it looks like an inflatable but the inside half of each pontoon is hollowed into a seat and its made of blow molded plastic.

[@sailingonabudget]

@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958 I had to look up the Oliver, seems like a good choice. And your experience was exactly why I didn't want am inflatable either. I am really happy with my Water Tender. 😉👍

[@jacktyler7599]

Yup, a dinghy choice is always a challenge. Downsides: HDP is by its nature difficult to repair if your hull or deck is damaged, a wet ride into a steep chop will result from its bluff bow and limited forward buoyancy in the tri-hull shape, and its heavy at 104 lbs to manhandle onto/off the mother ship in an active anchorage. But she sure is stable! How are you mounting her on deck?

[@sailingonabudget]

@jacktyler7599 I'll have to include a segment in the next video, or maybe just a short one by itself to show how I do it. Essentially I have a 4-1 tackle that makes it fairly drama free. It takes me about 5 minutes either way to load or unload, including getting the motor on or off. So far I have found the ride pretty dry, even with some moderate chop. But I see what you're saying. 😉👍

[@sethile]

That's a great looking little dingy! Wish I could go with something similar!! Just don't have the room on my Cape Dory 27 to pull it off. I opted for a Zodiac Aero Cadet 230. It has an inflatable keel, as well as a high pressure air floor. It's smaller (and less rigid) than I'd like, but it's all I can handle in terms of weight and size. I think it's going to work out, but I definitely need to refine my systems. Last time I didn't get it inflated enough, and it was a pretty rough day. NOT safe, and I could not manage the projects I had planned, or rectify the underinflation in the conditions I was in. I'll be better prepared next time! When is your GCSM haul out? I'm still on a mooring there. I'm planning the final push in the first couple of weeks in January, but I'm hoping to get back down there briefly before Christmas. Your videos are an encouragement! Thank you!!

[@sailingonabudget]

@@sethile Hey Scott, haulout is at the end of December. Hope to get everything done in a week, then it's time to head south ! 😉👍

[@Bimmertech4u]

I dono, partner... I can't think of a single thing- except as you say, UV risk- that a 10' inflatable is not better at. I'm not a sailor, but I fished commercially from a young age. When not in use, I tossed my 10' inflatable- solo when needed- up on the cabin top, 6 freedom units above the deck. It seems like you sailboat guys would especially value the soft inflatable shin that could never harm your pretty hulls. I ran a 4 stroke 15 horse, and she felt plenty safe in 15 foot waves with two guys. She was quick to get on step, quite stable- especially when slow, and had excellent directional control both on and off the step. But that was for serious work, and with re-worked floorboards. I should think you guys in the "recreational" realm could get by with a cheaper set-up , and still have the advantages of an inflatable. Of course like any other system, boats are the strict definition of compromise... But to me, the trade between longevity (UV protection), and literally every other aspect of a boat system, is not a good exchange- although I admit I don't know the cost of a new under-performing inflatable comparable to the capabilities of your hard dingy, so you may also have an advantage there. And remember the #1 rule... Never go in the water without intending to.

[@sailingonabudget]

@Bimmertech4u So, I think the usable space in my Water Tender is probably as good or better than the same size inflatable. And being able to throw everything up front and not have it all around my feet is a huge plus. And safer too I think. Now, as far as weight goes I can't carry as much as as inflatable, but being solo I'm ok with that. When it comes to motors and speed I like being able to grab the Suzuki 2.5 with one hand. For a 10 or 15hp I'd need a hoist. Like you say, every boat - including dinghies - is a compromise. But I am super happy with mine so far. 😉👍

[@davelawrence6777]

Nice addition

[@sailingonabudget]

@@davelawrence6777 It's awesome !

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

Can’t beat the price. I’m looking to buy a 25’ sailboat and my dinghy choices are going to be very limited. Almost wondering if a kayak with an electric stick outboard would be best for me. Sometimes getting wet might just be the price to pay. Do they make outrigger kayaks?

[@sailingonabudget]

@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk I think I've seen a few over the years. And there's the Foldaboat. Or the roll-up style like mine. Which is for sale btw ! 😉👍

[@guydumas3304]

Inflatable kayaks are a good option on smaller sailboats. They paddle easily even in challenging conditions. They tow well. You can go ashore almost anywhere. And they pack away below decks when you’re making big moves or are using marinas. I bought a Tahe Sport Beach LP2 and used it from the Florida gulf coast to Canada. I highly recommend it or something like it.

[@sailingonabudget]

@@guydumas3304 Yeah, and you don't have to worry about a motor either ! 😉👍

[@doncritzer2798]

I got a sailing dinghy off Craigslist, me and my wife could barely use it, Roly poly wanted to tip over ike you said, I sold it got a caribe inflatable with a nissan 9.9 Craigslist 1000 bucks , that was a year ago

[@sailingonabudget]

@@doncritzer2798 That sounds like a great deal ! 😉👍

[@FranklinGray]

I started out with an inflatable floor. First one I had was nice but I lost it at sea. The next two the floor seem would bust in a few weeks. Moved to an Achilles hard floor and loved it. Had a 9.9 hp engine and it would plane with just me in it but not loaded with water. Moved up to a 15 hp yamaha 2 stroke. Very nice engine but on weeks long sails the engine would get stuck. Had to turn the crackshaft with a wrench to break it free. The spray stuff helps but not perfect. My next boat came with one of those big heavy dinghys for rich people....didn't like it. It was too heavy, at 350 lbs, for beach landings. I wanted to get an Achilles but settled for an AB. The AB is good but I prefer the Achilles. The back half of it is flat making it easy to get in and out of. Have to be careful on the turns though at high speeds. The ride was a little rougher than the AB in chop though. The AB is more of a V hull that cuts though the chop better and is fun taking the turns fast. Got a Honda 20 hp 4 stroke for it. 4 stroke carbs are so temperamental. I don't like them.

[@sailingonabudget]

@FranklinGray If I was a better mechanic I'd probably feel the same way. 😉👍

[@bod3102]

Stand up!

[@sailingonabudget]

@@bod3102 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@SVRestless]

Just make sure you put fenders all over it so it isn’t smashing up against your boat on anchor.

[@sailingonabudget]

@Silverloo25 Yeah for sure. But it's basically plastic so it doesn't do much. Not to mention my boat is not so shiny that I worry about it much. 🤣👍

[@magdakaniewski]

For our cruiser we have an inflatable..for a smaller pocket cruiser i have a sport yak.. Looks like a toy but holds 2 people.underside is basically 2 hulls. Best of all it weigh35 lbs. Rows great Maybe i will switch to a water tender once the inflatable capitulate s

[@sailingonabudget]

@magdakaniewski Nice ! For me it came down to money. I can't afford a decent inflatable. Bur honestly I really like my Fat Cat !! 😉👍

[@doncritzer2798]

Nice dinghy.......

[@sailingonabudget]

@doncritzer2798 It's the bomb-diggety ! 👍

[@jackwickman2403]

Standing up in the moving dingy with no motor kill switch lanyard hooked to you is asking for trouble. Even on that calm canal this is a foolhardy, unseamanlike move. Yes, you'll get away with it hundreds of times, but one time you won't. Get a lanyard and use it, or at least sit down.

[@sailingonabudget]

@jackwickman2403 I freely admit that I do not use the lanyard often enough, it is indeed a bad habit that I am working on. Sitting down is problematic as there is no good position, so I will continue to stand. I do take a knee when conditions warrant. 👍

[@genenelson3633]

Sit down!

[@kowalski8]

Couldn’t listen to this annoying music

[@ViajerosPorMaryTierra]

I have a walker bay + 3.5hp tohatsu. We are crossing Atlantic from canaries this January coming to live at anchir in Caribbean for some time while we search for a job. Ive only used tye walker bay once, and did seem a bit unstable 🫤 i weigh about 215 lbs + my wife say 160, hmm i hope we dont have to many problems going from A to B from anchor and back, you think ?

[@sailingonabudget]

@ViajerosPorMaryTierra I think I wish I could speak better Español ! But with 2 people the Walker Bay will be very small. Your boat is big enough that you could handle a bigger dinghy and I think you will soon want one. The little Walker Bay is just not enough. With both of you in it and the motor there is no more capacity to carry anything else. Living on anchor you will want and need as much dinghy as you can get. Try the Walker Bay now with both of you before you leave and see what happens. Then you will know for sure. Fair winds for your crossing, I will be watching your channel. Maybe one day our paths will cross. 😉👍

[@ViajerosPorMaryTierra]

@sailingonabudget thanks a lot for the advice 🙏🏼 and yes I'm sure il need a bigger dinghy. I have a zodiac style (selva) 2.5m stowed under aft bed as backup, and sold a banana boot 3.25m dinghy the other day that I really regret, was bigger than walker for sure, easier to stow 🙄. I only bought the walker because, although I don't have rigging and sail, I really do Wana, or buy a cheap one or build one and sail it in the bays we at anchor, anyways that was my plans when I bought it. Maybe I can buy a similar one to your the day of tomorrow 💪🏼 and hopefully we do meet some day and share a beer 🍻 all the best 🙏🏼⛵⚓🌎🏴‍☠️

[@garthwaitekevin]

THREE POINTS OF CONTACT - you gonna bust your ass!!!

[@sailingonabudget]

@garthwaitekevin Lol, I know you're right, sometimes I come close. 🤣🤣 Most of the time I do have a hand on the bow rope, like those wild ones in the RIB's up on a plane. But don't forget I'm only doing about 4-5 mph. 😉👍