BEST DINGHY for Bluewater Sailboats (Hypalon vs PVC, Fiberglass vs Aluminum)Patrick Childress #24

[@RVLifeNOW]

Hey..thanks for watching! I hope you will become part of my KZbin Family and SUBSCRIBE! Please give a thumbs up down below too! What dinghies are you considering?

[@zoya905]

Where could I get that hypalon material

[@RVLifeNOW]

Shaik Fiza You can usually buy it at the place that makes the dinghy, or any place near you that repairs Hypalon dinghies. Also, I think a West Marine sells it.

[@timmbot6082]

Hi Patrick, love your videos! They're always so informative. Will you be doing a sequel to this video to talk about the other issues you mention at the end?

[@RVLifeNOW]

Timmbot Maybe we need to watch the video again...which issues? -Rebecca

[@timmbot6082]

@@RVLifeNOW Hi Rebecca, thanks for responding and so quickly too! The other things he mentions starts at 15:21. But I'd also be interested to hear why so many people have RHIBs as opposed to hard dinghies. I'm considering building a panga-style boat for use as my tender (stowed on davits) but will reconsider if there are serious issues I haven't considered.

[@patrick5082]

I’m re-watching all Patrick’s video dreaming about sailing one day. What a great teacher and all-around nice guy. RIP Patrick 💔❤️

[@jarodstrain8905]

Still hard to belive Patrick is gone. It's a wonderful legacy that people are still able to learn from him, even now.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yeah it’s very cool… thanks for watching and yeah can’t believe it still. I scattered sone of his ashes this mornin in Anguilla passage. A special place for us

[@jetwind72]

Patrick, you live on in these videos. Thanks for all you have done.

[@RVLifeNOW]

So glad for your comment. Thank you.

[@annhysell6064]

I go back to your library of videos frequently, Rebecca, thank you for allowing us to continue to revisit. Sure miss all of the knowledge lost. Just expressing Holiday Wishes this year. Be well.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thank you for watching and I am glad Patrick’s videos are of interest to you still ! Happy Holidays as well!

[@Hatred_in_Your_mind]

We all miss you Patrick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIP

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yes we do!

[@roderickmchardy3650]

another great vid to remember the man by

[@richardbyram8886]

This must be the most informational video I have ever watched.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks so much ;)

[@roncanizares9966]

Thank you Patrick. Your videos are so informative. I look forward to seeing more. Great job!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Ron, Thank you.

[@AlanChooChoo]

Love your videos. Lots of information based on years of cruising experience. Keep em coming!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching.

[@fedsengineeringhelitechccs2468]

Covered a lot of points I never considered, very helpful video. thanks.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Ray, thanks for watching. The videos take a lot of time but are fun to make. I will have one on 7 tips for a cruiser up on Thurs. or Friday.

[@roblarocque6774]

Exactly. When sv Milano Myst left in 2005 the best advice (that we did not take) was to get the largest dinghy our Davits could hold and the most powerful Yamaha (20 HP) that dinghy could handle. Drier and faster. Go, Go Now.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Milano Myst....what a blast from the past! - Rebecca

[@alrasheedmusa]

Very nice watching your video .it keep my dream of sailing a live and more strong. Stay save

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thank you, I will

[@SVSkalliwag]

I am planning to spend this winter in the Caribbean sailing from the Chesapeake Bay. I am doing everything wrong regarding Dinghy and outboard, smallest light weight aluminum, PVC, no chaps, 2 HP Honda 4 stroke. This late in the game I hope I don't find myself thinking "Patrick told me so!" Great informative video!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Jorge, back in the 1970s, when I first sailed around the world, the dinghy options were fiberglass or a small inflatable. At that time I had a very light weight 7' fiberglass dinghy which I could easily row. I rowed that dinghy everywhere. An inflatable, which they all had a soft bottom, was extremely difficult to row in a wind or current and needed a small outboard engine, so fiberglass dinghies were the norm. RIBS had not been invented yet. There are far more dinghy options these days to suite so may different personalities and cruising styles. I know people who love their collapsible Portaboat and one couple we know swear by their double ended fiberglass canoe. Your dinghy choice sounds great, light weight and easy to handle. I would put chaps on it though. I would really be interested to hear how the Honda works out over the long term. Thanks for watching.

[@st.clairhaynes5804]

Sir Childress you are a very wise sailor I thank "GOD" for you I've learned a lot from you I was thinking of buying a project boat I would like you take on that but thanks all you years of wisdom

[@RVLifeNOW]

Glad to hear...thanks

[@WindwardToEden]

Just subscribed. Came up in a search. I really liked this video! We are looking for a dinghy at the moment for our Catalina 25. (prob. why this came up in my search) and this is one of the best videos I've found yet. I like channels more like yours. Thank you!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks so much. Hope you will watch more of them...

[@mattdabney4109]

Great show, loved the under water scenes, especially the sounds you added for the turtle eating, cracked me up. Good info for dinghies also

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks, Matt, for the comment. Happy you liked it. I wasn't so sure how people would take it.

[@rebeccachildressmichaelhay6420]

Scuba Tony....as Patrick’s wife...I can tell you I like the Inflatable RIB since I can get in to it fairly easily, and without it tipping, when we are snorkeling...and we do a lot of that. But there are likely solutions and techniques to get in to other Dingies, but I’m not that coordinated ;)

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yes

[@LandoLeavesLand]

Thanks for the Video Patrick (and Rebecca), Looking into a new dinghy now... hope to see you out there someday !

[@RVLifeNOW]

We are happy the dinghy video was helpful. We plan to be floating around out here for many years to come, so certainly, our paths will cross!

[@hutchr6142]

Nice sound effects for the underwater footage. Awesome!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks, That was fun to do.

[@TheJamesthe13]

Hi Patrick, found you recently, enjoying catching up. Really quite surprised that more people aren’t tuning in! Great advice!

[@RVLifeNOW]

James, Thanks for the positive. From knowing zero about video and editing, It has been a learning experience. The newer ones are better than the earlier videos and the subscriber numbers are now increasing nicely. Thanks for joining us.

[@funnystuff9998]

We got an AB AL9.5 alloy, hyperlon with 15HP Yamaha. These things are built tough. Still an inflatable though. We met a couple on their second circumnavigation with a 12 foot alloy dingy and Yamaha 3.5 HP. They said inflatables are always ready to let you down and a full alloy tender can be held together with 5200 if needs must. A fair statement considering their experience I reckon.

[@scotyfilms]

I prefer Hypalon inflatables as they act as one big bumper so you never have to worry about scratching and marking up your main vessel. It's a huge consideration for me. An aluminium pipe type dingy to me defeats the whole purpose.

[@sailingcontigo7953]

@@scotyfilms I agree. I built a plywood stich and glue dinghy and hated the way it bumped on the hull of the big boat. I poled it out with a pulley on the end of the pole but it was always a pain. It was nice to have a sailing dinghy though.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@wojomojo]

practical advice is always welcomed!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching

[@AquaMarine1000]

Yes, Aluminium chemical symble Al - material number 13 on the Periodic Table of Elements. Aluminum is a trade name for Aluminium used by Alcoa going back to the nineteen century. I have two Al dingies one 1976 vintage and another circa 1950s very durable. Cheers

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for that great history.

[@vxnova1]

Nice to see a positive review of mercury, I live in fond du lac county

[@RVLifeNOW]

OMC and Mercury. I grew up with those engines in Miami. They would never stop running. If we flipped our little boats in the fresh water canal or near by lake, no problem. Pull the plugs, drain the carb, dry out under the flywheel and it would be running 15 minutes later.

[@anchorsawaysailing3966]

Love the turtles. Great info on dinghies. We have not purchased one for our sailboat yet so this was excellent information.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@b45lo]

Brian Lockett, Annapolis MD Glad you mentioned 17" tubes at the end, important in my view. Would have liked to hear no endorsement for a fiberglass seat that damages the tubes. Our preference is for a dinghy with no floor. Dinghy with floor is too heavy. If no drain plug, inevitably fills with water. We have an Apex A-ll Lite that has been terrific, paired with a Yamaha 15 hp 2 stroke. Served us well. Love your web site!

[@RVLifeNOW]

At 53 pounds, that is an incredibly light dinghy and still rated for a 15hp. Very impressive. We have the fiberglass athwart ship seat but never use it. Would only get in the way.

[@clayz1]

Subscribed. I thought, “That was a really good video”. Is what I thought. Dinghy’s? I learned a lot seeing as how I’m a couch potato with no boats. Liked the little nature show at the end.

[@RVLifeNOW]

ClayZ, thanks for joining us.

[@bikemessenger7]

the end really made me laugh!

[@flyingdutchman6984]

I have a 8.2m/27ft sailboat and the biggest dinghy I could reasonably fit on the foredeck would be about five feet long, and it would still interfere a lot with jibbing. I currently have a 8'6" Porta-bote that folds up tight, and out of the way against the lifelines. I am old and beat to hell, but I can still assemble, and launch the Porta-bote in less than three minutes. I can assemble, launch, and be onshore drinking a cold beer in less time than most could launch their dinghy from the foredeck. As a side benefit no self respecting thief would even consider stealing a Porta-bote when there are always so many pretty RIBs to steal.

[@RVLifeNOW]

We have friends sailing the world on a very big trimaran. They can have any dinghy they want but their choice is a Porta-bote. Long ago I crossed many oceans on a 27' sailboat. I had a very light fiberglass dinghy that wasn't more than 7' long which fit on deck just forward of the mast. It was easy to launch and pull up onto the deck and I could row that boat anywhere. If they existed back then, I might have had a Porta-bote.

[@flyingdutchman6984]

@@RVLifeNOW - my liferaft is mounted forward of the mast, so it also limits the amount of space I have available on the foredeck. Sorry for my late reply. I must have missed your comment.

[@backthebadge4009]

I have a Highfield Aluminum dingy which only weighs 87 lbs with a 9.9 Yamaha which also weighs 87 lbs. Dinghy and motor only 174 lbs...It’s an excellent dinghy and planes and rides excellent. Fuel tank stores in a compartment in the bow, with the fuel line running under the sub floor. Helps keeps some weight in the bow.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Sounds perfect.

[@Fildefer17]

Sorry to see this video a bit late. It would be good to make a small video on 'how not to be stolen his dinghy ...' ;-) I am thinking of an dinghy like that of S/V Delos, aluminum big tubes (air chamber?), it seems made in Australia, perhaps expensive and heavy? Thank you for your videos, and I clicked 'thumb up'! ;-)

[@zivkovicable]

I know this is a few years old now, but modern electric outboards are now definitely worth a look for tender use. They take up less space on board, are lighter, can be stored horizontally, almost silent, make less mess & don't pollute the marine enviroment we all love so much. Plus with solar panels you can run your tender for free. 2 strokes are on their way out.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Interesting. Can they plane heavy two floored ribs though?

[@zivkovicable]

@@RVLifeNOW A 50HP Elco should do it, or even a 20 HP. Not that I need anything like that for my needs, as I use mine to power a tender.

[@dariusseo480]

Patrick RIP, your wisdom persists

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yes…sure does… thank you

[@brucevov1]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me .I love y'all May you always have calm Seas & always have the winds at your back. God bless

[@RVLifeNOW]

That’s a beautiful wish for us...thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos! This one is an older one...hope you have watched some of the newer ones too. -Rebecca

[@paul2466]

Nicely done, very informative

[@mitchpender8113]

Great videos, subbed! Thank you

[@RVLifeNOW]

Mitch, Thanks for the sub.

[@joekjoe1]

Just a heads up… Yamaha and Mercury do not make two strokes anymore….. only four strokes. If you want to buy a two stroke it will be used or older model.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Actually you can get the 2 strokes which are made in the USA. But you can only buy them outside of the USA. Was looking at a new mercury 2 stroke at Budget Marine in Greneda yesterday. Only illegal on the USA and probably a few other countries , but totally legal in many many countries.

[@svZia-Switch51]

Nice perspectives, thank you for sharing

[@RVLifeNOW]

comments. I have so appreciated everyones support during the last few difficult years... Thanks for watching...Hope you still are... abd thanks for your comments

[@theohoag]

Thank you, interesting insights. We have a Highfield, Like the aluminum one you showed at the end of the dinghy section. Have been very happy with it. I wanted to let you know that the single drain hole in the sub floor does drain when you’re up on plane, even though it looks low it works really well. We have been very happy with our Highfield, it is gotten extensive use and abuse and is held up very well.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Glad to hear...thanks

[@TheBeaker59]

I got rid of my inflatable because it was just too awkward and heavy and was too big to get on deck of my 28ft keel boat also motors just don't last for me I kill them too quick so built a light plywood dinghy that was easy to get aboard and lay on the fordeck on my own I can work around it easily while at sea also it rows like a dream. I can also carry it on my back quite some distance easily I have carried it a block from the beach and laid it on the deck of the bar I was drinking at :). Things I miss is the load carrying ability of the inflatable and stability but then everything is a tradeoff right,

[@RVLifeNOW]

Sounds like the perfect dinghy for that size of sailboat. Certainly the wood dinghy will easier to row than the inflatable. Thanks for your comment.

[@RVLifeNOW]

John Edwards Pretty cool! Thanks for watching! -Rebecca

[@TheBeaker59]

@@RVLifeNOW cheers Rebecca if I could tell a story about the wooden dinghy I built it with my Autistic son to teach him the beauty of building something from plans turning a 2 dimensional set of materials into a useful 3 dimensional thing like a boat. The moment when we unfolded the stitch and tape bottom panels and they formed a real boat shape was a lifechanging moment for Josh. That and the raw fun of spending a series of weekends working on a project as father and son.

[@RVLifeNOW]

John Edwards Yep...nothing like boat building to draw father(or mother) and son (or daughter) closer together. Bet that was a great lesson for your son, and something you both will remember forever! -Rebecca

[@douglasmccarty1196]

We use a Zodiac as a dingy, Find it is very tough. It is really good in rough seas

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yep. Good name.

[@chokedup53]

11 years. i'd say you got your money's worth. nice informative video.

[@RVLifeNOW]

This dinghy has lasted far longer than I would have ever expected....and it has many more years left. I think we can thank the chaps for doing what they are supposed to do.

[@chokedup53]

@@RVLifeNOW i have a achilles with an 9 horse evinrude. they are 30 plus years old. change the plugs, and good to go. heavily as all get out, but when i open it up, it flies.

[@RVLifeNOW]

I grew up in Miami putting many miles on my 6 or 10 horse Evinrude's pushing small home made boats. When far from home, even ran the 6 horse on stove alcohol and a little oil. Like you say, new plugs once in a while is all those good old engines ever needed.

[@inmoneywetrust3292]

Good información! Mr Patrick! Thanks!!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks

[@josemmontes5810]

great tips, thank you...

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching and commenting and subscribing!

[@caveman_period6282]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@RVLifeNOW]

He did give us all some great info...

[@chiefcliff]

Great tip on spray painting brand new motor... hard to do but worth the pain. I've heard of guys spray painting them pink or something annoying so that it could be spotted if stolen.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yes, a real oddball color might be better. In fact, when we haul out soon I think I will spray a new color and get rid of the black. The black really gets hot in this tropic sun and an odd color would make the engine more identifiable from a distance.

[@albatros1752]

wow , finaly someone talk about MDO !!!

[@RVLifeNOW]

MDO is my first choice. Thanks for watching.

[@numidian5191]

As far as an outboard on the dinghy, I went with a propane Tohatsu because I didnt want to carry another fuel. I already have a propane stove, and heater, so I figured I would go with propane. Just finished my first season with it, and it worked out very well. Never had to refill. I can even fill my propane tank from the propane tanks on board the boat, if I absolutely had too, or just take one of the tanks from the boat. In any case, I am not dealing with gas and I like. P.S., propane is as dangerous as gas, so you have to stow it properly.

[@RVLifeNOW]

propane makes perfect sense. Even back in 1968 when I had a job at a private aircraft hanger at Miami International Airport, the ramp and highway vehicles all ran on propane. When recently in Cambodia, we filled our two boat propane tanks at a gas station as many vehicles in Cambodia run on propane. Why not an outboard. How many horse power is you outboard? Are there brands, other than Tohatsu, that offer the propane option?

[@ionuin2488]

Great video, where do I find the keel guard rubber material? Thank you.

[@RVLifeNOW]

It is called Keel Guard and all the normal marine suppliers have it, including West Marine, Seattle Fisheries, Defender.

[@NotMitch69]

Dude, I love your channel.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks! And Thanks for watching!

[@gymcoachdon]

Great info from someone who is doing it. Subbed and liked!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thank you, Don.

[@thesailingkiwi]

excellent videos Patrick, thanks for sharing

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thank you.

[@penney304]

Thanks Patrick for all your informative videos, very helpful to us new sailors. I have a 23' offshore cc fishing boat so I know a little about saltwater and outboard maintenance. I watch a lot of sailing videos but I haven't seen one about how you sailors maintain your outboards. Knowing how precious fresh water is on a sailboat, I'm wondering if you guys flush your motors with fresh water after a trip to the dock or wherever? Thanks Gary...

[@RVLifeNOW]

Gary, sorry for taking so long to respond but we have been at sea along the African coast. I grew up in Miami and anytime after using a boat and outboard in the ocean, we thoroughly cleaned everything including flushing the engine with clean fresh water. Certainly don't have that luxury while sailing across oceans. The cooling systems of my outboard engines now, never get flush with fresh water. The little 3.3 Merc is at least 15 years old and the 15hp Merc is 6 years old. Surprisingly, there has never been a problem from not flushing. Sometimes I do wash down the power head and spray with an anticorrosion spray or WD40. Once in a while the throttle linkage and especially the butterfly valve to the carburetor, of the 15hp will bind up if not lubricated occasionally. We bought our first 15hp Merc, two stroke in Nassau. 6 years later it was running fine but we had the opportunity to buy the exact engine from Guam for $1,800 so we did. Nice to just swap them out to avoid maintenance issues.

[@TonyAnschutz]

I understand your preference for RIBs but do you have any experience with hard tenders or portabotes?

[@RVLifeNOW]

I sailed around the world with a fiberglass rowing dinghy when the only other option was an inflatable dinghy. That dinghy was only good for rowing to shore and not exploring any great distance. The inflatables could carry only a small outboard and were extremely difficult to row against a wind or in a current. Our friends, who live on a large trimaran, have sailed all over the Pacific and love their Portaboat but I can’t come up with any details to pass on to you about it. Seems there is a type of dinghy to suite every personality and cruising style. One cruiser had a double ended canoe for a dinghy. He never had problems with Customs or Immigration wanting to go out to his boat. Here is a link to the trimaran. You can see their Portaboat off the stern while at Minerva Reef, in the middle of nowhere between Tonga and New Zealand. brucebalan.com/migrations/ Bruce should be able to answer your Portaboat questions.

[@TonyAnschutz]

Thank you for teh detailed response. YOur years of experience shine through and the tips and ideas you share mean a great deal to we the noobie cruisers. Thank you.

[@mitchellluxton7471]

Mate the inner hull dran has to be as low as possible other wise water won’t drain, but great video by the way love the channel

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching!

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

I have a dinghy made out of high density polyethylene called an Oliver Boat. It looks like an inflatable but is actually hard plastic with seats molded into the inside half of what look like inflatable tubes that make the sides of the boat, so there is more room in the boat than a comparably sized inflatable or RIB. There is a top and a bottom piece joined in a thick rub rail going all around the outside edge of the boat. It is hollow and supposed to be filled with foam, although mine arrived without the foam. It is thick, hard plastic and unlikely to ever get worn through or punctured. If I do need to make a repair, the part of a zip-tie you cut off and throw away is made of the same stuff. A soldering iron can weld it using the zip-tie as filler, but there is a better plastic welding tool similar to a soldering iron with a small flat triangular foot that makes it easier to get a smooth finish on your plastic welds. My outboard is a cruise n carry 2 stroke, air cooled outboard with about 2.5 hp that is very light, like 10 or 15 pounds so I can easily carry it in one hand when putting it on or off the dinghy. Its so ugly, no one would ever think about stealing it.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Sounds like the perfect boat. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@flyingdutchman6984]

Oliver Boats has a good concept but are quickly gaining a bad reputation in the yachting world. A friend ordered one, they charged his credit card, and eight months later he is still waiting. Your own story of receiving one without the closed cell foam worries me as well. That is some real crappy quality control if they can forget to fill the hulls with foam.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

@@flyingdutchman6984 I got mine at a place in South Miami. There was a bit of a wait, then an email telling me to come get it. I think the place was called DockTech or something like that. The lady at the DMV gave me a fuss about the certificate of origin being for a Docktec boat and I was trying to register an Oliver boat. I went to a different DMV office and a different clerk registered it with no problem (I live in Florida). I plan to add some A-B foam in small increments so i don't blow up the dinghy with pressure from the expanding foam, but first I plan to make a storage bin in the front by setting a hatch into the large, flat area near the bow and a bulkhead to keep the foam from flowing up there. It is very strong so storing it on its side in holders I made on the dive platform works really well for me.

[@flyingdutchman6984]

@@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958 - They do seem like an almost indestructible solution, but not being able to to collapse and store them I believe limits their use for yachts. I am currently flying a Canadian flag, although I haven't return there in years, and thankfully I do not need to register a recreational boat. One less government agency to drive me crazy is always a good thing.

[@sailingcontigo7953]

We have an aluminum AB RIB...came with the boat. Its a 9 footer which is a bit short. When we replace it we will get a 10 ft and after watching your evaluation of the fiberglass dink you have I definitely won't change away from AL. We have a 9.9 Mercury 2 stroke that always starts. I'd go bigger with the new dink. I'm enjoying your videos style, lots of good advice from a seasoned sailor. I think its even more interesting to me since we both have Valiants. The underwater video was nice but maybe you need a red filter?? Thanks for the hard work you do to produce these and I will pass along to my Valiant friends. Ed

[@RVLifeNOW]

Ed, Always good to hear from other Valiant owners. The next video I will show you why blocking under the keel, near the trailing edge, has been a structural problem for so many Valiant owners....and what I did to fix it. Thanks for watching.

[@jimanderson2518]

I was doing some research on this oddly as a subscriber I must have missed this one ...or forgot You didn't mention Honda motors any particular reason for this ?? Besides making my self a target for thieves Thanks you made some good points which I will take to the Annapolis boat show to purchase a new dingy Fairwinds from the @captains.chair

[@RVLifeNOW]

Out here, well away from the U.S., we have rarely seen Honda engines. I have seen no distrubutors for Honda outboards. When we left the U.S., we had a 5 hp Honda. The carburation was always difficult on that engine. No matter how I cleaned and dealt with that engine it would not run right. To sell it I bought a new carburator and that got it running correctly. We sold it in Nassau and bought the 15hp Merc although I would have been equally as satisfied with a Yamaha....but those were sold out. I later talked to other Honda owners and they had the same carburator problems with their outboards. They got rid of their Hondas and bought another brand.

[@FajaGallagher]

Any thoughts on electric outboard motors? Aside from the target of theft they tend to be more eco-friendly. Is charging the main issue?

[@RVLifeNOW]

Electric outboards may be perfectly fine for some cruisers and for the purpose they use their dinghy. For us, it would not be practical. We use our dinghy for very far off excursions which requires high speed, long range and reliability. For close in work, we have a 3.3 outboard.

[@darb4091]

Probably the best bomber combination would be an aluminum hull with a jet drive outboard; the only two downsides being added cost and decreased fuel economy. But you could plane across a few inches of water and have little to be concerned about. As you are probably aware, electric is gaining ground and with a solid recharging system onboard gasoline wouldn't be needed at all onboard. Finally, not a RIB, but in terms of versatility, nothing comes close to the Portland Pudgy; tender, mini sailboat and emergency life raft (added kits for the later two), something to consider.

[@RVLifeNOW]

All great ideas. There are compromises for any kibd of dinghy for a sailboat.

[@Toffie10]

Patrick, I myself was a commercial fisherman for 4 years. If you see a commercial fishing boat with Mercurys here in South Africa, it is a happening. The beleive is that they are not so corrosion resistant in the salty waters around our coast, although you wil find them on most recreational boats inland on the fresh water systems. I used Mariner enjins and had one boat with Evenrudes. Mariner is the most popuplar enjine here in South Africa. You will see a boat with Johnsons one in a while. Seem we must start thinking about diesolene outboards. :-)

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks Pieter. I think Mariner and Mercury are or were the same. The 2 stroke Merc we have was made in the U.S. and might wear diferently than those made in Japan. So far, in 12 years, our two U.S. Merc 15hp, have done extremely well. But that’s all a great summary of engines here. Thanks for watching -Rebecca

[@jwrappuhn71]

Excellent vid Patrick.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks J.

[@barrywmw1290]

Great show pat..

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks, Barry.

[@MrZachalewel]

I love ribs. Yall find good bbq while sailing around the world?

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching…

[@gmoose777]

Just for info and possibly to help with parts availability all recent Mercury outboards below 40hp are badge engineered Yamaha engines and parts are interchangeable, also what is your opinion of hdpe dinghies

[@RVLifeNOW]

My Mercury, two stroke, 15hp was made in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It is different from the Mercs you are speaking of. But good to know a Yamaha part will fit the other Mercs. I bought my first Wisconsin made Merc in Nassau. The second I bought in Guam. These are made "For export only".

[@RVLifeNOW]

What is an HDPE Dinghy? -Rebecca

[@gmoose777]

@@RVLifeNOW they are blow moulded plastic similar to an esky they are very strong and alledgedly unsinkable Polycraft is one brand they manufacture boats from 8ft to 17ft in length

[@RVLifeNOW]

I will check them out! We will need a new Dinghy someday!

[@johnthomas5166]

We have an Avon RIB that has some age in and I am considering making the pontoons out if aluminum before we head out. The one we have had the exposed inner hull in the back so self bailing works well. We can't wait to untie the lines and get going. See you out there.

[@RVLifeNOW]

We will be looking for you.

[@derrickjohnston7181]

Yep spot on

[@RVLifeNOW]

Derrick, Thanks, it is good to have verification.

[@donaldl.blandjr.6442]

Excellent !

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching so many of our sailing videos…we appreciate it!

[@brianhook8655]

Mercury engines up to about 40hp are Tohatsu

[@RVLifeNOW]

Not this two stroke Mercury. It was made in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin "For Export Only". This Merc I bought in Guam. Our first Merc, made in Fon du Lac, was bought in Nassau.

[@TheebayOffroader]

Forget inflatables! Get polycarbonate. Probably the best tender ever is the polycraft tuffy tender 3.0. can fit 15hp+ it's the most stable dighy ever and it's virtually indestructible.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yeah, but at nearly 240 pounds it would just be too difficult to get on and off deck all the time, so it wouldn’t work for a boat our size and our crew. But otherwise looks like a great dinghy! Everything you want in a dinghy except for the weight. Maybe one made out of aluminum would reduce this problem? -Rebecca

[@TheebayOffroader]

@@RVLifeNOW The Polycraft is only 165lbs, But if that is still too heavy I can Very highly recommenced the boat I have, which is the 3m Finn, Spindrift. Just as good even better on some things. Tough as old boots, stable, loads of room and very fast. I have a 15hp 2 stroke and it goes great. I have had many different tenders and after having a poly boat I wont have anything else. My boat will probably last me until I die. I'm 50 now btw. Oh I forgot. It only weighs 130lbs www.polycraft.com.au/300-tuff-tender/ www.finnboats.com.au/products/boats/spindrift-3-0m/

[@TheebayOffroader]

@@RVLifeNOW The 2.4 spindrift is only 99lbs.

[@RVLifeNOW]

That looks nice too. But it won’t take our 15HP. So many choices..so many things to consider. Everything is a compromise on a sailboat, even which dinghy is best for a particular sailboat! Thanks for your ideas though! Likely a good choice for someone! -Rebecca

[@TheebayOffroader]

@@RVLifeNOW The polycraft will take a 15hp+ 4stroke and I have a 15 hp 2 stroke on my spindrift for around 4 years with no problems. If you got one you'd never look back. Anyway If you're happy with what you have that's great. I hope this might be useful to someone else.👍

[@cosmosradio]

Great video. Thanks! I'm new to sailing. Starting with a dinghy and navigation school in the San Juan islands then as I learn more abt the different sailboats and find the right boat I'll make the big purchase. Not sure what dinghy to get or motor. I'm looking at the inflatable. A hypa is better than pvc? What length/width is too big or is there such a thing. Whatever dinghy I get I will keep and use for the sail boat. Any extra insight is appreciated!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Cosmo, it all depends on what you want to use it for. Like the advise we first got was, "Get the biggest dingy you can fit on the deck of your boat and the largest engine it will hold" is what most cruisers follow. The dingy is our wheels to get far away to snorkel and fish and explore. Other cruisers are happy with a much lighter duty dingy and tiny engine. Keep at the sailing education. You are in or a good, fun, life ahead playing with sailboats.

[@cosmosradio]

@@RVLifeNOW thanks!!! Looks like in my case I'll have to fit the sailboat I purchase to the dinghy I get. Never thought about that... Haha and yes I'm already enjoying the adventure. Thanks for all your great videos and the sharing of your insight 😊❤⛵⚓

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching...we appreciate your support! -Rebecca

[@KanoKapre]

New sub here.. That’s some very nice underwater footage.. Thnx much ♥️ Jen Shell

[@RVLifeNOW]

Jen, Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@rider850]

Nice video thanks!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Oh thanks for watching this!

[@rodortiz2618]

Excellent Video !!!! Thanks

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks you. Patrick did a good job reviewing what to look for when buying a dinghy. Indeed.

[@everettcrescentreese7609]

How and what do you use for hole repairs. Thanks

[@RVLifeNOW]

Amazingly, we have never had a hole. There was some tabbing, which joined the fiberglass transom to a tube, that partly peeled away from the Hypalon tube. The repairs take a special two part Hypalon glue and precleaning the area with acetone. It takes at least 24 hours for the glue to cure prior to use. We got our supply of glue from a dinghy seller. For patching up scrapes on the fiberglass hull, I used thickened Epoxy.

[@jimnash526]

Thanks for the great video!!!

[@RVLifeNOW]

Glad it’s of interest!..hope you will watch other videos too. Thanks for your comment.

[@svvelanautica2374]

Hi, as I saw Tohatsu is same build engines as Mercury. It is to be mentioned that 2 stroke engines use much more fuel than 4 stroke. As well 2 stroke has an catastrophic environmental result and should no more be used. In many parts of the world 2 stroke is no more available.. I think the small saving on weight is not worth using 2 stroke engines anymore or promote them. Have a good day

[@RVLifeNOW]

Our 15hp Mercury is made in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin, "For Export Only". These engines are different than the Mercs you are referring to. I believe any one who is really concerned about outboard dinghy engines and their relation to the environment would have a sailing dinghy or using oars. Thanks for your comment.

[@svvelanautica2374]

@@RVLifeNOW Hello, thats what I meant " for export only" ... beside sailing your dinghy it´s at least posiible to keep damage as small as possible by not using " export only engines ", there might be a reason why they are forbidden in US. Thats just our opinion. We deal with that decision every day in our cruising life.... all the best and good sailing, Oliver

[@RVLifeNOW]

You too Oliver...good for you trying to make an even smaller footprint than us sailors do already. Every bit helps. We don’t like the 4 strokes because they are so sensitive to any little water in them. It also seems that people replace them more often, work on them more often, and have to have bigger engines to go the same distance and speed, so they consume more gasoline mile for mile, even though they put out less emissions...who knows really at the end of the day which truly has the lesser carbon footprint. The new 2 strokes also are much better than the old ones in regards to fuel efficiency and emissions so I think they are almost equal now. Doomed either way maybe. But it’s still good to try and do the right thing, and for that I commend you! -Rebecca

[@svvelanautica2374]

@@RVLifeNOW I was not talking about CO2. I was talking about toxic stuff. The exhaust gas of an outboard goes into the water. Wikipedia writes: Oil is mixed with petrol fuel beforehand. All that oil then forms emissions, either by being burned in the engine or as oily droplets in the exhaust. This create more exhaust emissions, particularly hydrocarbons, than four-stroke engines of comparable power output. The combined opening time of the intake and exhaust ports in some 2-stroke designs can also allow some amount of unburned fuel vapors to exit in the exhaust stream. The high combustion temperatures of small air-cooled engines may also give high NOx emissions. / end of Wikipedia. And that toxic stuff damages marine live, what we all like to enjoy. Even in countrys like India 2 Stroke is baned nowadays. There is no way to make a "better" 2 stroke. Beside that 2 Stroke is very fuel un efficiant, you find yourself much more often at the fuelstation than a 4 Stroke driver. If you dont belive me, you smell that stuff every day you ride your dinghi.

[@RVLifeNOW]

All great points! Thanks for the comments! -Rebecca

[@johnpowell3392]

Just acquired a Carribe dingy with the Tayana 37 I bought. Needs new chaps. I am surprised that Carribe or other manufactures don't sell ready to fit chaps for their certain sized products. Am I wrong? I was told they had to be custom made and that means they are more expensive. Any suggestions/ideas? Love your videos. Have learned a lot. Best to you both. John

[@RVLifeNOW]

I know, that is surprising they don't have one of these foreign sail makers/canvas shops make chaps to be resold. They are too expensive to have made in the U.S.. We had chaps made in Cartagena, Colombia, then years later, Miri, Malaysia. Labor is far cheaper in these foreign countries, but the materials can be far more expensive than in the U.S.. Carry the Sunbrella with you if you sail off to foreign countries.. Maybe too, the high quality thread. And just keep asking for quotes until you hear the right price! Thanks for your positive comment. That helps to keep us motivated.

[@derrickjohnston7181]

Welcome from sv no problem 9 yr water life.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Excellent

[@codysheridan100]

I'm trying to work the other way around, to find a boat to take a decent size rhib (without spending money on a cat). I mainly want to travel around to go diving, so something that can carry some heavy gear is what I 'want'. I'm currently looking for a ~40' steel boat. Do you think you could hang a larger rhib off the back of your boat than you can fit on the deck? What do you think the drawbacks are to hanging a boat off the back compared to on the fore-deck?

[@RVLifeNOW]

Handing a dinghy off the back of the sailboat not bad for local sailing, but best to put on deck for passages. Too many time we hear of dinghies on davits filling with water and ripping off the boat.

[@codysheridan100]

​@@RVLifeNOW​ I'm surprised a steel boat can't be engineered sufficiently. I'm not sure there is a way to get a 3.6-4.1m rib on board, I'll have to temper my expectations.

[@jonathanvince8173]

Very interesting. We had a flatacraft dinghy but as fibreglass there wast steel confections from the transom to the floor to make it strong. But as we found out the fibreglass would crack from stress of the engine which was as recommended a Yamaha 40 But the transom broke off one day. As inflatable the Dinghy did not sink. So went back to the makers and they gave us a factory Brand new one. So we traded it in for a power craft instead as knowing it would crack. I hope the company realised the weaknesses of their Dinghy's.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Very good information. Thanks for sharing it.

[@russcattell955i]

We have a 2.3m Zodiac with 2.5 Suzuki 4 stroke. All is well here.

[@uglyboats]

Sv Apolima in Majuro. Built Danny Green design Chameleon stretched to 13’8”. Rows well, sails and motors well with Torqeedo 2001 does 5-6kts. Dinghy 105 lb & motor 29 lb. Easy to pull up on beach. Stitch & glue easy repair. No gas on-board, charge with solar. Dinghy stores upside down on foredeck while sailing protecting hatches. Torqeedo stores below. Stable and carries heavy load of diesel jugs or water. We are seniors, 75 & 80 , so it meets our needs and budget. Motor will move our 27 ton boat at 2+ kts. Good advice in video.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Good deal!

[@SailingPauHana]

We bought a PVC Zodiac. We plan to make chaps; do you think the chaps will protect the boat for sun? The cost between Hyapolon and PVC was so much, it’s almost worth the gamble. What do you think?

[@RVLifeNOW]

There is no gamble, it is a certain loss if the dinghy is to be used for more than just seasonally. Sorry to sound blunt but any long term cruiser I know who tried a PVC dinghy was disappointed. Certainly the chaps will help and maybe when the time comes fit the next dinghy. The more coverage, not just against sun but chafe, the better.

[@marcushennings9513]

Don't forget to factor in the possibility of theives, they love stealing dinks especially with motors. Inflatable rip easy with barnacles and excessive sun exposure.

[@garyanderson8273]

did you ugly up the engine to help prevent theft or was there another reason that you don't want the prettiest outboard?

[@RVLifeNOW]

I really hated to do it but within hours of getting the new 15hp Merc, I spray painted, with black paint, over the pretty blue and red decals on the cover. Instantly, it was not such the attractive lure it was a few minutes previous. Still a valuable theft item though, but maybe a thief, if he had a choice, would go for one that looks newer. We like to anchor near those big shiny, well cared for catamarans....

[@flyingdutchman6984]

Sadly it seems that small outboard engines are hot ticket items with thieves regardless of where you travel in the world. I have been in marina's where half a dozen small outboards have gone missing in a single evening. Anything you can do to not make yourself the 'lowest hanging fruit' is to your benefit.

[@RVLifeNOW]

I had a friend lose his dinghy and engine in Newport, Rhode Island and we just had a friend lose his outboard here in Tanzania. Fortunately we have never lost anything to thieves but, even in marinas, we keep everything locked. We give thieves as little chance as possible. Outboard engines and computers are high on the thief list.

[@flippatmedbernt]

Great

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for watching!

[@boweafiberglass9547]

Interesting

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks

[@cojack5941]

Longitudely 😂😂 I love it

[@tehallanaz]

lon·gi·tu·di·nal /ˌlänjəˈt(y)o͞od(ə)nəl/ adjective 1. running lengthwise rather than across. "longitudinal muscles"

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks!

[@josue_estrada_everywhere]

Very good information, thank you! Saludos from 🇩🇴

[@gerbentvandeveen]

Ik heb een loden star gehad. Van 2.3 mtr tot 3.5 hp. Ik had 6 hp achter de boot vol speed alleen de staart van de moter was in het water, en kan niet sturen.

[@RVLifeNOW]

"I have had a lead star. From 2.3 mtr to 3.5 hp. I had 6 hp behind the boat full of speed only the tail of the motor was in the water, and can not steer" Sounds like a good light boat. I wish ours was not heavy fiberglass.

[@theespjames4114]

Still the most common sense Dinghy video on KZbin.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Wow thank you. I’m so glad he did these videos… for many reasons.

[@pb6839]

Why do people have inflatable dinghy’s? Is there any benifit to it? The weight can’t be that different from all aluminum or fiberglass

[@RVLifeNOW]

Inflatable easier on the topsides of your big boat whether on deck or alongside. Much more stable. Easier to get in to when snorkelling from it…

[@pb6839]

@@RVLifeNOW thanks! that makes alot of sense.

[@peterhoward7521]

My inflatable does not tear at my hull like aluminium does, even how careful you are it happens.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Tep

[@limbandtreeremoval]

Rough weather, boat moves, beating boat up, along with yourself... Hence, Why you leave in...and drag 90% of time... Exceptionally in sailboat Trawler, i would assume is a cake walk (easy)...

[@johngagne33]

Excellent video Captain Patrick! I didn't like the idea of a 15hp motor until you mentioned how it could get you out of trouble as a tug. That makes sense.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Hi John, Our Avon is rated for a 10hp but we have never had a problem running a 15hp on the boat. A 15hp is the most popular engine amongst the cruisers I have seen. But of course there are plenty of cruisers who are happy with their 5-8hp engines. Your GoPro got the under water footage for this video. I just don't trust taking my GP5 underwater. I know several people who have had their GP5 leak. Hope all is well on your end.

[@johngagne33]

@@RVLifeNOW very good here Patrick. I'm working on plan to earn more money now. I have a mooring on the coast now and I want to upgrade to a 30 foot newer j boat or hunter . I'm thinking of a aluminum flat floor dinghy so I can roll it up and stow in on a trip to Bermuda or something like that.

[@Stoic-of-Rome]

That montage was some of the grottiest dinghys I've ever seen LOL

[@RVLifeNOW]

Most of those dinghies belong to real life world cruisers. I like to see far better looking dinghies than ours when we tie up to a dock. We see that as bait for the thieves.

[@rebeccachildressmichaelhay6420]

Dinghies don’t stay new looking while cruising, and once you are out there, it’s pretty difficult to get a new one, so you keep going with what you have for as long as possible! Agree with Patrick’s comment below. We always try to tie up alongside a new one...so that outs looks good and grotty!!!

[@dinkaboutit4228]

TITLE: Best Dinghy for Bluewater Sailboats CONTENT: What's Wrong With My Dinghy

[@RVLifeNOW]

Haha..hope you have a better one now :)

[@brucesinclair2981]

Hello I did not see anything on a true aluminum dinghy.

[@RVLifeNOW]

You rarely see all aluminum dinghies used as a tender to cruising sail boats.

[@inmoneywetrust3292]

I will put graffiti on my next outboard, so far only had 1/2 in my lifetime! 😂😊

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yep

[@zakiranderson722]

You bought a Mercury because they ran out of Yamaha's . LoL I'd have used paddles until one came in.

[@RVLifeNOW]

No actually we specifically wanted a Mercury because we already had spare parts :)

[@zakiranderson722]

@@RVLifeNOW 🤣you'll need em. ♥️

[@dennisfromoz6436]

Patrick, your great with "Floating My Boat"...LOL But my "Knees" ain't that tough so on with my Chaps. Thanks again mate.

[@RVLifeNOW]

You are welcome, Dennis.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Great legacy he left everyone.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yes, that’s for sure. He has taught us all so much!

[@rebeccachildressmichaelhay6420]

Also...did Patrick mention our blog... Patrick just had another great article published... whereisbrickhouse.com/2018/10/03/what-worked-what-didnt-after-11-years/

[@RVLifeNOW]

Yes