Bob,
Other listers seem generally happy with a roll-up and a 2HP, but let me give
you contrarian advice.
When I bought my C&C 34 about 7 years ago to sail on those same waters
(LIS/Vineyard/Block/Buzzards - based in Westport CT), I bought a Zodiac roll-up
and a 2HP Honda. Crew was me, my wife, and 2 kids then 10 &11. I found the
dinghy/outboard combination was too small and underpowered to take everyone,
especially in chop and if we happened to be in an exposed anchorage/mooring.
The flat bottom roll-up did not track well. So I would end up ferrying people
in a couple of runs.
After one season, I switched to a Defender RIB and a Tohatsu 6HP (bought these
at the Defender annual sale). Sold the roll-up and 2HP Honda. This was a major
improvement. Now no problems with wind/chop conditions, due to the rigid keel
and the stronger engine.
Two trade-offs:1) The RIB is heavier to tow (BTW - accept that in reality you
will end up towing the roll-up, rather than assembling/disassembling it every
day on a cruise).2) Heavier engine - I installed a crane on the rear rail. That
makes the job easy. Actually better than trying to man-handle the 2HP.
We're now based in Maine, with 2 teenagers, and I know for sure that the
smaller dinghy/outboard would not work for us.
Anyway, that's my experience.
Regards,
Damian
Damian Greene1982 C&C 34 GhostBass Harbor ME
From: Bob McLaughlin via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Cc: Bob McLaughlin <bob.mclaugh...@alumni.duke.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2017 9:24 PM
Subject: Stus-List Input on inflatable dinghy purchase
Relocating our C&C 110 from a Midwest lake where I had no need for a tender to
now sailing on Narragansett Bay, LI Sound, Buzzard's Bay, Vineyard and
Nantucket Sounds, etc, I'm in need of a basic inflatable to serve as a tender
in harbors without a launch service. I've used them many times on charters but
never really paid much attention to detail.
I'm looking for something relatively compact for 2-4 people that is easy to set
up and collapse and stow, so I think that's best a roll-up. Early in my
thinking, I'm eyeing something like the 8'6" Achillies LSI-260: 4 person
capacity/820lbs, Hypalon, overall weight 64 lbs, inflatable floor, with perhaps
a ~4-5HP outboard. (Or maybe the 9'6" or 10'2" LSI versions of the same
design..) I don't think I need a boat to plane, just basic transportation. No
davits, it will either be towed or stowed.
I welcome input from those of you with inflatable experience to share your
thoughts on brands, material, features, design, size, etc. What factors should
I be considering as I make my selection?
Regards,Bob McLaughlinC&C 110 "Blue Devil"
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
