My least favourite part of owning a boat is having to use my inflatable to get to her. I'm extremely uncomfortable being in the dinghy and very anxious about climbing into my yacht from the dinghy and descending back down into it. At any moment I fear being tipped into the water and recent posts where this has happened to others only heighten my fears. My basic inflatable is clearly not right for me so I need to find an alternative.
There's a lot of choice out there but I don't know the pro's and con's of each - I like the look of the Plastimo rigid dinghies with their cathedral-hull and inbuilt wheel, but I'd be equally happy with a stylish older wooden dinghy.
My question is what should I look for - a traditional shaped plastic row-boat type; a dory; a cathedral-hulled one; a larger inflatable; something else?
Which shaped hull / design would best provide me with the stablity I evidently desire?
For stability there is no contest - it has to be an inflatable. The Avon Redcrest is still to my mind the standard as it has the largest volume of buoyancy for its size. However it does not row or motor particularly well. Rigid transom styles have virtually taken over, but they have less carrying capacity and buoyancy for a given length, but are better for motoring performance and at least as good for rowing, particularly if they have a shaped floor.
A conventional hard dinghy has advantages - good load carrying and usually good propulsion, but are far more tippy, usually heavier and less convenient. When I had a swinging mooring I used a lightweight clinker pram to get out to the boat and a Redcrest when cruising.
Look around and you will see that the most common tender is a 2.4 or 2.6 m rigid transom inflatable - for good reason. You just have to choose your level of sophistication in materials, fittings and floors!
With regard to boarding your yacht from a tender, the key is make sure it is secure both fore and aft and place your weight in the middle of the tender, although to be honest I often use the tube of the Redcrest and have never had a dunking.
Good advice from Tranona. I have yet to be in any form of rigid tender that felt more stable than an inflatable. When I first began cruising many years ago a friend advised me to buy the biggest inflatable that I could manage. A Zodiac 310 came up cheap, I bought it and blessed the day when I did. It was a pain to tow behind a 29 ft boat, far too big to carry on deck, but was superb for getting four people ashore in a very tidal mooring in bad weather.
I now have a Quicksilver 270, again rather on the large side but excellent when it counts, carrying loads in bad weather. It has an airdeck and inflatable keel, giving it reasonable rowing capability and good handling under outboard.
So far as boarding is concerned, it's a matter of keeping your weight central and as upright as possible, and plenty of practice. It also helps if you have something decent on the yacht to land on - a platform, good boarding ladder or whatever, that is firmly attached.
I have a 12ft Tinker Traveller. Along with its baby and newer RIB siblings, they seem to be extremely stable and immensely tough. Two people can sit on the side tube with feet over the side, and there's no fear of it overturning.
Which shaped hull / design would best provide me with the stablity I evidently desire?
Inflatable the bigger the better would be my shout.
I have an Avon 3.4 which is very stable and will stand all sorts of abuse. It is old and I picked it up very cheaply. I also carry a Redcrest (the big one either stays on the mooring or has to be towed) which is good but will go over if you are silly (don't ask). When they go, they go quickly; be particularly careful if you have inexperienced sailors aboard.
I share Vid's dislike of getting from yacht to tender and vice-versa. Particularly in the black dark with a chop on the water and a strong tide flowing. I have a transom ladder and I pass the inflatable's painter between the bottom two rungs and pull it taut. The dinghy is then hard up to the bottom of the ladder and in line with the yacht, so if you fall you are almost sure to fall into the dinghy. I think inflatables are the safest tenders but you want one with large dia tubes and a steady floor.
I owned a Plastimo but not not find it any thing like as stable as an inflatable. Now have a Walker bay with the inflatable collar and the stability is very impressive - better than any other dinghy I have used so far but the range of experience is limited.
A Walker Bay without the collar (I did not know about them at the time) very nearly killed the
wife and I last year. Good initial stability but no secondary, once they start to go over they do not stop! As a result we bought a Bic245, advertised as almost impossible to capsize. Having used it all season with a small Honda and under oars I am still not happy. Although I am sure it is safe, it does not 'feel' safe. It is a bit lively in any sort of a chop and rather wet, however it is a joy to launch and recover, is self bailing and tows like a dream. The safest feeling tender we used this year was
my old mums Gull sailing dinghy sans sailing rig.
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"ahh, an' them's that dies will be the lucky ones"
A large inflatable with a good floor (solid or inflatable) is what you need. I also find using a bow and stern painter makes getting in and out much easier. My Avon Redshank with a solid wooden floor is stable and a fantastic load carrier, I happily use it standing up.
Fed up with getting drenched from boat to shore with a standard inflatable, we bought a 2.6m Waveline rib this spring. What a relavation - sturdy, dry and, as we have to use the spinny halliard to bring aboard, much better on my back. It stores nicely on the foredeck so no problems with where to store it below and no pumping up each time we want to use it. Vast improvement and very reasonably priced.
I agree with Tranona about Avons & have a Redstart myself, but in terms of stability a transomed design has a great advantage when loading or operating an outboard as your weight is better positioned. I have seen an old-style Redstart capsize backwards when the operator was loading an outboard.
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totally agree with vyv, air deck inflatable. Had fitted a stern platform this season gone and without a doubt one of the best investments i've done. So much easier and safer boarding our yacht.
For stability there is no contest - it has to be an inflatable. The Avon Redcrest is still to my mind the standard as it has the largest volume of buoyancy for its size. However it does not row or motor particularly well.
With regard to boarding your yacht from a tender, the key is make sure it is secure both fore and aft and place your weight in the middle of the tender, although to be honest I often use the tube of the Redcrest and have never had a dunking.
I have aRedcrest and after spendind £20 at IKEA on a bed base(PBO tip) I now have a lightweight convex floor and rowing is a delight! Cut the curved slats to fit under tubes,fit rubber links ,inflate to keep in position and Robert is your father's brother !
Good idea. I have never been too bothered with the floppy floor. Have, however used the same slats, suitably shaped on my sleeping bunk. Very comfortable and a fraction of the cost of the yottie ones.
My redstart currently has a large solid piece of ply with lots of tasteful holes drilled in it. Was done by the previous, previous owner. All fine whilst she stays inflated but I think I may go for something a little more practical when she needs to be folded up.
But hey you can forgive the old girl since she is older than me..
Back on topic a touch you can see why she is still working good as gold over 30 years later and why they are still made. (and fetching north of £1k)
My question is what should I look for - a traditional shaped plastic row-boat type; a dory; a cathedral-hulled one; a larger inflatable; something else?
Which shaped hull / design would best provide me with the stablity I evidently desire?
Much depends upon the tender's role: is it only used for boat-to-mooring, or does go with the boat on trips?
After years of trying various cominations of inflatable/rigid/oar/outboard, with trolleys or clip-on/bolt-on wheels and getting soaked, I've at last found the best compromise solution for our situation.
For the 1/2 mile trip from pontoon to mooring I use a 3.65m aluminium hulled RIB (no steering console = weight & space), with a 15hp engine permanently attached. It carries at least 4 + weekend 'gear', planes (=less wash) under the 8kt local limit. It's very stable, and most importantly it's DRY (we have got wetter going on the Club launch)
For the 200 yard trip from car park/boatshed to pontoon end, I have made an alloy tube launching trolley with pneumatic tyres (off the 'Pavement Panzers' driven by local VOAPs). It's strong enough to carry the RIB (50kg) & Engine (37kg) plus the weekend 'gear' & a couple of grandkids, yet dismantles & stows in the RIB in a few seconds.
On board we have a 2.4m rigid transom inflatable, which is much more stable and drier (just) but heavier than our previous Redcrests, but still rolls up small enough (just) to stow in a cramped cockpit locker. Its 2.3hp engine stows on the pushpit.
With either inflatable, we board from the side, tie up tightly fore and aft and use the non-slip rigid thwart as the step up/down to/from our 35 footer. No problems. - yet!
As I say, this suits our requirements & situation, which hopefully will have some parallels to your own.
An old friend who had lost a leg changed from mono to cat, but found he had another problem, getting aboard from his inflatable.
He resolved this with a fibreglass catamaran dinghy about 2.5 m by 1.6 m, very stable and dry, short leg outboard enabled him to nose the boat onto the ramp or beach and flip wheels on the back, the rear and mid seats were filled as was was each bow making almost unsinkable completed the package.
Avagoodweekend......
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I've just bought a senior but sound Avon Redcrest and was considering experimenting with making a solid/slatted floor. Anyone know which back copy of the PBO? I was concerned about the wood causing wear points under the tubes (obviously I would try and sand off any edges). Any tips?
Thanks. Dave.
Sorry if a bit off topic, but also on the inside at the bow is a single rubber "socket mount" similar to the 4 that hold the outboard bracket to the inflatable transom........what's it for??
also on the inside at the bow is a single rubber "socket mount" similar to the 4 that hold the outboard bracket to the inflatable transom........what's it for??
As Gavin has said it is part of the forward spraydeck. This is a simply a triangular piece of material that fits over the black nipples on the outside of the hull. A piece of poly tube is pushed into the socket and as it tries to stand vertically it pushes up the deck. Easy to make but not very effective.
I too have been thinking of a floor for the Redshank. An inflatable one would be ideal. It would not have to fit perfectly to be effective.? I look forward to any ideas..
Thanks for your comments and interesting that the consensus remains with the inflatable. I suppose the thing I dislike about them is that whilst they may have high initial stability if they loose it then it goes rapidly, whereas a conventional rowing boat style solid dinghy would be more predictable as it rocked.
The other thing I dislike is their lightness - though useful to transport on dry land I'd prefer something with a bit more weight to it.
I will keep my inflatable but the idea of a pram dinghy for the shore to boat commute still appeals. I'll keep a look out for an old cheap one that I can try.
Can I add an opposing view ? I acquired an old wooden Mirror (sail # in the 7000's), sold the rig at a profit, and used it for years as a tender for my Orwell mooring. Very stable, light, easy to row and easy to tow. When the daggerboard case started a leak, I removed it.
Then some toerag tried to steal it and, is so doing I assume, realised it was no longer a 'sailing' Mirror and proceeded to damage it beyond repair.
I now have a typical grp dinghy which is heavier, not so stable, but just as easy to row and tow and, importantly for me, needs minimal maintenance.
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I've just bought a senior but sound Avon Redcrest and was considering experimenting with making a solid/slatted floor. Anyone know which back copy of the PBO? I was concerned about the wood causing wear points under the tubes (obviously I would try and sand off any edges). Any tips?
My slightly smaller Redstart has a solid ply floor and has been that way for atleast 10 years i'd guess without a hint of wear to the tubes/floor.
Can I add an opposing view ? I acquired an old wooden Mirror (sail # in the 7000's), sold the rig at a profit, and used it for years as a tender for my Orwell mooring. Very stable, light, easy to row and easy to tow. When the daggerboard case started a leak, I removed it.
Then some toerag tried to steal it and, is so doing I assume, realised it was no longer a 'sailing' Mirror and proceeded to damage it beyond repair.
I now have a typical grp dinghy which is heavier, not so stable, but just as easy to row and tow and, importantly for me, needs minimal maintenance.
I would second an old Mirror. A friend used one and found it towed well,was dry, stable and there are plenty around.
I use an aluminium RIB, its 10' long, does not damage my paintwork, and goes like stink with an outboard. It weighs only 31kgs and has a deep v hull so tracks well.
Steer clear of the Walker Bays. Tippy and unrepairable. They will make good planters in the future though!!!
I've just bought a senior but sound Avon Redcrest and was considering experimenting with making a solid/slatted floor. Anyone know which back copy of the PBO? I was concerned about the wood causing wear points under the tubes (obviously I would try and sand off any edges). Any tips?
Thanks. Dave.
Sorry if a bit off topic, but also on the inside at the bow is a single rubber "socket mount" similar to the 4 that hold the outboard bracket to the inflatable transom........what's it for??
Don't know which back no, but was about 4yrs ago! The bed base slats are about 2in wide and slot into rubber sockets .The rubber is in contact with the tubes and floor . Once inflated won't move so no wear. Varnish the slats.
Thanks Ludd. I can imagine the slats but what rubber sockets for capping them?
I followed a post on the Drascombe website on tenders last year and a bloke sank his new Walker Bay, he clearly wanted to get an inflatable but got persuaded into a WB but was very unsatisfied with its stability, he then got an inflatable... Read many good reports on the Bics which lead me peversly to a sit on kayak (by Bic) (but I doubt that is the solution to the original post here).
This is my dinghy - it came with the yacht so I didn't choose it: would other models provide improvements or is this actually quite a reasonable/stable one as inflatables go?
IMO the most stable "normal" dinghy is a 9' Avon Redcrest. I would even go so far as to call it the benchmark. Specs Here. Rated for 4 persons but I would say 2 adults, albeit in years passed it was often that plus 2 kids (one of which me ). If the tubes, beam or length are smaller it will be less stable. Of course not the easiest thing to stow onboard..........but boats are about compromises.
If I recall correctly the way to flip them over when empty (and no wave / tide action) was to stand on the tube, bounce up and down whilst holding the painter that had been threaded through the opposing rowlock and leaning outboard like a dinghy sailor.........once the suction has broken it lands on your head quite quickly Of course I was under 10 stone then. and slightly more energetic
One thing I notice that no one has raised is, size, shape and nimblebess (age?!) of the person using the dinghy IMO anyone carrying more than a couple of stones extra ballast or not so agile on their pins will struggle a bit more than others in any dinghy sized tender..........
But otherwise a stern painter sometimes makes a difference and having a stable boarding point with good handholds. and not rushing always does.
Of course for only accross the harbour use and leave tied to the wall 24/7/365 I have a plastic pram type dinghy built by those fine purveyors of Nautical craft - Plastimo
Despite the fact that I have been known to convey myself accross the harbour whilst standing upright, carrying a bag in one hand and a paddle in the other whilst smoking a fag it's not because it is so wonderfully stable - more that I am scared of moving to sit down Definately not recomended.
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Posted by downthecreek:
You are a prolific producer of offensive and gratuitous drivel
what about the Walker Bay RID? on paper at least they look stable
Works for us.
In sheltered water, the painter goes to the mothership quarter cleat, and a short line from the aft seat (actually the davit eyebolts) to the backstay - would be better if we had a squarer transom rather than sugar scoop, but is stable enough to chuck kit & kids on board.
The wheel is only useful on concrete slips, tho.
I've tried the standing-on-the-tube trick, and my ~13 stone doesn't flip it.
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Thanks Ludd. I can imagine the slats but what rubber sockets for capping them?
I followed a post on the Drascombe website on tenders last year and a bloke sank his new Walker Bay, he clearly wanted to get an inflatable but got persuaded into a WB but was very unsatisfied with its stability, he then got an inflatable... Read many good reports on the Bics which lead me peversly to a sit on kayak (by Bic) (but I doubt that is the solution to the original post here).
If you buy the bed base at IKEA(think it's the single,but measure dinghy) there are rubber strips with sockets included,also webbing to retain slats in situ---once you see it ,it's all very obvious(even to me)!
In answer to Vid's question, (and bearing in mind I'm a beginner in this field) I'd say it looks pretty standard and stable to me, but I know my wife hated getting into a similar sized one on our flotilla holiday. I agree the secret is to tether to the mothership two tight lines fore and aft and keep your weight low and in the middle as you get in. I don't think people use pram type dinghies for increased stability, I think their choice is more about having easy shore storage available and durability, not having to inflate etc. The subtle factors like agility, age, body weight must equally make a big difference. Perhaps my only question would be where does Vid chose to sit in the dinghy if on his own, if I'm sitting on the tube I do like another person to counterbalance and Vid's thwart might be a long stretch to an outboard unless sitting on the floor (I believe technically the correct place to be)
This is my dinghy - it came with the yacht so I didn't choose it: would other models provide improvements or is this actually quite a reasonable/stable one as inflatables go?
This is perhaps the minimum practical size but is really too small for more than one person. You will find the tubes smaller and therefore buoyancy less than the more common sizes. With care it is safe and as others have pointed out all inflatables will flip or slide away if not secure and you put too much weight or pressure on the tubes.
As many have suggested, securing at both the bow and stern and always keeping weight in the middle of the boat is the best technique. To my mind a 2.4m is the minimum practical size. I use both a Redcrest and a Plastimo 240 and a toss up which is better (although for long lfe the Redcrest now 30 years old wins hands down). If I had space I would have a 2.6m rigid transom as the bit of extra length gives a lot more capacity. The new Plastimo model with extra buoyancy in the transom looks promising.
Location: Nottingham .. About as far as you can get from the sea
Posts: 1,145
Walker Bay
We have a 10ft Walker Bay .. Tried it without the floatation collar and shipped alot of water .. Brilliant with it .. We have a Beneteau 323 so entry and exit is from the stern .. Works very well .. Normally two up with kit for the weekend .. Diesel and Water .. Rows very well as well ..
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I use a 14 foot windrush catamaran. I constructed a rowing platform on top of the alloy crossbeams, cockpit has a recess for my feet. I use oars made from windsurfer masts about 3.7 metres long. I can easily row at 5 to 6 knots. Catamaran and gavinised trailer I bought off Ebay for $81.
Last edited by fishermantwo; 08-11-09 at 21:50.
Reason: no photo
We've had a Tinker Traveller for many years-an excellent dinghy which has coped well with rough water. Very stable and a good load carrier. The downside is that it's heavy and doesn't pack up small. For that reason we bought an old Avon Redstart-it's very light, folds up small, goes into the car boot easily and we use it for getting to and from the boat on the mooring. On one occasion I nearly tipped the Avon when about to climb a ladder (would have been stable had there been 2 aboard). The Tinker's freeboard is higher so it's much easier to get on/off board. We've also experienced times when it was too rough for the Avon to get to/from the mooring but the Tinker saved the day. Horses for courses, but if I had to choose it would always be the Tinker.
Most stable tenders/dinghies
). If the tubes, beam or length are smaller it will be less stable. Of course not the easiest thing to stow onboard..........but boats are about compromises.
Of course I was under 10 stone then. and slightly more energetic 
IMO anyone carrying more than a couple of stones extra ballast or not so agile on their pins will struggle a bit more than others in any dinghy sized tender..........
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