CLC Eastport Nesting Pram on a CD28

[robh]

I've seen some older posts about trying to fit a proper tender onto some CDs on the boards here, but none have quite answered what I'm looking for. So I'm adding to those types of thread with a new one.

However, I'll reference the other threads to prove I'm not lazy and just asking repeated questions without checking! My question is fairly specific to this model of nesting pram, but I'm happy for any advice.

http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic ... am#p162302
http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic ... sting+pram

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/rowb ... inghy.html

So I'm the proud owner of a CD28, and I'm getting a bit bummed out having to inflate/deflate a kayak to row ashore all the time when I anchor out for the weekends. I'm contemplating building a CLC Eastport nesting pram, and wondered if anyone here on the boards had direct experience with it, and with potentially storing it on the foredeck of a CD28.

Alternatively, if someone knows of a pre-built or kit build for a different tender that would stow on the foredeck of a CD28, please share! I saw the 'Sasha' http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/benja ... /index.htm however it seems a bit too delicate for my needs (though quite neat) and is also plans only. I'd prefer a kit over plans, but at this point I'll take any insight any other CD28 owners have. (Or those who have placed/stows boats and secured them overall!)

I'm basically wondering (if anyone here has done this) how to best go about storing it on the fore deck. Ideally someone has already solved this problem, and is proud to share their hard earned experience ;] I'm guessing I'll have to install some through bolts/backing plates/anchor points for tie downs, but with having to poke holes in the deck, I'm looking to get as much input as possible before doing anything.

I'll plan to typically tow it when I have been using it on a given day, but the ability to store in/on my CD28 itself is what has kept me in the inflatable camp thus far.

[steveg]

Hey Rob,

Port Townsend Watercraft makes some nice looking dingy kits. No experience with one however. The price of the kits has been a deterrent to building one.

[robh]

Hey Rob,

Port Townsend Watercraft makes some nice looking dingy kits. No experience with one however. The price of the kits has been a deterrent to building one.

Thanks for the suggestion! The PT11 looks nice, but even nested is still 6' long. The CLC is under 5' when nested, so quite the difference in size. The price on all the kits is quite a bit, but I know if I got plans it would take me easily four times longer to cut and assemble things. (I also expect I'd make quite a few more mistakes.)

[rorik]

I found a Montgomery 6'8" pram and it fits almost perfectly between the mast and the companionway. It does overlap the companionway about 3". This does require removing the boom vang, but since I have end boom sheeting, that's wasn't a problem. Then I made a carrier and tie down eyes for it.

[Alasdair]

I have a CLC Eastport nesting pram. I only utilize the nesting feature transporting it in a truck. I think it would take two pairs of hands to get the back half out of the water and aboard, it's surprisingly heavy.
On the plus side it's a dream to tow, in comparison to an inflatable.

[John Stone]

Dinghy storage is the age old problem for all sailors on boats under 40'. And even large boats have trouble since there is such a reliance on rigid vangs. I think it's why we see more David's and RIBs these day along with the fact that many production boats just are not really beautiful so why not add the convience of davits to them.

Anyway, I can't comment on the dinghies you are considering since I have no experience with the ones you mention. But, I think you are on the right track. My one comment is I would discourage you from limiting the length to what fits between the mast and the forward edge of the companionway hatch. I think it's fine if it overlaps a little. The 9' Fatty Knees we carry overlaps the companionway about 6". Never been an issue for us. And, if you carry the dinghy on chocks then the transom will sit a number of inches above the deck and you have adequate clearance when going in and out of the boat. What can be a problem is if you have a dodger. That is just one reason we use a pram hood. And do consider adding chocks to safely and securely carry your hard dink.

Clearly, in your case you will get the most bang for your buck with a pram style dinghy. I'd keep looking in that direction.

[Paul D.]

My brother, a CD 36 owner, builds nesting prams of which I have been using the prototype aboard Femme for 15 years. They are light, stable and durable. (I recommend a graphite epoxy bottom coating.) If you want to avoid going it your own this would be a nice looking, long lasting option.

http://www.arrogantwoodworker.com



And a story on how it's built from GOB
http://johndanicic.com/page18/page4/pag ... inghy-.pdf

p.s. Sorry can't post an image of the dinghy on my boat as Photobucket just changed their 3rd party hosting policy and, yep, is making us pay for it now! ...Anyone have a good photo sharing site you recommend?

[John Stone]

Paul
I upload photos from my hard drive.

[robh]

Thanks for all the input folks!

Seems this clc nesting pram is slightly heavier/harder to manage than originally anticipated. I may go with a folding design instead, but not sure.