Dinghy choice

[Rich]

After reading the overwhelming bias towards moorings over slips and knowing my slip will approach $3500 next year (for a CD26!!), I am reevaluating my options.

If I choose to use a mooring, I'll be securing my dinghy to a rocky jetty so I assume a hard sided boat is the way to go. What are people using? Is the Walker Bay 8 a decent choice? This will be just a shuttle to and from the mooring, I don't plan to tow it and there'll be no motor on it. Thanks for your input.



rpassmore42@hotmail.com

[Harris]

The walker bay just looks a little flimsy and small to me. Just sold a water tender 9 yesterday that at least had the carrying capacity for 2 adults. The main thing to consider is entering and exiting th edinghy from the boat. Thats why I sold the water tender (older model). As advertised it was "too tender". I'd suggest something at least with hard chines or even a flat bottom if performance isnt the key aspect. STability is the key.......and 8 foot is minimum for two adults. I suggest placing a dinghy wanted ad in the paper. I di that whne my dinghy vanished last year....ended up buying 2 because the price was irresistable....then mine reappeared! Sold the skimmer 7 that i purchased for $50 and just sold the water tender that I paid $125 for. Doubled my money on both. I'm keeping a pilot 8....nice and wide and low.



hg@myhost.com

[Patrick Meyer]

I use a Walker Bay 8 with my CD 26 and I love it. I searched around for awhile and decided to go for the Walker Bay. It is stable and tows easily. I normally row it, so if you need suggestions for motoring, perhaps others can oblige. Good luck finding one used, though.



patrick_meyer@vanguard.com

[Ann and David Brownlee]

We love our Puddleduck, with sailing rig, by New England Skiff Builders in Rhode Island. She tows very well, even in very rough conditions and has the inherent stablity of a boat with hard chines as well as the large capacity of a pram.

Ann and David Brownlee
CD31 #1 Windrush



dbrownle@sas.upenn.edu

[Gary McDonough]

I have a Walker Bay 8 for my CD30 and also love it. It's light and handles the waves and chop well. I use a Yamaha 3hp on it with no problem. It's also rows extremely well with one person but not as good with two.

The only negative (I don't think it's a negative) is you have to learn how to get into one. You must step into the center of it, not the edge or you could go swimming.

Gary



garym@taxinvest.com

[Michael Soloway]

Can you tell me more about your dinghy - cost and such and where it cab be purchased?

Michael
CD31 #60 "Puffin"



m@msoloway.com

[Stan]

Check out Hamilton Marine's Puffin line. We bought our 8 footer in 1994 and it has treated us well. I think she is a very nice-looking dink, and frequesntly gets compliments. Weighs ~ 75 lbs, rows very well, and can be driven with a 3 hp max. ob. Good for 2 people (352 lbs, to be exact!)
Do add a stainless steel 1/2 round strip the entire length of the keel, especially since you're "on the rocks".

Fair winds



skuhlman@sprynet.com