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Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat

January 7, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 5 Comments

At anchor, a dinghy boat serves as your lifeline to everything from leisurely excursions to provisioning trips. Every captain or crew will use their dinghy differently, so it’s essential to consider what features and functions are important to you.

Do you plan to explore remote areas away from anchor? Do you plan to fish, snorkel, or dive from the dinghy? How many people will you need to carry at once? Every aspect should play into your decision.

Below, we cover the following to help you choose a dinghy that’s right for your boat:

• Key Factors to Consider
• Types of Dinghies
• Outboard Motors

General Information and Tips

What should i consider before buying a dinghy for my boat.

Make the following considerations before purchasing a dinghy for your boat: 

• DInghy Storage 
• Carrying Capacity
• Use of the Vessel

Dinghy Storage

Storage should be a defining factor when purchasing a dinghy for your boat. There are several common ways to store a dinghy, but not all storage is suitable for every vessel. A rigid dinghy will need enough space to be tied on the deck or at the back of the boat, while you can stow an inflatable dinghy in lockers or lazarettes.

Regardless of where you choose to keep your dinghy on the boat, it should be in a location that does not reduce drag, restrict access to important areas, or prevent easy access for storage and use.

The most common options are:

• Dinghy Davits
• On-Deck 
• Locker 

Davits: Permanently installed at the stern of the boat, davits are used to store, deploy, and retrieve your dinghy from the water. Davit storage is standard for any dinghy that’s too heavy to manually lift in and out of the water. Although storage on dinghy davits is convenient, it poses a risk when sailing through heavy seas. Large waves and wind can cause the dinghy to flood while in transit, and the weight can damage the stern of the boat or the davits.

On-Deck: Some people choose to tie the dinghy upside-down at the bow, stern, or side of the boat. For this to be an option, you need sufficient unused space on the deck, and you need to be sure that the dinghy is not interfering with any important pathway or area on the boat. 

Swim-Step: Boats with an elevated swim-step can accommodate a dinghy at the boat’s stern as long as it’s elevated far enough out of the water. Keep the dinghy tied aerodynamically and tilted so that it doesn’t fill with water. 

Locker: Roll-up inflatable dinghies are easily deployed and retrieved from the water by hand, and they can be deflated and stored in a locker anywhere onboard. 

Towed: For nearshore journeys in calm conditions, you can easily pull the dinghy behind your boat. Be careful, though, as high speeds and choppy seas can cause a dinghy to flip in the water.

Dinghy Carrying Capacity

If you’re sailing with multiple crew or passengers, you will want a dinghy that can carry the same amount of people. Making numerous trips from ship to shore will not only cost you time, but it will also run up fuel costs. Further, you’ll want extra room for luggage, provisions, recreational gear, and anything else that may find its way onto your boat. 

The handling in your dinghy can become problematic when loaded beyond capacity, so use caution – especially in rough seas. Safety should always be a top priority, so the goal is to aim for the biggest dinghy you can get without sacrificing too much storage space.  

Dinghy Material

Rigid dinghies are most commonly made of fiberglass or aluminum, but you can opt for a more classic wooden design as well. The material will partially dictate where the dinghy can be stored and the need for equipment such as dinghy davits. While fiberglass hulls are cheaper than aluminum, they also come with the burden of a heavier weight. Alternatively, aluminum hulls will outlast their fiberglass counterparts, but for a higher price. Overall, rigid dinghies can withstand wear-and-tear better than inflatables, although routine maintenance is required.

Inflatable dinghies are kept afloat using tubes surrounding the boat’s hull, commonly made of either PVC or CSE. CSE, or “Hypalon,” is a synthetic rubber material that is highly resistant to chemicals, UV light, extreme temperatures, and abrasion. CSE is a lot like PVC, but it’s lighter and has more UV and water-resistant properties. It’s also more abrasion resistant, making it ideal for taking to shore. CSE offers a longer service life and a more extended warranty, although again at a higher cost. The most common complaint you’ll hear about CSE is the rate at which the air escapes from the tubes. On average, CSE tubes lose about 15% of their air within 24 hours, while PVC loses under 7%.

PVC is an excellent alternative to the more durable CSE, as the material still offers a reasonable service life at a lower cost. PVC is also much lighter, more convenient to fold, and easier to clean than CSE. The biggest potential problem with PVC is simple neglect and lack of maintenance. If cared for properly, modern PVC materials can last long enough to justify not paying the higher costs for CSE. 

For some excellent tips on maintaining your inflatable dinghy, check out Sail Magazine’s Tender Choices article , here.

How You’ll Use The Dinghy

The last factor to consider is how you intend to use the vessel. Will you be traveling long distances from anchor? Exploring remote locations? How many people do you need to transport? Do you need special features to accommodate scuba diving and fishing? You should do as much research as you can to ensure that you’re buying a tender that suits your needs while staying within your budget. Below, we discuss the difference between each type of dinghy – and who each is best suited for.

Types of Dinghies 

Choosing the right type of dinghy for you and your boat will require some careful thought. Your dinghy is your primary source of transportation between journeys, and you’ll want to make sure that your purchase is fitting for your immediate and future needs.

The three most common types of dinghies are:

Rigid Boats

Inflatable boats, rigid inflatable boats (rib).

Hard-body (rigid) dinghies are among the simplest styles of tender, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Rigid dinghies are sufficient for those who don’t need to travel long distances or through rough conditions. However, more and more people are moving to inflatables or semi-inflatables for their wide range of abilities when needed. 

When considering if a rigid dinghy is right for you, think hard about the material each is built with. For the hull specifically, the materials will affect the price, durability, and cosmetics of the vessel, as well as the weight and ability to transport. Most rigid dinghies are constructed with fiberglass, aluminum, or wood and have a lower carrying capacity than inflatables. They also have less stability when entering, exiting, and moving through the water. 

Advantages:

• Easily Propelled
• Puncture Resistant
• Outboard Compatible
• Low-Cost Option
• UV Resistant

Disadvantages:

• Easily Scratched and Blemished
• Adequate Storage Space Required

More popular than rigid dinghies and less popular than RIB’s, inflatables offer a good middle ground for those looking to compromise between cost and functionality. The large PVC or Polyurethane tubes in the front and sides of the boat are more stable than rigid vessels and allow for a higher carrying capacity due to their buoyancy. Compare those benefits with the low costs of materials, and it’s easy to see why inflatables are so popular. 

There are numerous variations of Inflatable dinghies, with the most common being:

• Soft Bottom Roll-Up
• Rigid Floor with Soft Bottom
• Soft Bottom with Rigid Transom

Dinghies with soft bottom have the widest variance in configuration. Some have rigid transoms where an outboard motor can be mounted. Some have rigid, removable floors, and some have an inflatable keel that increases the vessel’s stability and planing abilities. Other than the lower-end inflatables, though, almost all will have stable floors and a captain’s seat. Rowing is difficult in rough conditions, so inflatables are most commonly used with a 5-10 horsepower outboard.

Roll-up inflatables are easily stored, don’t take up much space, and are the lightest of all inflatable options. They also have the least to offer in functionality, and since most don’t have a rigid transom, they must be rowed by hand. Unless you only plan to use the vessel in calm conditions, you should consider dinghies with hard floors and transoms. 

Soft bottom dinghies with rigid floors and transoms are more ideal, as they can be used efficiently in a wider variety of situations. The ability to mount an outboard allows you to use the vessel in harsher conditions and travel greater distances. The rigid floors allow you to use the vessel for fishing, diving, provisioning, and more without sacrificing stability and comfort. 

• Lightest Option
• Easily Compacted and Stored
• Easily Damaged and Punctured 
• Consistent Maintenance Required
• Low Efficiency

The RIB design is a cross between a soft bottom and rigid hull and gives you the most bang for your buck in the water. The hard-bodied hull makes for a stable and damage-resistant body, while the inflatable tubes add optimal stability. The RIB design is so efficient that it’s even used by the US Military and Coast Guard. The tradeoff you make with a RIB is portability and storage, as the hull can not be taken apart or broken down. However, this can be overlooked by carefully choosing a RIB that’s right for your boat. If you’re looking to outfit your boat for scuba diving , a RIB should be pretty much your only consideration for a tender.

Rigid Inflatable Dinghies are the most popular type of dinghy for cruising sailors, and it’s easy to see why. RIBs used as dinghies are commonly between 10 and 15-feet long, with anything larger being reserved for massive yachts with dinghy garages or excess storage space. RIBs are typically stored on davits or lashed upside down somewhere on the deck of the boat. For shorter trips near shore and in calm conditions, you can tow the RIB behind the boat.

Typically, RIBs are available with either aluminum or fiberglass hulls. Aluminum is lighter and stronger than fiberglass, although you should expect to see a price tag that matches those benefits. 

• Optimal Speed, Handling, and Stability Rugged 
• Limited Storage Options

Outboard Dinghy Motors

After choosing the dinghy that’s right for you and your vessel, you’ll need to select an outboard to fit. You’ll want something powerful enough to make the dinghy plane at full capacity but also light enough to transfer to and from the dinghy‘s transom. Before making a decision, check with the manufacturer to determine the recommended power output for your intended use. 

Generally speaking, fully inflatable dinghies that measure around 10-feet in length support a 5-8 horsepower outboard, which is sufficient for the basics. For a more capable inflatable, look for a 10-25 horsepower outboard. Just be cautious, as too much power can flip a lightweight dinghy. 

Similarly, a 10-foot RIB will support a heavier engine, such as a 10-15 horsepower outboard that provides enough power for the boat to plane while carrying more than one passenger. For more capability, look for an outboard in the 20-50 horsepower range.

Either way, you’ll need to decide your dinghy’s primary purpose and buy an outboard to support it.

If it’s simply used for trips to shore in calm conditions, a lower-powered outboard will likely be sufficient. The more power you can apply, the more capable your dinghy will become. Further, the maximum power output of the engine should always exceed the recommendations for operating the dinghy at full capacity. If you have a powerful outboard, you won’t have to worry as much about overworking the engine when the boat is full. 

When determining which motor is right for you, keep in mind the storage and transportation options you have. If you need to lift the dinghy and outboard out of the water manually, it might be safe to say that the lighter the outboard’s weight, the better. If your back can handle the extra weight, though, the 4-stroke engines are far better suited for things like water sports and rough surface conditions.

Dinghy Excursion Checklist

• Check inflation levels and make sure there is no water inside the boat. If there is, look for leaks or damage.
• Ensure the boat is free of all loose lines, flags, or anything that could get caught in the boat propeller.
• Check to make sure the outboard is appropriately and securely mounted to the transom. 
• Quickly test both the forward and reverse gears to make sure everything is working as it should. 
• Test the lights on the dinghy, even if it’s still light out. 
• Check for paddles, lifejackets, first-aid kits, and dinghy repair kits.

Operating the Dinghy

• When operating the dinghy alone, clip the emergency motor stop to your clothing. If you fall overboard, your motor will stop. 
• Be cautious when using a powerful outboard. Too much power can cause a lightweight inflatable to flip or overturn. 
• Bring the dinghy upwind when returning to your boat for a more controlled approach. 
• Always use both front and rear-facing lights when operating the dinghy after dark.
• When towing the dinghy behind your boat, experiment with the length of the tow rope to find the smoothest pull.
• If there is any surf present, do not attempt to beach your dinghy.
• Use a dinghy anchor if there are large tide changes, waves, or swells present.
• Keep a dinghy repair kit on board at all times in case of small punctures or tears.
• Dinghy covers reduce UV light exposure and prolong the life of the dinghy by up to five years.
• Cosmetically, CSE doesn’t wear down for about 10 years. PVC begins to look rough after only a few.
• Consider where you intend to use your dinghy. Will it be in locations with high swells, rocky shores, and cold water? If so, consider a more rugged and damage-resistant material.
• Before purchasing a dinghy, visit a few boat shows, and read user reviews. You want to be comfortable making a purchase, and having first-hand resources to chat with is the best way to feel confident about your decision. 
• Keep your dinghy insured separately in case of incidents that happen away from your yacht.
• Dinghies and their outboard motors are common targets of theft, so be sure to lock up both whenever possible.

When choosing a dinghy for your cruising lifestyle, it’s important to know exactly how to buy a new or used boat  and what considerations should be prioritized. 

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Reader Interactions

July 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

I have one for my canoe, my dinghy, and my power boat So, the next time you see a 5 year old boat in Seabridge marina in Ventura California, that looks brand new, it’s my boat.

July 30, 2021 at 8:17 am

It is a great article and quite intresting to read too thanks for sharing such good information with us.

August 1, 2021 at 4:15 pm

Thanks for reading, Cassey. We’re always here to help – don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

December 14, 2021 at 2:08 pm

Travis – My name is Mark and I am a member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club. We’ve been around since 1934, we have 2,500 US & Canadian members and we are a volunteer driven organization. For the last twelve years we have operated an on-line school, the GLCCSchool.com. Annually we present 35-40 webinars and have an attendance of around 900 people. We really liked your article on dinghies and are wondering if you would consider turning that into a presentation for our school. If you have the slightest interest please check us out and send me an email so we can explore this further. Thanks.

January 23, 2022 at 2:27 pm

Thank you for all of the applicable information. I appreciate how the differences of each type of boat were well defined. This article was extremely helpful.

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Your Guide to Choosing the Best Yacht Tender

A yacht tender is your ticket to freedom on the water. Once you drop anchor, it’s your ride to the fun and adventure that inspired you to buy a boat in the first place. Just imagine watersports, exploring, scuba diving, snorkeling and, of course, just relaxing in the warm sun!

Here’s a quick secret — your yacht tender is the most fun boat you’ll ever own.

We think a dinghy should not only reflect the beauty and precision of a yacht but also have the power and functionality to push fun to the limit. Is there any better way to celebrate dropping anchor than a cold drink and a zoom on the dinghy? Please, let us know if you find something.

Having the right tender lets you enjoy your boating experience to the fullest. There are a few things to consider when picking the best yacht tender for you, so we made this guide to help you through the process. We’ll go over:

• The benefits of rigid inflatable boats
• Pricing of small yacht tenders
• How to pick the right dinghy
• A brief overview of our models

There are lots of yacht tender options out there, and it’s essential to find the best one for you. Whether you’re looking for the best small boat or superyacht tender, we’ll give you the information you need to find the perfect dinghy for your life on the water. Read on to learn how to pick the perfect yacht tender.

The Benefits of Rigid Inflatable Boats

Rigid inflatable tenders have become the go-to choice for boaters. Here’s the deal.

Safety is always the first priority when you’re on the water. With the ever-changing conditions of an ocean environment, you need a tender that’s prepared to handle it all. There’s a reason the United States Coast Guard, military and police use rigid inflatable boats — they’re extremely seaworthy. The United States Navy describes rigid inflatables as extremely fast and buoyant. It employs them for Navy SEAL extractions and in intense ocean conditions.

Virtually unsinkable and super tough, rigid inflatable boats are hands-down the best choice for those who desire small yacht tenders.

What Do You Mean by Rigid Inflatable Boat?

Commonly called a RIB, a rigid inflatable boat has a hard hull and inflatable tubes for sides. This construction gives rigid inflatables the best of two worlds — they have the indestructible v-hull and tracking of a hard boat and the shock absorption of an inflatable boat. They’re as hardy as they are versatile. For example, we offer Navy-tough tenders with beautiful European craftsmanship that you can’t find anywhere else.

In addition to their durability, RIBs offer many other advantages. Here are a few more reasons why RIBs represent a smart investment.

RIBs Provide Stability

In a rigid inflatable tender, there’s little risk of tipping over because the inflatable tube and hard hull combination provide excellent stability, which is great for loading and unloading your family and your toys.

Also, the inflatable tubes significantly increase a tender’s capacity rating, meaning you can safely fit more passengers and gear on a RIB than on a hard dinghy. Known as the “Safe Working Load,” or SWL, this capacity is detailed by the manufacturer. To calculate the maximum number of people who should be aboard a small vessel, multiply a vessel’s length by width and then divide the result by 15.

RIBs Demonstrate Impressive Efficiency

Inflatable dinghies are much lighter than hard tenders. Weighing less means they’re much more efficient, and you can pack in a lot more adventure with the same amount of gas. Skip the line at the fuel dock, and head straight into your day.

RIBs Have Exceptional Safety

A great benefit of having an inflatable tender is you don’t have to worry about damage to your luggage or your precious cargo. We all have all experienced that awkward misstep aboard boats. When everything and everyone is moving around in the ocean, you may have trouble not fumbling every once in a while. It’s much nicer to catch yourself on the cushioned tubes of an inflatable than on hard fiberglass — we’ve tested this one!

When you’re going fast and having fun on the water, you don’t want to worry about safety. Knowing you’re in the safest dinghy lets you relax and focus on your adventure.

The United States Coast Guard has specific safety requirements for all recreational vessels. Adhering to these not only keeps your tender legal, but it also keeps you and your family safe. You can follow a simplified list of requirements.

It’s Easy to Use RIBs

For everyday boating operations, having an inflatable-sided dinghy is the best. You don’t have to deal with fenders or worry about all the bumps and nudges like on a hard tender.

Getting a spot at the dinghy dock often means playing bumper boats. If you have a dinghy with inflatable sides, you don’t damage other vessels, the dock, or your dinghy. Not to mention if you’re dropping someone off or tying up on your yacht, you can leave your dinghy unattended without worrying about damage to your boat.

Sometimes, it’s easier to tow your tender than it is to put it away — like if you’re changing to a nearby mooring or going to a secluded cove for the day. And unlike a hard tender, an inflatable can bounce off your yacht without damaging anything.

Anyone Can Maintain a RIB

Rigid inflatable boats need a lot less maintenance than hard tenders, partially because they’re less likely to get damaged in the first place. Inflatables don’t have fiberglass siding that can get cracks or holes, and their parts are easily replaceable. We offer replacement parts through our website and also have free online owners manuals for every model we carry.

RIBs are also much easier to keep clean than the scuff-prone fiberglass of hard tenders. The tubes are made of high-quality non-absorbent material that lets you easily wash off or wipe down your dinghy to keep it looking nice.

RIBs Are More Comfortable Than Hard Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies are bound to be more seaworthy than hard dinghies. The inflatable tubes absorb shock from wind waves and swell when you’re going fast, which gives you and your family a better ride.

Did we mention inflatable dinghies are just more fun? The incredible stability of the inflatable sides makes climbing out of the water a lot easier. And when you’re ready to cool off, the tubing makes for the perfect diving platform. You and your family can literally bounce off the walls.

How to Pick the Right Dinghy for You

Basically, choosing the best yacht tender comes down to three things:

• What tender your yacht can hold
• How many people will be aboard your tender
• How you’ll use your tender

Tender Sizing

Determining the right-sized tender for your yacht is an important decision. People sometimes go for the first inexpensive option they see, without realizing just how much time they’ll end up spending on their tender — but keep in mind, tenders are the unsung heroes of the boating world.

It depends on how you want to use your dinghy, of course, but a good rule of thumb is if you can go bigger, go bigger. You don’t want to overdo it, but people sometimes underestimate the size of the dinghy they’ll need and have to upgrade later. Leave yourself some extra leg room and you, your family and your guests, including loyal pets, will be happier in the long run.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the size of your tender.

What Size Dinghy Can Your Yacht Carry?

The size of your storage area is often a good indicator of how large your dinghy should be. If you’re not sure what size dinghy is best suited to your yacht, measure the tender storage area or contact your dealer — they will give you the specifications of your dinghy storage and a suitable range of tender sizes.

Also, keep in mind what the type of storage area for a dinghy on your yacht. If you have a dedicated dinghy garage where it will be out of the way when not in use, you don’t have to worry about getting the maximum size. But if your dinghy storage is on a hydraulic swim step, keep in mind you’ll need enough room to function around the dinghy while it’s aboard.

How Many People Will Be Aboard Your Yacht Tender?

If your yacht has room for a lot of passengers, you’ll probably want a dinghy that can transport a lot of people, too. When you’re doing ship-to-shore transportation for you and your guests, you don’t want to make five trips to the dock and back. Choose a tender that can hold enough passengers and cargo.

Again, assuming you have enough room to store it, we recommend assessing your dinghy needs and then considering the next size up to leave room for any extra guests, luggage or toys you may want to bring along. Extra space not only helps you operate your dinghy more safely, but it also leaves room for comfort.

What’s the Purpose of Your Dinghy?

That’s easy — fun! Pick your pleasure.

Are you all about watersports and exploration? Water skiing and searching for secluded beaches to relax the day away or scuba diving on beautiful reefs? Or maybe you’re just looking for a stable and dry ride to shore to shop, dine and discover. Whatever it is you like to do, a proper tender gets you into the mix.

Once you decide how you want to use your dinghy, you’ll have a better idea of which one you’ll want. If you like watersports, maybe a model with a little more size and power will suit you. If you just want a comfortable, dry ride to shore, maybe you’d prefer a model that’s smaller and quiet.

By the way, kids love dinghies — it’s a fact. Inflatable dinghies are awesome for towing the kids around on inflatable water toys, and they’re also a great way to teach the young ones how to drive a boat. But be careful — you’ll be asking “permission to come aboard” before you know it.

A Step-by-Step Review of How to Pick Your Yacht Dinghy

Follow these five steps to ensure you pick your RIB correctly:

• Determine the size of tender your boat can handle.
• Estimate the number of passengers and how much gear you’ll carry.
• Figure out how you want to use your tender.
• Browse and pick your favorite model .
• Hit the open seas.

Tender Pricing Vs. Quality

There are cheap dinghy options out there, but you often get what you pay for. A proper tender is not only a representation of your yacht but an integral part of your boating experience. The yacht may do the heavy lifting on a voyage, but the dinghy is your transportation once you’re on anchor or a mooring.

If you work hard to create a luxurious atmosphere on your yacht, you’ll want a dinghy that reflects the same attention to detail that you expect from a precision watercraft. Our tenders are all about functionality without sacrificing style. We know a quality dinghy is essential to your yacht — that’s why we don’t cut corners. We pride ourselves on using the latest technology with only the best materials and precision European craftsmanship.

What Dinghy Models Does BRIG USA Offer?

We manufacture all of our tenders in our 100,000-square-feet headquarters in Europe . A team of industry experts — including ex-military and aeronautical engineers — seasoned craftsmen and designers make sure that no detail is overlooked. We take pride in knowing we produce premium dinghies for amazing adventures around the world. We have a wide range of tenders to choose from to match your needs and preferences:

• Our Falcon Tender series ranges from 9 feet 6 inches to 15 feet 10 inches and can carry four to nine people, or 500 to 2,645 pounds. This series is the smaller range of tenders that we offer, but make no mistake — they have the power to get the job done and look good doing it.
• Our Navigator series is a step up in size from the Falcon series. They range from 15 feet 11 inches to 24 feet and can carry eight to 10 people, or 2,315 to 3,960 pounds. This line of tenders has increased size and range for bigger yachts and even more passengers, gear and good times.
• The Eagle series is our flagship line. With unparalleled design and function, they range from 11 feet 2 inches all the way to 32 feet 6 inches and can carry from four to 20 people, or 1,320 to 6,173 pounds. On our larger models, you won’t feel like you’re on a dinghy — they have the capacity, range and comfort for a full day of fun with the whole gang. No joke — these tenders turn heads.

Who Makes the Best Rigid Inflatable Boats? Find Them at BRIG USA

Yes, we’re biased. But for good reason — our dealers have the largest inventory of inflatable boats in the United States and the best inflatable yacht tenders. No one matches our prices or quality.

We have several options for high-quality dinghies for your needs and your price point. We offer premium quality at competitive pricing.

No matter what you’re looking for, BRIG USA has the right tender for your yacht. Check out our models and get out on the water.

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Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat

It is often said that a boater’s dinghy is like their car. When traveling between ports, you will often only have a land vehicle if you rent one. But your dinghy comes with you, and it’s an essential link to shore. Unless you dock your boat every night, your dinghy gives you the ability to go out to dinner, go to the store, or find a secluded beach to call your own.

Dinghy boats come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. So how do you choose between a hard dinghy that rows well or a fast dinghy with motor? Let’s look at the options and see if we can’t find the best dinghy for your and your crew.

Table of Contents

Sailing dinghy, dinghies as tenders, dingy dinghies – what is a dingy, what are some uses for a dinghy, basic types of boat dinghy, lifting ability and storage when underway, hard dinghies, inflatable dinghy boat options, what’s the best dinghy for your cruising boat, dinghy boat faqs, what is a dinghy.

A dinghy is a small boat. But there are two primary dinghy meaning uses that you should be aware of. 

• Sailing dinghies
• Dinghy boats as yacht tenders

Firstly, a dinghy is a small sailboat usually used for racing. So you might hear about “dinghy races” or “dinghy sailors.” These are the sorts of little boats that kids would learn to sail, but they’re also raced in the Summer Olympics. 

Optics are the classic sailing dinghy. Its purpose is to sail and have fun. They usually carry one or two people and nothing else.

Secondly, a dinghy serves as a tender to a larger boat. In cruising and living aboard, this is the most commonly used definition. Your dinghy is like your car. Your boat is like your house or RV, and you park it somewhere comfortable. Maybe a scenic, quiet, and protected anchorage. Then you hop in the dinghy to explore the area or go into town for supplies. 

A dinghy allows you not to have to pull up to a dock. Anchoring is usually free, and mooring fields are cheaper than taking a slip. Plus, living “on the hook” is more fun–there are fresh breezes, and your neighbors aren’t right next to you. You have more privacy and your own little slice of the ocean.

But to live like this, a good dinghy is important. It has to be safe in most conditions and be able to haul you and your gear. In addition, it should be able to handle the occasional provisioning run–meaning it needs room for lots of groceries. 

Many cruisers affectionate call their dinghy “the dink” or some other fun name. In the US, a motorized dinghy will need to be state-registered.

Fun fact–RV owners who tow small cars refer to them as “dinghies.” They are cheaper to operate and easier to maneuver once they get where they’re going, so they’re used in the same way that boaters use dinghy boats.

Dinghies as tenders come in many forms. 

• Kayaks or canoes
• Hard boats with small motors
• Inflatable boats that row
• RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) with motors — these can be slow or very fast

Dingy (adjective) – dirty, unclean, shabby, or squalid Dinghy (noun) – a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or lifeboat… Definitions from Marriam-Webster Dictonary

So if your dinghy is a dingy boat, you should invest in some good boat soap and clean it. 

Related reading: What Is the Main Function of a Boat Trailer’s Safety Chains?

Why is a Dinghy Important?

The dinghy is your primary method for getting ashore for cruisers traveling far from home or for liveaboards who aren’t tied to a dock. Having a good dinghy means you don’t have to get a dock every night. It means you can anchor in quiet coves in between towns. If you have a dog, it means they can get to shore morning and night for “shore leave.” And if you want to explore shallow creeks or go fishing, it’ll do that too.

The importance of a dinghy depends entirely on your cruising style. Some people don’t want to anchor–they’ll be at a dock every night no matter what. Those rare evenings between destinations when they do anchor for an evening, they don’t go ashore. A dinghy isn’t very important for them and won’t get used much.

On the other hand, some people live via their dinghy. The big boat gets them between destinations, but the dinghy is their “daily driver.” 

The easiest way to explain how cruisers use their dinghy is by example. So here is a look at how boaters visiting the Bahamas usually use their dinghies. 

You find a cozy island where you want to hang out and drop the hook in a protected cove. Then, you launch your dinghy and go to town, find secluded beaches, or just go exploring. Maybe you’ll want to find some coral reefs for fishing or snorkeling or see the tiny islets and rocks that protect the anchorage. Some islands have hiking trails or miles and miles of beaches.

Marinas are few and far between the islands, and the best and quietest spots are far from them. Most towns don’t have big docks–just small dinghy docks where you can tie up for free and walk to the store. In the Abacos, several of the most popular towns have harbors full of mooring balls and several small dinghy docks that make it easy to visit the town.

In these instances, everything you need for your boat will get there by way of the dinghy. You’ll take your trash to shore in the morning and bring home groceries. You might also take your propane tanks in for a refill or get some jerry cans filled with freshwater or diesel. 

Finding the Right Dinghy For Your Boat

With so many choices, finding the dinghy for you can be a daunting task. Make it easier by learning about your choices, understanding how you will use it and what you will carry, and planning for where you will keep it on your boat.

Dinghies come in as many different designs as big boats do. You can pick between hard, inflatable, or RIB for the hull. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) has a hard hull surrounded by inflatable tubes – so it’s kind of a hybrid.

For locomotion, you can have oars, a sail, a motor, or any combination of those. Motors used on dinghies are usually small and portable, although go-fast RIBs can have larger 15 to 25 horsepower motors installed.

It should also be noted here that dinghies are relative to the size of the “mothership.” For a 100-plus-foot motor yacht, the dinghy might be a 40-foot center console with triple 300 horsepower engines. So in dollars, their “dinghy tender” might cost quadruple what the rest of us spent on our “big boats.”

Dinghies should be suited to their purpose. For example, cruise ship dinghies ferry passengers to and from shore at destinations without cruise terminals. They’re passenger ferries and hold 30 or 50 passengers for the journey. For cruisers, a suitable dinghy usually means something that will get them to shore and back–the distance will vary. It must carry two to four people and a week’s worth of groceries.

Your choice of dinghy depends radically on the boat that will be carrying it. How will you deal with your dinghy when you’re underway? If it’s an inflatable that can roll up and store in a locker, life is easy.

But what if you want a hard dinghy or a RIB? Below are the most common options for lifting a bigger boat aboard. No matter how you get your dinghy aboard, once it’s on deck it must be lashed upside down to ensure it remains secure even in heavy seas.

Towing is often done but never recommended. Towing a dinghy limits the maneuverability of your big boat, making docking in tight spaces tricky. Plus, it opens up your dinghy to a world of possible disasters, including coming loose and being lost, or flooding and capsizing due to high winds or waves (or other boater’s wakes). Keeping your dinghy in the water also means more maintenance since you’ll have to scrape its bottom regularly. Most dinghies do not have bilge pumps, so bailing after every rainstorm will become a thing.

Underway, the load on the tow lines is high, and if you must tow, make sure to do so with a proper towing harness and bridle. Also, always remove your outboard before towing–it’s safer on the big boat.

If there is one advantage of towing, it is that your dinghy will be ready to go–it is already launched when you get where you’re going.

Also, note that a towed dinghy makes an easy target for theft in the anchorage–an important consideration in some parts of the world. It’s an easy thing for a thief to come along and cut the line while you sleep. The dinghy will drift away silently, and you won’t be any the wiser until morning. 

Many cruising boats install davits on the transom. These provide lifting points that hoist the dinghy out of the water. Davits are an excellent upgrade because they allow you to keep the dinghy out of the water while traveling and hoist it up every night. Your dinghy will be cleaner, and you can take the plug out to let rainwater drain out. It’s safer too since you can easily lock it to the boat for long-term storage.

As handy as davits are, they can also be a pain. Getting the lifting harness and equipment just right can be a hassle. Dinghies on davits are prone to swinging in wind and waves, which can quickly chafe lines or even an inflatable’s PVC or Hypalon. If the dinghy is heavy or has a large outboard, the swinging can quickly get out of control to the point that it will damage the davits. Strap your dinghy down so that it doesn’t move at all, even when you’re in quiet anchorages. You never know when a ferry boat will throw a big wake your way!

Finally, the location of davits on the stern is less than ideal. Most boats don’t balance well with too much weight that far aft. Furthermore, should you take a wave over the stern during an overly boisterous passage, you can probably kiss your dinghy–and maybe even your davits–goodbye. Most salty sailors store their boats on the foredeck when at sea, even if they do have davits.

Foredeck or Rooftop Hoists

Powerboats usually have motorized hoists that lift their dinghies onto the high deck. Traditional trawlers can use their mini mast and block and tackle to do the same job. Sailboats use their mast and rigging to hoist a dinghy onto the deck. This can be a good way to get inflatables up to deflate them for storage, or to move a hard boat into position to be strapped down.

Once aboard, the dinghy can be sat on the deck in cradles or flipped over and sat upside down. How it stores will depend entirely on your boat and how much space you have–and where you have it. 

Hard dinghies have rigid hulls, just like regular boats. Many are made of fiberglass, but there are also molded plastic ones. There are also a handful of classic or homebuilt wood dinghies out there. 

Hard dinghies come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some are beautifully designed by the world’s best yacht designers, like Lyle Hess’s Fatty Knees. Others are functional, floating, plastic bathtubs, like the Walkers Bay 8. 

Rowing Dinghy

Rowing dinghies are paddled with oars and a center-mounted seat. This limits the space on the boat considerably. The rower sits facing aft, which is awkward to maneuver the boat from but provides lots of power into each stroke. 

Nearly all dinghies are made to be paddled, to some extent. But if rowing is a big part of your plan, you need to research carefully. Many dinghies row poorly. Flat and wide boats are difficult to control and hard to get to track straight in any wind or chop. 

On the other hand, proper rowing dinghies are a pleasure. Look for classic designs that have a dominant keel line and soft chines. 

Some cruisers and solo sailers use plastic kayaks as rowing dinghies. So long as it holds enough supplies and gets you where you need to go, it’s a great idea. Best of all, kayaks are much easier to maneuver in strong winds than rowboats, and faster too. In the world of dinghies, a kayak is like riding a bicycle.

Some cruisers want to know about the functionality of using standup paddleboards (SUPs) as a solo sailor’s dinghy. The truth is, SUPs make terrible dinghies. They have no gear carrying capacity, and they are impossible to lock up once you get to the dinghy dock. To make matters worse, they’re difficult–if not impossible–to paddle into strong winds or choppy conditions.

Sailboat Dinghy

Adding the ability to sail your dinghy moves it from the tool category into the toy category. We all like to have water toys, and if you can practically turn your dinghy car into a water toy, too, that’s pretty cool.

But, sailing a dinghy comes with an entirely new set of problems. It will need a sail rig, a keel of some sort, and a rudder to sail well. This will not work on any dinghy–it will need to have been designed from the get-go to sail.

Nice dinghies don’t come cheap, and adding a sail kit usually makes it substantially more expensive. But for purists who love the freedom and peace of real sailing, there are not many things that are more fun than skirting around the harbor silently in your sailing dinghy.

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Hard Dinghy with Motor

You can add a motor to most dinghy designs as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do not overpower or overload it. Engines are heavy, and adding all of that weight to a tiny boat’s transom can quickly cause trouble.

Hard dinghies that are a suitable size for cruising boats seldom plane. A planing dinghy goes fast–so you can expect that most dinghies in the 8 to 12-foot range are going to be slow. The exception to this is the RIB–a hybrid hard-inflatable dinghy. For more details on RIBs, see below.

What’s left is the fiberglass or plastic dinghies that can’t get on plane–they have displacement hulls. They are usually rated for between two and five horsepower. Adding more horsepower does not necessarily make the dinghy go faster. The engines can be gas, propane, or electric. 

Once you get into slightly larger boats, in the 15 to 18-foot range, there are a few that will get on plane. But these boats are so large and heavy that you cannot lift them on most cruising boats. For example, Boston Whaler has made a series of tenders and small tenders, like their 130 Super Sport . But, with an engine and fuel, this little boat weighs over 1,000 pounds.

Pros and Cons of Rigid Hard Dinghies

• Indestructible–much more robust than inflatable options
• Can be very good looking
• Always ready to go
• Options for rowing or sailing
• Tippy–much less stable than inflatable boats
• No way to store in a small space–can’t roll up or deflate
• Low weight carrying capacity
• Generally limited to low-horsepower motors
• Cannot plane (go fast)
• Can be very heavy and bulky

Best Hard Dinghy Brands

West marine dinghy.

West Marine sells a few models of rigid dinghy. They are made of molded plastic, extremely tough, and can be oared or powered by a small outboard. Unfortunately, none of the West Marine models come with a sail kit. 

The West Marine Classic Dinghy is similar to a popular model known as the Walkers Bay 8. These can often be found on the used market and have many great options. They have a sail kit and a tube kit that converts them almost into a RIB. 

Porta-Boat makes a unique, folding, rigid boat design. The boat panels fold together into a flat case that looks a little like a surfboard. You can unfold the Porta-Boat on your foredeck and launch it. When lightly loaded and given a big enough outboard, Porta-Boats are fast enough to plane–a rare find in rigid dinghies.

Portland Pudgy

The unique looks of the plastic Portland Pudgy betray its biggest plus–it is designed to serve as a lifeboat. For a cruiser outfitting their boat for crossing oceans, liferafts are expensive and take up a lot of space. So having a dinghy that could potentially serve that purpose could save you several thousand dollars–plus the liferaft packing service cost every one to three years.

The Pudgy is a cute dinghy, virtually indestructible, and equipped however you like. It’s made of roto molded polyethylene, just like a plastic kayak. You can row it, motor it, or sail it. The survival kit adds liferaft supplies and a canopy for emergencies. Best of all, the various pieces fit inside compartments built in the hull. 

Fatty Knees, Trinka, Sam Morse Cherub, etc.

There are a handful of really classy classic dinghies out there, but you have to do a little research to find them. Usually, they result from a professional yacht designer answering a cruiser’s problem. For example, when Lin and Larry Pardey were sailing around the world on their Lyle Hess-designed Serafynn, Hess designed them a dinghy that fit perfectly on their boat. That little dinghy eventually became the well-loved Fatty Knees. 

Dinghies of this class look great, and they usually row and sail beautifully. Most will accept a tiny outboard for power. None will get on plane, and space and hauling capacity are not as much as with a RIB. Some of these dinghies are still made, while others are rare finds on the used market.

Chesapeake Light Craft CLC Kits

The selection of small rigid boats that make good tenders is surprisingly limited. If you’re a hand person, you might consider building one from a plywood kit. Several suppliers of such kits, but Chesapeake Light Craft in Annapolis is the biggest. Their boats range from tiny rowing prams to motor and sailing yachts. 

This type of boat building is known as stitch and glue. Panels of marine-grade plywood are stitched together and then glued together with epoxy. The result is a robust design that is lightweight and can last decades with proper care.

A nesting dinghy is one particularly interesting design that you can make from plywood. These are built in two or three sections, each stacking neatly in the other. So on your deck, the dinghy is small–only five or six feet long. However, when assembled, they can be 12 or more feet long.

Inflatable boats also come in a variety of types. The only universal feature is the inflatable tubes surrounding the boat, but the interiors and floors vary. Besides the cost of the boat, the deciding factor usually comes down to storage space and setup. 

Roll-up floors are made of the same rubber as the hull but with wood slats that make it sturdier. Some are entirely flat and made of plywood or aluminum panels–these are generally called solid-floor boats. Next, there are inflatable floor boats with a high-pressure floor that you can stand on, like a paddleboard. And finally, RIBs have fiberglass or aluminum hulls surrounded by the inflatable tube.

Inflatables are probably the most popular dinghy option because they are easy to come by and easy to store. Once inflated and on the water, they are very stable and difficult to capsize. In addition, they hold an insane amount of weight, so you never have to worry about overloading it with your groceries or supplies. 

Inflatables are sold with oars for rowing, but they make terrible rowboats. They blow around on the water and are difficult to control. With no keel, they don’t track and make terrible leeway in wind or chop. Some do have an inflatable keel, which gives the hull and little shape and greatly improves handling.

RIBs are easier to paddle since they have a keel and do track better.

Most inflatable or RIB owners will opt for engine power eventually, even if they like rowing. Inflatables can be quite fast, and some are designed to get on plane. In my personal experience, you need a minimum of 8 horsepower to plane a RIB, although 9.9-horsepower motors are even better. If you carry more than two people aboard or have a lot of gear, consider a 15-horsepower engine as the minimum.

Rigid Inflatable Boats

Making hybrids tends to not work out very well with many things in life. The results often take on all the disadvantages of each thing and few of the advantages. But with rigid inflatable boats, this isn’t the case. Luckily, these boats really are the best of both worlds. 

The advantages are that RIBs are lightweight yet supremely stable for their size. Large inflatable tubes all around the hull provide a dry ride and are very difficult to capsize. They can be loaded for bear and carry lots of people and supplies. 

The hard bottom of the boat gives it a solid keel and good handling characteristics on the water. If you want to get on plane, a RIB is your best bet. All you have to do is buy one that will safely handle a large enough outboard motor.

The complexity of a RIB’s design is proportional to its cost. The simplest boats are small, with a single floor. In other words, the floor you stand on is also the outer hull. It slopes down to the keel, making it harder to stand on than a flat floor. They have no built-in storage options. They’ll have seating on the outer tubes or a simple bench seat.

One step up is the double-floor RIB. These have a flat floor attached to the hull, so there is space below. These boats usually have some storage under the floor, near the bow. They’re easier to stand in, but they are also much heavier and more expensive. 

Larger RIBs may have built-in seats and possibly a wheel-style helm. This looks comfortable, but it takes up a lot of space and weight that might be handier for extra people or more groceries. 

The first rule is that if you have the space and budget for a RIB, you should get the RIB. You might be able to fit an air floor roll-up boat, but you’ll never like it as much. Some of them are very nice–but they aren’t RIBs, and they never will be. 

If you absolutely, positively can’t fit or afford a RIB, then there are still plenty of options. But the remaining types of inflatables will always feel like a rubber toy boat more than a solidly built vessel.

Material – PVC vs Hypalon Dinghies

The vinyl material that makes up the tubes of an inflatable comes in either PVC or Hypalon. PVC is cheaper and the most common. Unfortunately, PVC is broken down the quickest from the sun’s UV rays.

Hypalon is the solution for areas with intense sun exposure. Hypalon will last twice as long as PVC boats. But, of course, it does come at a cost–it’s much more expensive than PVC. It’s also important to note that you cannot use PVC patches and repair kits on Hypalon boats–so repairs and even the glue for a Hypalon craft will cost more. Hypalon is also called CSM, or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber.

You also need to consider the size of the tubes and how many air chambers they are dived into. The larger the tube, the greater the boat’s reserve buoyancy and the better its handling and carrying capacity is. The more air chambers it has, the safer it will be should one chamber spring a leak or get punctured. A cruising sailors dinghy should have a minimum of three air chambers, but four is even better.

Rigid Hull Construction Material – Fiberglass or Aluminum

The rigid hard bottom of a RIB can be made of fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum is an attractive option since this type of robust design was popularized by AB and now Highfield. Aluminum is strong and lightweight. It can still be dented and scratched, but the chances of it getting holed are very low. 

Fiberglass boats are less expensive and heavier. But, just like any fiberglass vessel, they can be chipped and cracked by impacts with rocks or docks. Luckily, fiberglass is extremely easy to fix, whereas aluminum would require welding. It’s also easy to modify a fiberglass dinghy. If, for example, you wanted to add a cleat to the transom for towing, you could do so easily. That sort of modification is harder to do correctly with aluminum.

Small Dinghy Seating Capacity, Storage Space, and Load Limits

No matter whether you’re looking for a RIB dinghy boat with motor, a sailing dinghy, or a kayak, your choice always comes back to what exactly it is you need to carry. Small boats like these don’t have a lot of extra buoyance to spare when you overload them. If you sometimes need to carry an extra person or two, but your dinghy is too small, that could pose a big problem. If you need to ferry new house batteries out to your boat, but all you have is a kayak with 50 pounds for cargo–that’s not going to happen. 

Whatever boat you like, take a look at its maximum loading capabilities. Thanks to the official US Coast Guard capacity plate, most dinghies will have this marked on them. This will rate the vessel for a maximum number of people, a maximum amount of weight, and maximum engine horsepower. 

Pros and Cons of Inflatable Dinghies

• Can roll up or deflate for smaller storage
• Lighter than hard boats
• Enormous weight carrying capability
• Extremely stable–won’t flip even if you stand on one side
• Can carry more horsepower and go faster than hard dinghies
• Since they store smaller, you can usually fit a larger inflatable on your boat than you can a rigid boat
• Material degrades in the sun from UV damage
• Tubes can be punctured by rocks or chaffed bylines in extreme circumstances
• Best Inflatable and RIB Brands

West Marine earns a place on the list for simple ubiquity. West Marine dinghies are rebranded versions of those built by other companies – usually Zodiacs. Most, if not all, are made in China. 

But the advantage is in their availability – most coastal areas of the US are near a West Marine store, and most stores have a few dinghy models in stock. You can go and see them in person, and you can pick them up and take them home on the same day. Pretty much every other option on the list will have to be ordered sight-unseen.

West Marine sells a selection of inflatable dinghies, from roll-ups and slat-floor models to top-of-the-line RIBs. They keep parts in stock at most stores, and the better boats are available in either PVC or Hypalon. 

Highfield Boats

Highfield is best known for its hard-wearing Hypalon aluminum-hulled RIBs. These sharp and sturdy boats are found on most charter boats since they last the longest. The company also makes PVC roll-up models. Highfields are pretty much the hottest ticket in RIBs right now–their boats look and perform marvelously.

Their boats range from the tiny 6’7″ RU 200 roll-up to the SP900–a 30-foot, 900-horsepower center console powerhouse. The most popular dinghy tender is the Classic 310. If you need something lighter, the Ultralight line is excellent as well.

Zodiac Nautic

Zodiac is a French maker of inflatable boats. They have a full line, from small roll-ups to large professional rescue RIBs. Their boats are divided among different product lines. Cruisers will want to look into the Cadet line of dinghies, which come in roll-up and RIB versions. 

If you’re looking for a boat with a helm, the Yachtline has four size options. These boats have built-in seating for up to nine people and engines up to 90 horsepower.

AB Inflatables

AB started as Antilles Boatworks–as you might imagine, their target market is the Caribbean. They make hardy Hypalon RIBs with aluminum hulls built for life in the tropics, plus jet boat yacht tenders and professional SAR and law enforcement RIBs.

Achilles makes roll-up, slat-floor, and RIB dinghies in various sizes. 

Like the mothership you call home, your dinghy is uniquely yours. No two boaters will make the same choices – everyone has different priorities. For the couple driving a classic wooden boat, nothing will do but an equally classic wooden dinghy. On the other hand, speed and comfort requirements dictate a go-fast RIB for the ultra-modern motor trawler. There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer to boating, so research carefully and think about how you’re going to use your dink. The good news is, there’s an active used market for dinghies out there–so upgrading and trading until you get it right is an option.

Is it dinghy or dingy?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually used by a bigger boat to carry supplies and people to shore and back. For example, “The yacht’s dinghy brought the crew to shore, where they went shopping.”

Dingy is an adjective meaning dirty, unclean, or squalid. For example, “After two weeks at sea, the dingy sailor desperately needed a shave and a long, hot shower.”

Why is a boat called a dinghy?

The English word “dinghy” comes from a similar Hindi word that describes small rowing boats used on the rivers in India. According to Merriam-Webster, it first appeared in English around 1810. It likely became a loanword during the times of British India.

What is a dinghy for a boat?

The most common type of dinghy is a small boat used as a tender. It runs back and forth to shore, tending the needs of the larger vessel. For example, it might take passengers ashore, pick them up, or just pick up and move supplies.

Sailing dinghies are small racing sailboats, like those used by sailing clubs to teach sailing and racing skills.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Dinghy Guide 101

• Dinghies 101

Dinghies, also known as sailing dinghies or dinghy sailboats, are versatile and agile boats that have gained immense popularity among sailing enthusiasts worldwide. These small watercraft offer a thrilling experience on the water, making them a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned sailors. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of dinghies, exploring different types, their benefits, and everything you need to know about sailing these charming vessels.

What are Dinghies?

Dinghies are small, open boats that are usually carried or towed by larger vessels. They serve a variety of purposes, such as transportation between a larger boat and the shore, recreation, racing, and as training boats for novice sailors. Due to their compact size, they are easy to handle and maneuver, making them ideal for navigating narrow waterways and crowded harbors.

Types of Sailing Dinghies

1. dinghy sailboats.

Dinghy sailboats are the most traditional and widely used type of dinghies. They come in various designs and materials, such as fiberglass, wood, or aluminum. Dinghy sailboats use the wind as their primary means of propulsion, with a main sail and, in some cases, a jib. These boats offer an excellent opportunity for learning to sail due to their simplicity and responsiveness to wind shifts.

2. Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies, as the name suggests, are made from inflatable materials like PVC or Hypalon. These dinghies are incredibly lightweight and easily portable, making them popular among boaters who need a dinghy that can be deflated and stowed when not in use. Inflatable dinghies are also known for their stability and durability, making them suitable for various water conditions.

3. Rigid Dinghies

Rigid dinghies, often constructed from materials like fiberglass or aluminum, offer a stable and reliable sailing experience. They are sturdy and can handle rough waters with ease. Rigid dinghies are commonly used for fishing and exploring shallow waters, making them a versatile option for those who love to venture into remote areas.

Advantages of Dinghy Sailing

1. versatility and maneuverability.

Dinghies are incredibly versatile boats that can navigate in waters where larger vessels cannot venture. Their maneuverability allows sailors to explore hidden coves, creeks, and inlets that are off-limits to bigger boats, providing an opportunity for a unique sailing experience.

2. Learning to Sail

Dinghy sailing is an excellent way to learn the art of sailing. The smaller size and direct control over sails and rudder help beginners grasp sailing techniques quickly. Aspiring sailors can gain confidence in their skills, which can be later applied to larger boats.

3. Accessibility and Portability

Dinghies are easy to transport, launch, and retrieve, making them accessible to sailing enthusiasts without access to large marinas. Inflatable dinghies, in particular, can be deflated, folded, and stored in a compact bag, enabling sailors to take their dinghies wherever they go.

Dinghies for Sale: Finding the Perfect Boat

When considering purchasing a dinghy, several factors need to be taken into account.

1. New vs. Used Dinghies

New dinghies offer the advantage of warranty and customization, while used dinghies may come at a more affordable price. Evaluate your budget and preferences before making a decision.

2. Factors to Consider Before Buying

Consider the boat's size, material, and intended use. If you plan to sail in calm waters, inflatable dinghies might be a suitable choice. For more adventurous journeys, rigid dinghies might be the better option.

3. Top Brands for Dinghy Sailboats

Some renowned brands in the dinghy sailboat market include XYZ Sailboats, ABC Marine, and QRS Boats. Researching reputable brands can help you find a high-quality dinghy that meets your requirements.

Inflatable Dinghies: The Ideal Choice for Some

Inflatable dinghies offer unique benefits that make them the ideal choice for certain boaters.

1. Benefits of Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies are lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They are also stable on the water, which is especially advantageous for anglers and divers who need a steady platform.

2. Top Features to Look for

When choosing an inflatable dinghy, consider features like reinforced hulls, multiple air chambers for safety, and convenient accessories such as oars and air pumps.

Sailing Dinghies Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your dinghy.

1. Cleaning and Storage Tips

Rinse your dinghy with fresh water after each use to remove salt and debris. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the material.

2. Common Repairs and Maintenance Tasks

Inspect your dinghy regularly for signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly. Common repairs may include patching inflatable dinghies or fixing minor cracks in rigid dinghies.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our  Magazine .

How to Sail a Dinghy: A Beginner's Guide

Sailing a dinghy is a rewarding experience, but it requires some basic knowledge and skills.

1. Essential Sailing Techniques

Learn the fundamental sailing techniques, including tacking, jibing, and adjusting sails according to wind conditions.

2. Safety Measures and Precautions

Always wear a life jacket and familiarize yourself with safety procedures. Be aware of weather conditions and avoid sailing in rough waters or adverse weather.

Exploring the World of Dinghy Racing

Dinghy racing is a thrilling and competitive sport that attracts sailors of all ages.

1. Dinghy Racing Basics

Dinghy racing involves navigating a set course as quickly as possible, using tactical skills and wind knowledge to gain an advantage over competitors.

2. Joining Dinghy Racing Clubs

Many sailing clubs offer dinghy racing programs, providing an opportunity to socialize, improve sailing skills, and compete with like-minded individuals.

The Rising Popularity of Inflatable Sailing Catamarans

In recent years, inflatable sailing catamarans have gained popularity for their unique design and features.

1. Advantages of Inflatable Catamarans

Inflatable catamarans offer increased stability and a spacious deck, making them suitable for leisurely sailing and family outings.

2. Top Inflatable Catamaran Models

Notable inflatable catamaran models include the XYZ SailCat 2000 and ABC Marine CataraYacht. These innovative designs provide an exceptional sailing experience.

Dinghies offer a world of adventure and excitement for sailors of all skill levels. Whether you're exploring serene lakes or embarking on thrilling races, the versatility and accessibility of dinghies make them an ideal choice for water enthusiasts. With the information provided in this guide, you can confidently set sail on your journey to embrace the joy of dinghy sailing.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite sailing destinations .

FAQ for dinghies and sailboats

Can i sail a dinghy alone, are inflatable dinghies safe for open waters, what is the average cost of a dinghy sailboat.

The Definitive Guide to Different Types of Dinghies

If you’ve ever gone out sailing or are just starting out, you’ve probably had the opportunity to get onto a dinghy to scoot yourself around. Dinghies can be extremely useful and fun at the same time whether you’re on a sailing dinghy or a power dinghy. The first time I ever got on a dinghy was a two person sailing dinghy, which is exactly when I started learning how to sail.

So what are the different types of dinghies? The different types of dinghies include sailing dinghies and power dinghies. Sailing dinghies have sails and do not have any type of motor attached to them and power dinghies have no sails and rely on motor power to move through the water.

When it comes to a dinghy, don’t let the size fool you. These little vessels can catch some serious speed and are central to many boating competitions around the world.

However, sailing dinghies and power dinghies usually serve different purposes, so let’s dive into the different types of dinghies to get a better understanding.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing around on a dinghy is one of the more overlooked styles of sailing since everyone seems to want to get on a bigger yacht.

While there’s no arguing against the feeling of sailing on a larger vessel, dinghy sailing is a lot of fun which requires a good understanding of sailing fundamentals and an eye for precision.

High-Performance Dinghies

A high-performance sailing dinghy is as the name suggests; high-performance.

Its design is optimized to produce a fast and powerful sailing dinghy that can perform well in many environments and is often found in top regattas around the world. As you’ll soon realize, most sailing dinghies are constructed using fiberglass.

High-performance sailing dinghies usually have a spinnaker that can be attached to the sailboat so as to improve the speed of the boat under the right conditions.

Along with that, these sailing dinghies have what’s called a trapeze which is a wire that’s attached to the top of the mast and comes all the way down to the sailor’ harness.

This allows you to balance the force of the wind against the sail when the weather really kicks in.

Racing Dinghies

As you might have assumed already from the name, racing sailing dinghies are used primarily in racing environments.

While not too dissimilar to a high-performance sailing dinghy, there are some differences in terms of size, weight, and shape of the hull.

The design of a racing sailing dinghy is very important, but the skills of the crew on-board are usually what matters the most. Again, these types of sailing dinghies are made out of fiberglass.

The tactics implemented by the crew on a racing sailing dinghy are incredibly important. A racing sailing dinghy allows for crews to take advantage of the dinghy’s design so that they can tack and jibe much faster and more fluid than other dinghies.

On top of that, the hull of a racing sailing dinghy is quite flat which allows it to plane much easier resulting in a reduction of hull surface area touching the water.

Cruising Dinghies

If you’re not looking to compete with a racing or high-performance sailing dinghy, then you’re more likely to be sailing around in a cruising sailing dinghy. As the name suggests, they are made to cruise around the water and comfortably at that.

Designed for stability and safety in mind, cruising sailing dinghies are one of the most leisurely dinghies to take out on the water. Cruising dinghies are almost always made out of fiberglass.

As opposed to the previous sailing dinghies, cruising sailing dinghies generally have smaller sails and a more round hull .

As you might have guessed, the smaller the sails the less potential energy (and thus speed) your dinghy has.

The smaller sail also makes it easier to handle while cruising along. When it comes to the hull, a rounder hull also brings stability to the sailing dinghy as well as a very low chance of planing since there’s more contact between the hull and the water.

Cruiser-Racer Dinghies

If you have an inkling for racing but want to just cruise around comfortably from time to time, using a cruiser-racer sailing dinghy is an excellent choice.

These sailing dinghies are perfect for many different sailing environments and are my preferred type of sailing dinghy. It’s extremely common to find cruiser-racer dinghies made out of fiberglass.

Just like a cruising dinghy, the experience of being on a cruiser-racer dinghy is comfortable and provides good stability when out on the water.

However, if you want to turn up the notch and get it moving quickly, you can do just that since they have flatter hulls and generally larger sails. In the end, a cruiser-racer dinghy is right smack dab between a racing and cruising dinghy.

Classic Dinghies

If you’re looking for a classic experience on a sailing dinghy, then why not try out a… classic!

Classic dinghies can be found more often than you might think and can be fun to learn on when just starting out.

While you definitely won’t get the same performance as the other types of sailing dinghies, they’re quite comfortable and easy to use.

As opposed to most sailing dinghies, classic dinghies can be found to be made out of wood but usually they’re made from fiberglass.

Classic dinghies are unique in the sense that they have a cat sail and mast configuration . A cat, or “catboat”, has a single sail connected to a mast positioned at the bow of the sailboat.

Again, this makes them very easy to use and can be a great way to start learning how to sail. Also, I think they look rather nice, so beauty definitely plays a bit of a role in using a classic dinghy.

Power Dinghies

Before setting sail and exploring the beautiful waters of the world, you’ll want to make sure you know what kind of dinghy you have on-board.

As opposed to sailing dinghies, larger sailboats often times will have a power dinghy on-board in case you and your crew need to scoot around the local area quickly and easily.

Also, if you ever plan on anchoring out anywhere, it’s helpful to have a power dinghy to get to and from shore or to simply explore the surroundings.

The main differentiating factor between one power dinghy and another is the type of motor. More often than not, you’ll find dinghies with outboard motors, but that doesn’t encompass ever power dinghy out there.

Outboard Motor

As I just mentioned, the most common type of motor you’ll find on a power dinghy is an outboard motor.

Simply put, an outboard motor is attached on the backside of the power dinghy by means of a stern bracket and clamps or by bolts and nuts. Most outboard motor are powered by gasoline/petrol, however I’ve been on plenty of electrically powered dinghies when out fishing.

Outboard motors are popular because they’re relatively easy to maintain and can be replaced quickly if they crap out.

They also can be tilted up while still propelling your power dinghy forward, which allows you to cruise around shallow water without having your motor’s propellers hit the ground.

Your outboard motor can be either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. A 2-stroke motor requires mixing the gasoline/petrol with oil (most of the times this is automatic) and are generally less expensive to purchase.

A 4-stroke motor doesn’t require an oil-gasoline/petrol mix and is usually quieter, smoother, and more environmentally friendly, however more expensive to buy.

Inboard Motor

It’s not common that you’ll find a power dinghy with an inboard motor. However, you might see them if you’re on a power dinghy that holds 10 or more passengers and if the power dinghy is heavier in weight.

An inboard motor is fitted inside the power dinghy, so working on it or replacing it is a much larger hassle compared to an outboard motor.

Since power dinghies with inboard motors are quite heavy, you won’t find them on most sailboats. You will see them on shores where people are being taxied around as well as on-board much larger water vessels like megayachts.

Jet Drive Motor

Another type of dinghy motor is the jet drive motor, which, like the inboard motor, isn’t the most common type of motor to see on a power dinghy.

Similar to an inboard motor, a jet drive motor is generally built into the power dinghy making it more difficult to maintain and replace.

However, having a jet drive motor has its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is one of safety being that, similar to a jet ski, a power dinghy with a jet drive motor doesn’t have propellers meaning nearby swimmers are much safer.

A major disadvantage to jet drive motor is that they can easily get items stuck inside of them, like plastic bags, jellyfish, and more, resulting in the motor shutting down.

Dinghy Materials

Apart from a power dinghies motor, another major differentiating factor when it comes to power dinghies is the material it’s made out of.

While the most common types of power dinghy you’ll find nowadays are inflatable, there are still plenty of solid material power dinghies out there.

If you’re on a power dinghy, there’s a good chance that it’s an inflatable power dinghy. There are several advantages of using an inflatable power dinghy especially that they’re easy to stow and less likely to damage vessels when they coming alongside.

A major disadvantage to using an inflatable power dinghy is that, unlike solid materials, they’re easier to puncture by reefs, sticks, and other sharp debris.

Fiberglass and Metal

Power dinghies that are made out of solid materials are often made out of either fiberglass or metal. While these types of materials aren’t as common nowadays for a power dinghy onboard a sailboat to have, they certainly aren’t rare.

The main advantage of having a power dinghy made out of fiberglass or metal is that it’s highly unlikely to be punctured compared to an inflatable power dinghy.

Some disadvantages include the fact that they can be heavy and they can scratch a sailboat’s hull when coming alongside.

Unless you’re a collector of classic dinghies, whether power or sailing, you won’t find many dinghies made out of wood nowadays.

Certainly, they exist but on much rarer occasions. The main advantage of a wood power dinghy is that it can look classy and antique-like while also not easily puncturable.

However, the downsides include those of the fiberglass/metal power dinghies as well as it being susceptible to leaks and having a greater maintenance cost compared to other power dinghies.

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Dinghy sailing: why it’s great for beginners and keelboat sailors

• Toby Heppell
• June 30, 2022

Dinghy sailing helps improve your understanding of a wide variety of skills, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned keelboat sailor, sailing a dinghy is a hugely rewarding pastime

Dinghy sailing – whether racing or as a leisure activity – is one of the best ways to improve your skill level whether you’ve no experience of sailing, race 50ft yachts offshore or cruise the coast in a 30ft bilge-keeler.

It is no coincidence that some of the world’s top sailors either started out dinghy sailing or continue to dinghy sail as a pastime. But many sailors, particularly those who come to the sport of sailing as an adult will only have limited dinghy sailing experience.

Though keelboat sailing and dinghy sailing are ostensibly the same sport, the two have a number of small differences, which transfer from one to the other to make you a better sailor generally.

However, this does also mean that no matter how good a keelboat sailor you are, jumping straight into a dinghy may come as something of a shock and vice versa.

What is a dinghy?

The difference between a dinghy and a keelboat can be difficult to define simply. Typically a sailing dinghy does not have a weighted keel in order to keep it upright.

However, there are boats many would consider to be a dinghy that do have a weighted keel, so this is not a strict definition.

Dinghies are also typically under 20ft and are not designed to sail in ocean going conditions. This, alongside the lack of a keel, typically means dinghies are much more manoeuvrable, faster to accelerate and more responsive to body position.

It’s these traits that make dinghy sailing such a boon in terms of improving your understanding of sailing when on a keelboat.

Sit in the wrong place on a dinghy at the wrong time and you might well capsize. Do the same on a keelboat and the effect will be negative but not in quite so stark a manner – in fact, it can often be an almost imperceptible reduction in performance.

The same is true of sail trim, accelerating and slowing down and a whole raft of other boat handling and sail handling skills that are vital to understanding how best to control a boat.

Finally, in terms of the difference between the two, dinghies usually only have one or two sailors onboard, meaning that all the jobs need to be either undertaken by one person or shared equally between two. This, in turn, means that a day out sailing a dinghy provides more opportunity to practise a wider variety of skills as compared to being one of a wider number of crew on a keelboat.

Laser/ILCA dinghies in Antigua racing as part of Bart’s Bash, the worldwide sailing charity race, raising funds for sailing communities affected by the 2017 hurricanes

Where to go dinghy sailing

In theory you can sail a dinghy on almost any publicly accessible piece of water, but publicly owned launching facilities tend to be few and far between.

Given their lack of communication equipment and their relative lack of self-sufficiency as compared to a keelboat, it’s advisable to have some sort of safety cover available should you get into trouble.

For this reason, the traditional way to go dinghy sailing is to join your nearest sailing club on an annual or trial membership and borrow a club boat (if they are available) to start sailing regularly.

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It’s not the most flexible system in the world and, increasingly, clubs are offering memberships on a pay-to-play basis.

Queen Mary Sailing Club in the UK based just west of London is one such club, which offers a gym-style membership of a monthly subscription which allows you to sail a wide variety of boats as often as you like (subject to booking etc.).

This can be a great way to go dinghy sailing or to try out dinghy sailing before making the commitment to an annual membership at a sailing club, or committing to the purchase of a boat.

A typical dinghy sailing club in the UK. Photo: David George / Getty Images

Although this is a growing area and there are plenty of sailing clubs offering a gym-style membership, it’s a long way from ubiquity, so the annual membership model is likely to be the best option for most.

It’s worth looking around you and seeing what options are available in the local area. In the UK, you will usually be living within easy access of a number of clubs, so you will be able to pick the club that is right for you.

If you are dinghy sailing in the USA, then your options will be limited, with sailing clubs being relatively fewer and further between.

What dinghy to buy

The first and easiest question to ask yourself is whether you plan on sailing alone or with another person and thus whether you are looking for a single or doublehanded boat (or something that can do both).

Ideally before taking the plunge and buying a dinghy you will have the chance to sail a variety of types of dinghy at a club you have joined, which should help you make your choice.

Most dinghies have an optimum weight so your size is a factor, but this is less of an issue if you are not planning on racing your dinghy.

Construction of the boat is a key consideration. Wood was the traditional dinghy material but this requires significant maintenance and is susceptible to rot if not well-kept – but it does look nice and is repairable with some simple wood-working skills.

Fibreglass and foam sandwich builds offer stiffness and are great for racing, but can become easily scratched or damaged and require a working knowledge of resin and glass fibre work to fix damage – or get a local boat builder to do it for you.

In the last 20 years, many beginner dinghies have been built from polyurethane or polyethylene and are rotomoulded. This process involves pouring liquid ‘plastic’ into a mould and rotating it while it sets to get an even distribution of the material, which forms the boats hull once cooled and released from the mould.

The Laser Pico is a rotomoulded boat, popular with sailing schools and beginners

Rotomoulding is not exactly new, so there are plenty of second hand examples on the market. These boats are very resistant to damage and are typically seen as ideal for the rental or beginner market.

Globally speaking, the Laser (recently being sold under the name ILCA) and the Sunfish are two of the most popular singlehanded dinghies. Both are fibreglass, but crucially wherever you are in the world there are likely to be plenty on the market at a variety of price points – the Sunfish being much more popular in the USA than Europe and the Laser/ILCA having a slightly more global presence.

Both these boats will also hold their second hand value reasonably well, so are good options for taking the plunge.

Catamarans are faster and more inherently stable than monohull dinghies, so can often be a good option for the starter sailor. It should be noted, however, that multihull sailing is, a slightly different skill to monohull sailing, so if you are looking to improve your skills on a monohull it might not be the very best option.

Catamarans lined up on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Australia. Photo: lkonya / Getty Images

If you are considering racing, then the best advice would be to see what boats are being sailed at your local club. It might be that a slightly obscure boat is popular near where you live and sailing alongside others in the same type of boat is usually more fun than sailing around alone.

Sailing alongside others in the same type of boat can be more rewarding than sailing alone. Photo: Tim Platt / Getty Images

Dinghy Sailing Kit

Dinghy sailing is a pretty wet sport, with launching and retrieval usually seeing sailors in the water, regular soaking from waves and the possibility of capsizing all factors.

As such, particularly for those not blessed with warm warters and balmy breezes, buying a wetsuit is a pretty important thing to do.

You can go dinghy sailing in old trainers and a pair of trousers that you don’t mind getting wet, but these will be uncomfortable over an extended period of time on the water and will not keep you warm.

A buoyancy aid is also absolutely essential to help you float in the water should you fall out or capsize. Buoyancy aids are better than lifejackets for dinghy sailing as it’s entirely possible that you will be in the water more than once in a dinghy sailing session, so a manually inflating lifejacket will get in the wat after it has been set off once, and an automatically inflating one is likely to go off while you are in the boat itself if there is enough spray.

While a wetsuit and lifejackets are, in my opinion, must have items, trainers will be fine for a while – though you will probably want to invest in a pair of wetboots after not too long, which will be comfort and much warmer.

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Learn the Basics of Dinghy Sailing: A Beginner’s Guide

Alex Morgan

Sailing a dinghy can be an adventurous and rewarding experience, allowing you to navigate the water and harness the power of the wind. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your sailing skills, understanding the fundamentals of sailing a dinghy is essential. In this guide, we will delve into the different aspects of sailing a dinghy to help you get started and sail with confidence.

Sailing dinghies are small sailboats that are designed to be sailed by one or two people. They are versatile and can be used for leisure sailing, racing, or even as a training vessel. Dinghies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and sailing capabilities.

Before setting sail, it’s important to choose the right dinghy that matches your skill level, sailing goals, and local weather conditions. Factors to consider include the type of dinghy, hull design, size, and rigging options.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, it’s crucial to have the right equipment on board. This includes sailing gear such as life jackets, wetsuits, and appropriate footwear, as well as safety equipment like a whistle, signaling devices, and a first aid kit.

To effectively sail a dinghy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its various components. These include the hull, rigging and sails, centerboard or daggerboard, and tiller and rudder. Understanding how these parts work together will help you maneuver the dinghy more efficiently.

Mastering basic sailing techniques is essential for any aspiring dinghy sailor. This involves understanding wind and weather conditions, launching and landing the dinghy, steering and maneuvering, and becoming familiar with different points of sail.

Once you have a solid foundation in basic sailing, you can explore more advanced techniques. These include tacking and gybing, sailing upwind, using sail controls to optimize performance, and adjusting your technique according to different wind conditions.

Safety should always be a top priority while sailing a dinghy. We’ll cover basic safety rules, collision avoidance, right of way rules, and how to respect the environment while out on the water.

Sailing a dinghy is a skill that can be continually improved upon with practice and experience. As you gain more confidence, consider taking lessons, joining a sailing club, or participating in races to further enhance your skills and enjoyment of this exhilarating sport.

Key takeaway:

• Choosing the right dinghy is crucial: Consider factors such as size, stability, and intended use when selecting a dinghy for sailing.
• Master the basic sailing techniques: Understanding wind, launching and landing the dinghy, steering and maneuvering, and knowing the points of sail are essential for successful dinghy sailing.
• Prioritize safety and etiquette: Follow basic safety rules, learn collision avoidance and right of way rules, and respect the environment while sailing a dinghy.

Choosing the Right Dinghy

When it comes to choosing the right dinghy , there are crucial factors to consider. From the size and weight to the sailing conditions you’ll be facing, this section dives into the key elements that will help you make an informed decision. So, before you set sail, let’s explore the essential aspects that can make or break your dinghy sailing experience. Get ready to navigate the waters in style and with confidence!

Factors to Consider

When choosing a dinghy for sailing, there are several factors to consider. You should think about the size and weight of the dinghy. A smaller, lighter dinghy is easier to maneuver and launch, which makes it perfect for beginners or sailors who will be sailing solo.

It’s important to assess your skill level as a sailor. If you are a beginner, you should opt for a dinghy that is stable and forgiving . On the other hand, more experienced sailors may prefer a high-performance dinghy that offers a thrilling sailing experience.

Next, consider the intended use of the dinghy. Will you be using it for racing or cruising? It’s crucial to choose a dinghy that is specifically designed for your intended purpose.

Of course, cost is another important factor to take into account. Dinghies come in a range of prices, so you should choose one that fits within your budget. Remember to factor in the cost of any additional equipment and maintenance.

Another consideration is the availability of spare parts and accessories for the dinghy. It’s advisable to choose a reputable manufacturer that offers a wide range of support and resources.

Think about where and how you will store and transport the dinghy. Assess whether you have enough space at home or if you will need to rely on a boatyard or marina for storage.

A pro tip is to try out different dinghies before making a final decision. This hands-on experience will help you determine which dinghy feels the most comfortable and suits your sailing style.

Essential Equipment for Dinghy Sailing

When it comes to sailing a dinghy, having the right equipment is essential . In this section, we’ll explore the must-have gear for an enjoyable and safe sailing experience. From top-of-the-line sailing gear to crucial safety equipment, we’ll cover everything you need to know to be fully prepared on the water. So, get ready to gear up and sail with confidence in your trusty dinghy !

Sailing Gear

When it comes to sailing gear, every sailor should have these essential items:

Having the right sailing gear is essential for comfort, safety, and enjoyment while on the water. Invest in quality gear and always check its condition before setting sail.

Safety Equipment

When sailing, prioritize safety. Here are essential safety equipment items to consider for dinghy sailing:

• Life Jacket: All sailors must have a properly fitting and Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Wear it at all times while on the water.
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Similar to a life jacket, a PFD provides extra buoyancy and is a lightweight option.
• Whistle or Horn: Use these signaling devices for emergencies or to communicate with others on the water.
• Throwable Flotation Device: A buoyant object thrown to someone in distress to assist with their flotation until help arrives.
• First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit onboard for injuries or medical emergencies while sailing.
• Anchor: Essential for stopping the boat’s drift in case of engine failure or strong currents.
• Fire Extinguisher: Have a fire extinguisher onboard to handle potential fires caused by fuel or electrical problems.

Remember, safety equipment is effective with proper use and regular maintenance. Regularly inspect and replace damaged or expired safety equipment. Familiarize yourself with each item’s use and ensure everyone onboard knows the location and operation of the safety equipment.

Understanding the Parts of a Dinghy

Get ready to set sail as we dive into understanding the different parts of a dinghy. We’ll be exploring the hull , rigging and sails , centreboard or daggerboard , and the tiller and rudder . Each sub-section sheds light on a crucial component of a dinghy, taking you one step closer to mastering the art of sailing. So grab your life jacket and join us on this nautical adventure!

The hull, an integral part of a sailing dinghy, provides both buoyancy and stability . Constructed from materials such as fiberglass , its purpose is to withstand the forces of wind and water.

The performance of a dinghy is greatly influenced by the shape of its hull. For novices or when sailing in calm waters, a flat-bottomed hull offers exceptional stability. Conversely, a V-shaped hull is more adept at slicing through waves, enhancing speed and maneuverability.

To facilitate orientation and communication, a dinghy’s hull is divided into distinct sections: the bow (front), stern (rear), port (left), and starboard (right). These sections help sailors easily identify different areas of the boat and provide precise instructions.

Maintaining the hull’s condition necessitates regular cleaning and inspection. This practice ensures the early detection of any cracks or damage that may compromise the hull’s integrity. Proper storage and transportation are equally vital to prevent unnecessary stress or wear.

When selecting a dinghy, it is crucial to consider both the hull design and the appropriate material that aligns with your specific needs. Whether your purpose is leisurely sailing or competitive racing, seeking guidance from experts or experienced sailors can aid you in making the right hull choice.

Rigging and Sails

The rigging and sails on a dinghy are crucial for supporting and controlling the sails.

The mast , boom , and standing rigging all play a part in this process.

The mast , which is a tall pole, holds up the sails and can be securely attached to the hull of the dinghy.

The boom , on the other hand, is a horizontal pole that extends from the mast and holds the foot of the mainsail.

The standing rigging consists of wires or cables that provide support to the mast and keep it upright.

This includes the forestay , backstay , and shrouds .

The forestay helps in supporting the mast and controlling its movement, while the backstay provides additional support and stability.

The shrouds prevent the mast from leaning too much to one side.

One particular day, John found himself sailing in his dinghy when he suddenly encountered a fierce storm.

The powerful wind and massive waves made it incredibly challenging to control the sails.

It was in this difficult situation that John truly recognized the significance of well-rigged sails.

The proper tension and positioning of the rigging allowed him to swiftly adjust the sails, enabling him to navigate through the turbulent waters.

Thanks to the robust rigging and well-maintained sails, John safely guided his dinghy back to shore.

This experience served as a constant reminder of the crucial role that rigging and sails play in enhancing the performance and safety of a dinghy.

Centreboard or Daggerboard

The centreboard or daggerboard is an essential component of a dinghy, and it plays a crucial role in enhancing its sailing performance. Understanding its significance and how to utilize it effectively can greatly enhance your sailing skills and maneuverability. Here are some key points to consider about the centreboard or daggerboard:

– The centreboard or daggerboard is positioned in the center of the hull and functions as a retractable fin-like structure.

– Its primary function is to prevent the boat from drifting sideways while sailing upwind.

– Depending on the wind conditions and sailing direction, the centreboard or daggerboard can be raised or lowered accordingly.

– By retracting the centreboard or daggerboard , the dinghy can sail in shallow waters without the risk of grounding.

– The size and shape of the centreboard or daggerboard have a significant impact on the boat’s stability and its ability to point into the wind.

– Smaller dinghies typically have centreboards , while high-performance racing boats commonly use daggerboards .

– When sailing upwind, it is advisable to fully lower the centreboard or daggerboard to maximize resistance and minimize leeway.

– Regularly inspecting the centreboard or daggerboard for any damage or signs of wear is essential, as it may affect the boat’s overall performance.

– Having a proper understanding of how to use and adjust the centreboard or daggerboard will contribute to optimizing your dinghy sailing experience.

Considering these aspects and incorporating the centreboard or daggerboard effectively will ensure that you make the most out of this crucial sailing component.

Tiller and Rudder

The tiller and rudder are necessary parts of a sailing dinghy that assist in steering and maneuvering the boat efficiently.

Both the tiller and rudder collaborate to provide control and stability to the sailing dinghy. They enable the helmsman to navigate the boat smoothly, making precise turns and adjustments based on wind and water conditions.

It’s crucial for the helmsman to understand how the tiller and rudder function and how their movements impact the boat’s direction. Mastery of the tiller and rudder requires practice, as different sailing techniques, like tacking and gybing, demand precise control over these components.

Always maintain a firm grip on the tiller while sailing and remain cautious of any obstacles in the water. Proper utilization of the tiller and rudder ensures a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Basic Sailing Techniques

Get ready to set sail! In this section, we’ll dive into the basic sailing techniques that will turn you into a skilled dinghy sailor. From understanding wind and weather conditions to mastering the art of launching and landing the dinghy, we’ll cover it all. Get ready to learn about steering and maneuvering techniques, as well as the crucial concept of points of sail. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to confidently navigate the waters with your dinghy.

Getting Familiar with Wind and Weather Conditions

When getting familiar with wind and weather conditions for dinghy sailing, it is important to consider the following key factors.

You need to determine the wind direction in order to make the right maneuvers and select the appropriate course. Assessing the wind speed, which is measured in knots , is crucial. Light winds typically range between 5-10 knots , while stronger winds can exceed 20 knots .

It is also essential to stay informed about the weather conditions, including any changes in wind speed, gusts, or the possibility of storms. Observing cloud formations can provide valuable indications of approaching storms or strong winds.

It is important to take note of the sea state, as choppy or rough seas require extra caution. Considering the temperature is necessary for both comfort and ensuring appropriate clothing or sun protection.

Seeking advice from experienced sailors or locals can provide valuable insights on wind patterns or any peculiar weather conditions. It is crucial to be adaptable and prioritize safety by adjusting your plans based on the changing weather conditions.

Launching and Landing the Dinghy

Prepare the dinghy by securing all equipment and adjusting the rigging. Check the wind direction and current conditions to choose the best spot to launch. Lower the dinghy carefully into the water, making sure it floats freely.

Climb into the dinghy while holding onto the dock or shore. Release the dinghy and use a paddle or oar to push away if needed. Paddle or row to navigate away from obstacles and into open water.

Once a safe distance from shore, raise the sails if applicable, following proper procedures. Adjust the sails and tiller as necessary to control the direction and speed of the dinghy.

When returning to shore, steer the dinghy towards the desired landing spot, considering currents and obstacles. Gradually slow down the dinghy by adjusting the sails and tiller for a smooth approach.

If necessary, lower the sails and use oars or a paddle to maneuver into a suitable landing location. Guide the dinghy towards the shore, being mindful of other boats and people.

Once close enough to the shore, step out of the dinghy onto solid ground. Secure the dinghy to a dock, anchor, or other object to prevent drifting away.

Last summer, I went sailing with friends in a beautiful coastal area. We explored clear waters and enjoyed a warm breeze. One day, we anchored the dinghy near a secluded beach for a swim.

Upon returning, we faced challenges with launching and landing the dinghy due to the wind making it difficult to get back in. With careful maneuvering, we successfully landed the dinghy on the beach. This small victory added to the excitement of our sailing trip.

Launching and landing the dinghy require attention to detail and adaptation to changing conditions. Following safety precautions and being prepared ensures a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.

Steering and Maneuvering

Steering and maneuvering a dinghy requires specific steps:

1. Hold the tiller firmly with both hands.

2. Push the tiller away from you to execute a left turn.

3. Pull the tiller towards you to execute a right turn.

4. Shift your weight to maintain balance in the boat and facilitate smooth turns.

5. Utilize gentle tiller movements to avoid excessive steering.

To ensure effective steering and maneuvering, it is important to practice and coordinate your actions. Be mindful of the wind direction and make adjustments to your steering accordingly. Take into consideration that the size and weight of the boat can influence its responsiveness to your commands.

Throughout history, dinghies have served a variety of purposes, ranging from transportation to recreational activities. The term “dinghy” stems from the Bengali word “dingi,” which refers to a small boat used for fishing and coastal transportation. These boats have played a significant role in maritime history, particularly in areas with shallow water or limited dock access. Over time, dinghies have evolved into versatile and maneuverable vessels, popular for sailing, racing, and rescue operations. Today, dinghy sailing is not only a recreational pastime but also a competitive sport enjoyed worldwide. To achieve success in sailing a dinghy, it is imperative to master the techniques of steering and maneuvering.

Understanding Points of Sail

The concept of points of sail is key for understanding sailing techniques. Points of sail are the angles at which a boat can sail in relation to the wind. The main points of sail are upwind or close-hauled, reaching, and downwind. Upwind or close-hauled means sailing as close to the wind as possible, with the wind coming from the front. Reaching is when the boat is sailing at an angle to the wind, either on a broad reach or a beam reach. Downwind means sailing with the wind coming from behind the boat, either on a broad reach, running, or dead downwind. Each point of sail requires different sail trim and steering techniques to optimize boat speed and efficiency. When sailing upwind or close-hauled, it’s important to trim the sails in tightly to create a close-hauled sail shape and ensure the boat can sail as close to the wind as possible. When reaching , the sails can be eased out slightly, and the boat can pick up more speed by being slightly off the wind. When sailing downwind , the sails are eased out even more, catching as much wind as possible to propel the boat forward. Understanding points of sail allows sailors to navigate different course directions effectively and make the most of available wind conditions.

Advanced Sailing Techniques

Ready to take your dinghy sailing skills to the next level? In this section, we’ll dive into the exciting world of advanced sailing techniques . From mastering the art of tacking and gybing to fine-tuning your sail controls , we’ll cover it all. Learn how to sail upwind like a pro and navigate through various wind conditions with confidence. Get ready to enhance your sailing prowess and sail with style !

Tacking and Gybing

Tacking and Gybing are important sailing maneuvers for changing direction efficiently.

Tacking is turning the bow of the dinghy through the wind to change its sailing direction. The sailor brings the bow into the wind by turning the tiller towards the wind. As the dinghy passes through the wind, the sail switches sides. Then, the sailor adjusts the sails and steers the dinghy on the new tack. Tacking is used when sailing upwind or changing the boat’s direction.

Gybing is changing the dinghy’s direction while sailing downwind. During a gybe , the stern of the dinghy passes through the wind, causing the sails to switch sides. To gybe , the sailor turns the tiller away from the wind, steering the dinghy downwind. It is crucial to control the movement of the mainsail during a gybe to prevent an accidental gybe, which can result in a sudden shift of the boom and potential injury. Gybing is used to change the direction of the dinghy when sailing with the wind.

Sailing Upwind

Sailing upwind requires specific skills and techniques to navigate against the wind. When sailing upwind, it is important to consider the following key points:

1. Angle of Attack: To optimize forward momentum, adjust the sail angle by pointing the bow slightly off the wind, around 30-45 degrees. This will ensure the best performance while sailing upwind.

2. Trim the Sails: Properly adjusting the sails is crucial for maintaining tension and shape. Make sure to tighten the leech, which is the back edge of the sail, to prevent fluttering. It is also important to ensure that the sails are not over or under trimmed.

3. Weight Distribution: When sailing upwind, position your body weight towards the front of the boat. This will counterbalance the wind pressure and help keep the boat upright, ultimately reducing drag.

4. Use Your Centerboard: To minimize sideways drifting caused by the wind, deploy the centerboard or daggerboard. Adjust the depth of the board based on the prevailing conditions in order to maintain stability and control.

5. Tacking Technique: To maintain momentum when changing direction, use a proper tacking technique. This involves turning the bow through the wind while coordinating the movements of the sail and crew.

Remember, sailing upwind can be challenging, especially in strong winds. Regular practice and gaining experience will enhance your proficiency in handling different wind conditions. Keep refining your skills by experimenting with sail controls and techniques in order to fully master the art of sailing upwind.

Using Sail Controls

Using sail controls is crucial for maneuvering a dinghy and maximizing its performance. Here are the necessary steps to properly utilize the sail controls:

• Adjust the mainsheet: Utilize this control to alter the angle of the mainsail in relation to the wind. Tighten the mainsail to increase power or loosen it to decrease power.
• Operate the boom vang: This control allows you to adjust the tension of the boom, preventing it from rising. Alter it accordingly to control the shape of the mainsail and stabilize the boom.
• Tweak the cunningham: This control enables you to adjust the tension of the luff of the mainsail. Utilize it to flatten the sail and decrease power in stronger winds.
• Manage the outhaul: This control influences the depth of the sail along the foot. Tighten it to flatten the sail or loosen it for more power.
• Utilize the jib sheets: These controls regulate the angle of the jib relative to the wind. Pull them in to trim the jib for enhanced power or let them out to reduce power.
• Engage the jib halyard: This control allows you to adjust the height of the jib. Raise it to increase the power of the sail or lower it to decrease power.
• Operate the jib fairleads: These controls determine the position of the jib sheets. Adjust them to achieve the proper sail shape and optimize performance.

By effectively utilizing these sail controls, you can enhance the performance of your dinghy and maximize your sailing experience.

Sailing in Different Wind Conditions

To effectively sail in different wind conditions, follow these steps:

• Assess the wind direction and strength before setting sail.
• Adjust the sail trim according to the wind direction. Trim the sails tight when facing a headwind and let them out when facing a tailwind .
• Stay alert for wind shifts and gusts. Watch for changes in the water’s surface and the movements of other boats.
• When sailing upwind, trim the sails tightly and steer close to the wind.
• When sailing downwind, use the sails to maximize speed and maintain control.
• Manage the boat’s heel angle by adjusting the sails and the distribution of body weight.
• Understand the concepts of “ tacking ” and “ gybing .” Tack to change direction by turning the boat into the wind, and gybe to turn away from the wind.
• Be prepared for varying wind strengths by adjusting the sail area. Decrease the area in stronger winds and increase it in lighter winds.

By following these steps, you can confidently sail in different wind conditions and adapt your strategy to optimize speed and control.

Sailing Safety and Etiquette

Navigating the open waters on a dinghy can be an exhilarating adventure , but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and respect for fellow sailors and the environment. In this section, we’ll explore the essential guidelines and rules that encompass sailing safety and etiquette . From basic safety rules to collision avoidance and right of way protocols , we’ll ensure you have the knowledge to sail with confidence. Plus, we’ll delve into the importance of respecting the environment, preserving the beauty of our precious marine ecosystems .

Basic Safety Rules

When sailing a dinghy, prioritize safety. Remember these basic safety rules:

• Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
• Check the weather forecast before sailing and avoid stormy or windy conditions.
• Maintain the dinghy properly, ensuring no loose fittings or leaks.
• Inform someone onshore of your sailing plans, including route and estimated return time.
• Stay alert and watch out for other boats, obstructions, and swimmers.
• Follow buoys and navigational markers to avoid dangerous areas.
• Understand and adhere to right-of-way rules to avoid boat collisions.
• Avoid areas with strong currents, undertows, or rough surf.
• If capsized, stay with the dinghy and try to climb back in. If unable, signal for help.

Pro-tip: Take a sailing safety course for more knowledge on safety procedures, navigation rules, and emergency protocols relevant to dinghy sailing. Preparedness and knowledge are crucial before venturing onto the water.

Collision Avoidance

Collision Avoidance is crucial for the safety of sailors and their boats. Here are some key points:

1. Awareness: Sailors must constantly be aware of their surroundings, including other boats, obstacles, and navigational markers.

2. Right of Way: Understanding the right of way rules defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) is crucial. For example, a boat on starboard tack has right of way over a boat on port tack.

3. Communication: Using appropriate signals, such as horn blasts or hand signals, helps communicate intentions to other sailors, especially in busy areas.

4. Predicting Actions: Sailors should anticipate the actions of other boats by observing their course, speed, and relevant signals to avoid potential collisions.

5. Maneuvering: When approaching another boat, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and adjust speed and heading if necessary to avoid a collision. This requires good boat handling skills.

In a true story, two dinghies were sailing closely during a regatta. Both sailors followed the right of way rules and effectively communicated their intentions. As they approached a narrow mark, a collision seemed imminent. One sailor quickly altered course, narrowly avoiding a collision. This incident emphasized the importance of situational awareness, quick thinking, and skilled maneuvering in collision avoidance.

Right of Way Rules

Understanding and following the Right of Way Rules is crucial for safety when sailing a dinghy. These rules prioritize certain situations to avoid collisions and accidents.

1. Sailboats have priority over powered vessels. If you encounter a motorboat while sailing, the motorboat should yield and avoid interfering with your course.

2. When two sailboats approach each other on opposite tacks , the boat on the starboard tack has priority. The boat on the port tack must keep clear and change course to avoid a collision.

3. If two sailboats are on the same tack , the leeward boat should keep clear. The leeward boat is the one positioned downwind and behind the other boat. It is the responsibility of the leeward boat to adjust their course and avoid potential collisions.

4. If two sailboats are on the same tack and overlapped , the windward boat must keep clear. The windward boat is the one positioned upwind and in front of the other boat. It is their responsibility to maintain a safe distance and avoid hindering the progress of the other boat.

Remember, these Right of Way Rules are essential for safety on the water. Understanding and following them will help prevent accidents and create a harmonious sailing environment.

Respecting the Environment

Respecting the environment is crucial when sailing a dinghy. It is important to follow these guidelines to minimize your impact on the ecosystem while enjoying the sport.

1. Dispose of waste properly: Avoid throwing trash or waste overboard. Make sure to carry a designated trash bag and dispose of it responsibly on land.

2. Avoid damaging marine life: It is essential to be mindful of your surroundings and to avoid hitting or disturbing marine animals, such as dolphins, turtles, or birds. Always keep a safe distance and never harm wildlife.

3. Use eco-friendly cleaning products: When it comes to cleaning your dinghy, choose biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning products. This practice helps to prevent harmful chemicals from polluting the water.

4. Respect marine protected areas: Take the time to learn about designated marine protected areas and follow their rules and regulations. By avoiding entering restricted zones, you contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

5. Minimize noise pollution: Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing marine life and other sailors. It is recommended to avoid loud music, shouting, or unnecessary engine revving.

6. Reduce your carbon footprint: Whenever possible, choose sustainable transportation methods. Consider carpooling, using public transportation, or sailing to your destination in order to reduce carbon emissions.

Pro-tip: Always remember that the environment is a shared resource. Leaving it as pristine as you found it not only contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems but also promotes sustainable sailing practices.

Some Facts About How To Sail A Dinghy:

• ✅ Balance is an essential control in sailing a dinghy. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Sail setting is crucial and involves adjusting the mainsheet to achieve optimal positioning. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Boat trim is necessary to keep the dinghy level from front to back, preventing submersion of the bow. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ The centreboard is used to correct sideways drift, with different positions required depending on the point of sail. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Choosing the most appropriate course and compensating for factors like tide and leeway are important in sailing a dinghy efficiently. (Source: Our Team)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i maintain side to side balance while sailing a dinghy.

To maintain side to side balance while sailing a dinghy, you can lean out or in depending on the wind conditions. Leaning out helps counterbalance the force of the wind and keeps the boat level. Adjusting the mainsheet is also crucial for sail setting to ensure it is not too loose or too tight. The luff of the sail should just stop flapping for optimal positioning.

What is a zigzag course and when should I use it?

A zigzag course, also known as beating or tacking, is used when sailing upwind. It involves sailing in a diagonal pattern, alternating between a close-hauled course and a reaching course. This allows the boat to make progress against the wind direction and reach a desired destination. Use a zigzag course when the wind blows directly towards you or at an angle.

How do I maintain fore and aft boat pitch?

To maintain fore and aft boat pitch, also known as boat trim, you need to keep the boat level from front to back. Different positions are required depending on the point of sail. When the wind is blowing from behind, sitting well back in the boat is necessary to prevent the bow from submerging. Proper boat trim helps prevent the boat from dragging in the water.

What is “Neue Funktionen testen” in the sailing context?

“Neue Funktionen testen” refers to testing new features or updates being developed for sailing equipment or technology. This allows sailors to try out and provide feedback on these new features to improve their sailing experience, such as high-speed sails or advanced navigation systems.

What should I do if the wind dies while sailing a dinghy?

If the wind dies while sailing a dinghy, you can resort to alternative techniques to maintain your course made good. This may include using a paddling technique with oars or a paddle, or even manually towing the boat to a desired destination. It is also important to keep calm and patient, as the wind may pick up again.

How does YouTube work in relation to sailing?

YouTube is an online platform that allows users to upload, share, and view videos, including sailing-related content. Sailors can use YouTube to access a wide range of resources, including tutorials, tips from experienced sailors, and coverage of sailing events. YouTube’s recommendation algorithms also help users discover relevant sailing videos based on their interests and viewing history.

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Dinghy Basics

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Take care of your lifeline to shore to get the most out of it.

Most boaters prefer inflatables or rigid-bottom inflatables (RIBs), which are often lighter and more stable than hard dinghies and can be deflated for storage or passagemaking. They have the added benefit of being soft, so if you run into anything, like your own big boat, you'll bounce rather than ding. But hard dinghies offer benefits, too. Their keels make them easier to row in a straight line, and you can usually drag them across a beach without damage. Life with a dinghy, whether it's hard or soft, gets easier when you sort out the major issues surrounding the little boats, including towing, guest management, and security.

Tips For Better Dinghy Security

Lock the dinghy and motor while ashore. Ensure that the outboard is secured to the dinghy with a simple lock, with an extended shackle, or, better still, a professional bar lock that covers both outboard screw handles and isn't easy to remove even if someone tries to break the screws. Brass, steel, and Kryptonite bar locks may be purchased at most chandleries.

Photo: Mark Corke

Carry a length of cable, with eyes spliced at each end, or chain. Thread this through a hole drilled through the transom, or use some other method to "permanently" attach it to the dinghy. Run it back through an open cleat or some other securing portion of the dock, such as around a beam under the dock. If possible, thread it through the outboard screw handles to secure both boat and engine.

On a boat with davits, always raise the dinghy for the night. On monohull sailboats that don't have davits, lift the dink out of the water with the halyard and tie it to the side at the lifelines. On powerboats, if you must leave it in the water, use a heavy-duty cable and lock to secure the tender and outboard to the mothership. It's safest, though, to hoist the dinghy aboard with a crane or davits. The extra 10 minutes of work at night improves the chances that your dink will still be there in the morning.

Getting Ready To Tow

Much can go wrong when you tow a dinghy. Lines can get fouled, hardware breaks, and the weather may not cooperate. For powerboats with a cradle on the swim platform or, better, a hydraulic platform that lowers below the waterline to scoop up the tender, it's always better to carry the dink. Some motoryachts or sportfishers have a crane to winch the dinghy onto the flybridge or bow; sailboats often have davits, which make quick work of lifting the small boat out of the water. Use them.

For short hops towing the tender, it isn't just about tying the two together and hitting the throttle. First, make sure the tender is empty. Remove paddles, rags, life jackets, and other equipment; store these on the mothership. Shut off and remove the external fuel tank. Check that the plug is installed securely. Under certain circumstances, some boaters prefer to leave the transom plug out on an inflatable. Inflatables don't sink (unless all the chambers pop), and boarding waves or rain can run out that hole in the transom while the mothership is towing. If the plug is left in, the dinghy can fill with water.

Next, remove the outboard. A 60-pound outboard adds too much drag and increases stress to the dinghy transom, tow line, and attachment points. It will slow your progress significantly. If you can't remove the engine, tilt it up and secure it so the lower unit is out of the water. Go SLOWLY.

Your towing bridle, hardware, and line are key. For very short distances, and with a hard dinghy that tracks well and has a padeye on the stem at least 6 inches below the gunwale so the bow rides high, you may be able to get away with attaching a single line directly between the tow and the big boat. For all other tows, especially with an inflatable, rig a bridle. ( See Figure 1. )

Figure 1: How To Rig A Bridle For A Safe Tow (Illustration: ©2016 Mirto Art Studios)

The inflatable dinghy should have two glued or welded on stainless-steel D-rings on either side of the bow. Connect the ends of a line to each of the rings so you form a triangle that clears the bow by a few feet. Make sure to first pass this bridle through a bowline on the end of the towing line itself so the bridle can slide side-to-side and keep the weight better distributed between the rings. Now, attach the bridle to deck cleats. Slip a float on each end to keep the bridles out of the water, especially near the big boat's prop.

Bridles to D-rings chafe as they rub against the inflatable's fabric, even if the rings are positioned so that each line is clear of the fabric. Wind abeam can cause the dinghy to ride to the side, and wave action does the same, causing the dinghy to jump about, so rig good chafing gear on the port and starboard bows of the inflatable where line may make contact. You can glue spare cloth from inflatable repair kits in this area. It may also be necessary to secure very soft chafing gear to the actual bridle lines. Two bridles often aren't necessary if there's a cleat located in the middle of the stern on the mothership.

For light dinghies, use at least a 3/8-inch floating line, such as polypropylene, or you can use Spectra or Dynema webbing. In case you forget the tow and back up, a floating line should lessen the risk of wrapping the prop. Though, even with this precaution, prop wash may suck the line down.

To help the dinghy track better, attach the bridle as far down on the bow as possible, although this may be limited by the position of the D-rings. Sometimes a dinghy being towed will overtake the mothership as it surfs down a following sea, particularly in a strong following wind. This can cause sharp jerking on the tow line, collisions with the mothership (a serious problem with hard dinghies), the sinking of the dinghy, or situations in which the tow line passes under the mothership, possibly to snag in the rudder or in the prop(s). ( See Figure 2.)

Figure 2: Tow At The Center Of Mothership's Wake. The big and little boats should be in sync, riding the crests and troughs of waves at the same time. In open water, longer lines will create a catenary to lessen shocks when the two boats come out of sync. (Illustration: ©2016 Mirto Art Studios)

5 Basics For Guest In Dinghies

1. loading and unloading.

Don't assume everyone knows how to get in and out of a dinghy. You may be carrying children, older folks, or people who've just never done it. First, secure the dinghy painter to the mothership. Next, when people are boarding, stress the importance of stepping down all the way into the floor of the dinghy, toward the middle, and sitting pronto; don't have them step on the inflatable tubes or on the gunwales of a rigid dink. Everyone's center of gravity should be kept low from the second they board; keep people seated underway.

2. Beach Landings

If beach landings are the only way to come ashore, explain beforehand what will happen. Time your ride to surf in with a wave, and pull the motor up before it grounds. Have your strongest passenger jump out first and pull the dink into shallow water, then everyone can hop out, grab a handhold, and pull the dinghy onto the beach quickly. Proper water footwear with straps is important.

3. Night Moves

Finding your boat in the dark can be a challenge. Ask everyone to keep the flashlights off to preserve your night vision until you get near the boat and are ready to tie up and unload. A solar garden light tied to a stanchion provides an inexpensive nighttime marker low on the mothership at the height where people in a dinghy are usually looking. Also, battery-powered LED lights in various colors, such as blue, can be suspended from dodgers or towers and won't drain your onboard energy reserves. Make sure lights such as these don't conflict with lighting required by the Navigation Rules.

4. Nav Lights

Most tenders require only a 360-degree white transom light when running at night. If your dinghy exceeds a speed of 7 knots or is more than 23 feet long, you’ll need red and green bow lights along with a white stern light.

5. Davit Dilemma

Although dealing with davits may be second nature to you, for guests, it's all new. If you ask ­others to help you raise or power the tender, caution them to keep fingers and long hair away from any blocks or pinch points that could cause injury. Wrap davit lines around a winch or cleat to help hold the dinghy's weight. Dinghies, especially with outboards, are heavy, and too often guests lose control of the line and drop the boat abruptly. Advise that both ends should be raised or lowered evenly and that the drain plug needs to be in before the boat goes in the water. It also must be taken out after the boat is up. If the boat were to fill with rain, the weight could be far too much for the davits. If the big boat has its exhaust aft above the waterline, turn the engine off before lowering the dink and filling it with hot water. Stress the importance of loosely tying the painter to the mothership before unclipping the davit lines.

Ready For Arrival

Just before you arrive at the harbor, marina, or anchorage, pull the dinghy in close before conducting any backing or docking maneuvers. First, bring the mothership to a slow stop, lessening the strain on the line and protecting your hands. Then hand-over-hand the tow line into the boat. It's a good idea to wrap the line around a winch or cleat to lessen the strain on your hands. Bring the tender up close — on the transom, if you're going into a two-finger slip, or up on the hip of the mothership, if you're anchoring or side-tying. Tie it on a short tether.

It's usually best to tie it bow and stern to the hip of the mothership to maintain better control. Towing through a harbor should never involve a long line like what you'd use in open water; it creates a hazard for other boats as well as for your tender.

Towing a dinghy is not a "set it and forget it" procedure. Make sure to look back regularly to check on it, especially if the wind picks up or sea state deteriorates. If the dink ships water from waves or rain, it will increase drag quickly. A 4-foot by 8-foot dinghy with only a few inches of water covering the bottom translates to hundreds of pounds of weight/drag/stress on dinghy D-rings, slow progress, and fuel inefficiency. It's also possible for a dinghy to flip over and submerge the motor or engine or even break loose, so keep a watchful eye on your tow at all times.

Finally, consider your towing speed. Don't tow a dinghy so quickly that it becomes airborne. Never tow in questionable conditions. If you absolutely must tow, start slow. Powerboaters may be tempted to get a planing hull up to speed; this will put extra pressure on every piece of this puzzle. Don't do it. Never tow a dinghy on long passages.

Critical Equipment And Advice

Never overload your dinghy, or you'll swamp it. Check your dinghy's capacity plate, and stay below the weight limit.

Put together a bag of essentials to take with you in the dinghy. An open-mesh bag works, and it can be secured under the middle seat with bungees, where it's easily accessed but not underfoot. Include:

• Bailer to offload rainwater or seepage from a slow leak. A cut-off plastic bleach or gallon water bottle with the lid screwed on works and provides a built-in handle.
• Hand pump for ejecting more water more quickly
• Mirror to signal for help in an emergency
• Extra drain plug
• Spare outboard key
• Baseball cap, sunscreen, and spare drinking water
• Life jackets for the number of people using the dinghy. Add extras for guests and properly sized ones for kids, and wear them.

Everyone in the dinghy should be wearing a life jacket while the boat is underway. Many dinghies move at a fast clip, and guests especially are vulnerable to falling overboard.

Every dinghy needs to be equipped with paddles, which are essential backup.

It's a good idea to bring the following, because even a short trip to a nearby boat can go wrong if the motor dies and the tide and/or wind sweeps you away:

• Waterproof flashlight, in case you return in the dark or need to read your combination lock. Check these batteries at least once a month.
• VHF and/or a cellphone, all in a drybag
• Extra set of boat keys
• Personal location beacon
• Extra length of line to extend the painter and tie to a tree or rock ashore.
• Two rags: one for wiping down, one for keeping gas spills contained when refilling the outboard.

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Zuzana Prochazka

Contributor, BoatUS Magazine

Zuzana Prochazka is a freelance journalist specializing in writing, editing, and photography in boating and travel publications. She writes for a dozen boating magazines and websites and a growing list of travel publications. She enjoys combining her passions, which include seeing the world, sailing the oceans, and sharing her experiences through the written word. She holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Master license.

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2023 Boat of the Year Best Dinghy: Tiwal 3R

• By Dave Reed
• December 16, 2022

Sailing World Magazine’s  annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our  2023 Boat of the Year nominees »

The High-Pressure Ripper

• Tiwal 3R 2023 Best Dinghy
• Stated purpose: Recreational sailing, one-design and rally racing
• Crew: One to two
• Praise for: Performance, comfort, portability
• Est. price as sailed: $8,900

The surest way to grow sailing is to make it easy to get on the water with minimal hassle on a boat that is exhilarating to sail—and that’s exactly what the inflatable and ­powered-up Tiwal 3R does. Thousands of Tiwal fanatics around the world can’t be wrong; they love their zippy little crafts, and the Tiwal community has grown ever larger since its young French innovators launched the first model a decade ago. The Tiwal 3R is the continuing evolution of a great idea—with even better execution. Tiwal boats keep getting better, and this one is its best yet.

The “R” is for Race, and that’s because after two years of playing and adventure racing on the early-edition Tiwal 3s, keener owners started asking for more. But the engineering required to make Tiwal’s high-pressure inflatable hull and aluminum frame take on greater rig and structural loads that had them stumped for nearly two years, says Emmanuel Bertrand. They kept breaking it until they got it right.

At 10 feet and 121 pounds fully rigged, the magic of the Tiwal 3R is its portability, which would explain why the company says it sells so many in urban areas around the world. The sail, hull, blades, five-part composite spar and boom, and aluminum frame pack into two 5-foot duffel bags. To put it all together at whatever water’s edge takes about 30 minutes; it’s mere minutes if the boat is coming off the car top already pumped and assembled.

The PVC hull construction is identical to all other Tiwals, but the design for the 3R is a big improvement, with a more pronounced V-shape, a bit more rocker, and a reinforcement plate on the bottom near the transom, which gives it stiffness and a cleaner exit. “It’s difficult to get a hard corner on inflatables,” Stewart says, “so that’s a great solution to give it a nice sharp edge and a cleaner break so the water isn’t bubbling up over the back.”

When I got my weight in the right spot, the boat just took off. It’s quicker than quick. —Chuck Allen

The gust-responsive rig and big sail, built with North Sails racing cloth, is what takes the boat a big step from the recreational sailor’s Tiwal 3 to the racing sailor’s 3R, Powlison says. “This is the same size sail as a Laser, 77 square feet, which is a lot of power. When you get the vang set right, it does make a big difference. It is an effective control that they got right.”

Powlison’s only desire was to be able to get the sail controls to run farther back on the rack, accepting, however, that this would unnecessarily complicate the setup.

Allen, who’s been a Tiwal fan since the original, is impressed once again. “You definitely get a lot more performance out of this thing,” he says after sailing the boat in 10 to 15 knots and flat water. “I got hit with a puff and was like, dang! This thing’s got some wheels. It’s much faster and stiffer. I’m 170 pounds and was able to stay out on the rack the entire time, even when it got light.”

Stewart’s assessment of the 3R is that it’s built for a slightly more advanced sailor. “This thing is higher tech, with a lot more control lines, so it’s a bit more boat to handle. That being said, I’m a big guy (the manufacturer’s stated maximum load on the wing is 242 pounds), and I was never sitting in water, so it will accommodate a wide range of people.”

Getting the purchase systems for the 4-to-1 cunningham and the two-part vang (all of which are doubled-ended) into the mast collar hardware was an engineering exercise, says creator Marion Excoffon. But the end result is a system of color-coded lines and color-matched Harken blocks that work effectively and smoothly to depower the sail. Once the control systems are assembled, they don’t need to be rerun. When rigging, simply slide the mast into the collar, hook up the mainsheet, attach the rudder, and cast off for a fast and sporty adventure.

“Every time I got a little puff, the boat zipped right along,” Allen says. “The foils are stiff and shaped well, so the boat goes upwind really nicely. The bow was stiff and wasn’t flopping in the chop. But the best part was reaching around in the big puffs, sitting at the back corner of the rack, with the boat just skimming. When I got my weight in the right spot, the boat just took off. It’s quicker than quick.”

• More: 2023 Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year , Dinghy , Print Winter 2023 , Sailboats
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Tenders & Yacht Dinghies

In addition to your main yacht, sailboat or catamaran,, cadet roll up.

Inflatable dinghy with wooden slatted floor

Its floor, in a wooden slat design, can be rolled and stored in seconds.

Inflatable dinghy with inflatable floor

Very simple and above all really compact! Completely flexible, including the floor, it can be folded and stored in less than 2 minutes in a suitable bag!

CADET RIB ALU

RIB dinghy with aluminium hull

A truly solid-hull dinghy (aluminium), which provides the best in stability and safety on board!

Inflatable dinghy with aluminium floor

An aluminium floor, which can be put in place in no time for maximum stability.

NOMAD RIB ALU

New tenders with a double floor, waterproof storage, and top-quality tubes!

CADET RIB ALU DL

Its biggest asset is its locker: Your backpack or today’s picnic will fit in just fine…

The smallest Open

Ideal for a first boat with room for 4 people on board, it is easy to manoeuvre and tow. Ideal for small budgets.

The ideal electric dinghy

Whether used as a dinghy or a funky little boat, this 3.4 is more environmentally friendly than ever and requires no maintenance.

Ideal dinghy or small robust boat

The 3.4 is sure to please: Easy to steer, 3 large storage lockers! A true little racing kart that will delight you and your guests.

YACHTLINE 360

The smallest Yachtline

An ideal size to accommodate 4 people on board, with a maximum power of 40 HP, it can carry its passengers at high speed.

YACHTLINE 400

Well equipped

The Yachtline 400 can carry 5 passengers with its 3 seats and 50 HP.

The smallest Pro

A traditional model, it has always been part of the Zodiac range.

Unbeatable value for money

Ideal model for fishing and cruising with family or friends with its 4 large seats that can accommodate 6 people on board and its large lockers.

YACHTLINE 440

The right compromise

The ideal complement to transport 6 people, with its numerous storage lockers and its 60 HP.

The biggest of the compact Open

A generous power output of up to 80 CV is a big asset, and it is ergonomic and spacious for comfortable and active days out.

YACHTLINE 490

The biggest

At 4.90m and 90 HP, it can be used as a main boat for up to 9 people. It can also tow water-skiers or wakeboarders.

OUR NAVIGATION PROGRAMS

Are you looking for a tender or dinghy model for your yacht, sailboat or catamaran? The choice of boat will depend on your intended use, frequency of trips, sailing areas and your expectations. Choose a comfortable, innovative and powerful boat that you can accessorise according to your taste and needs. You will already have basic equipment: lifting and towing rings, bench, paddles or oars, many handles … for the comfort of the pilot and the passengers. The design of your dinghy will perfectly match your yacht thanks to its elegant aesthetics. Your RIB dinghy guarantees you excellent performance, great sailing comfort and spaciousness for regular use. Its sturdiness ensures greater safety at sea where the weather is particularly unpredictable.

Versatility

Yacht dinghies serve you both as lifeboats or support boats to get the pilot, crew and guests to land or shore, but also as leisure crafts due to their versatility. The size and engine of the tender mean it can be used as a pleasure boat for sea trips with friends or family; from 4 metres upwards for the larger models. So go and explore some beautiful places. The finish and quality of the accessories ensure the longevity of your boat.

Power and agility

In our range, you will find 100% electric tenders like the eOpen, but also ones with hydrojet propulsion, such as the eJet. This modern technology, which uses a turbine to draw in water and propel it quickly to move the boat forward, offers a more fun and agile way to steer. Compared to an outboard boat with a propeller engine, waterjet propulsion offers greater safety, the ability to sail in shallow water and faster acceleration.

Tender models with rigid hulls such as the CADET RIB ALU, the small OPEN, the eOPEN, or the Yachtline provide you with more stability at sea, even in difficult weather conditions. This gives you more space on board for passengers and storage.

ALL CAPABILITIES

• Boats for 4 people and above
• Boats for 6 people and above
• Boats for 10 people and above
• Boats for 14 people and above
• Boats for 20 people and above
• Tenders from 2 to 3 meters
• Boats from 4 to 6 meters
• Boats from 6 to 8 meters
• Boats from 8 meters boats and above

• Paddle Board

A Guide to Dinghy Boats

Are you looking for an affordable boat for your fishing trips or watersports? The dinghy offers you the best options for a low-cost, versatile watercraft. There are several dinghy designs to suit any watersports activity.

Typically, dinghies are the best choice for watersports like skiing and diving. However, some models are good for cruising or light sailing, with options for motors or sails. A dinghy can range in size, but most of them are suitable for carrying two to six people.

Dinghies are available in models suiting use in freshwater or saltwater, with inflatables, solid boats, and more options. Is a dinghy the right choice for your boat? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about these watercraft.

What Is a Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually and inflatable, and most models are around five to ten feet long. A dinghy is easy to transport, and it offers versatile utility for fishing and watersports. You also have options for motors, sales, or you can use oars to propel the boat.

Dinghies can feature fiberglass construction, or they may use inflatable pontoons, similar to a pontoon boat. The inflatable models typically feature design and construction with Hypalon or PVC. These polymers provide UV resistance, tough resistance against punctures, and easy repairs.

The sides on inflatables also act as seats, allowing fishing directly from all sides of the boat. Dinghies are not really built for speed; they usually come with low-powered trolling motors with a 3-hp to 5-hp output. However, they are ideal for moving through estuaries and lakes, allowing for silent movement so you don’t disturb the fish.

What are the best beginner sailing dinghies?

If you’re just getting into sailing, there are several dinghy options for enjoying your time out on the water. Whether you want to sail solo or with a friend, there is a boat for you.

Training Sailing Dinghies

These models are easy to master, giving beginners the chance to master the complexities of sailboats. They are simple to operate, safe, and offer you the best option for learning to master sailing techniques.

Doublehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models cater to two passengers for handling the sail and rigging. They are great for learners, allowing them to take an experienced sailor out on the water to learn the ropes.

Singlehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models have a design for one person. Typically, they are smaller boats, and you’ll already have to know how to sail. However, they are easy to master, and spending time out on the water will familiarize you with the aspects of sailboats.

These dinghies feature double or triple hulls. They are typically the best choice for racing, and they offer excellent stability in all water conditions.

Different Types of Dinghy Models

As mentioned, there are several models of dinghies for different watersports activities. Here are the most common options; we categorized them into sailing dinghies and inflatable dinghies.

Sailing Dinghies

A sailing dinghy is a small sailboat with no fixed keel and a shallow draft. These models are ideal for sailing in lagoons, estuaries, and lakes, navigating shallow waters. The sailing dinghy typically features a fiberglass design, with an open-plan seating area and a mast. These boats usually accommodate anywhere from one to five passengers.

High-Performance Dinghies

High-performance sailing dinghies are another sail-based model that’s ideal for racing. They are fast and cut through the water with ease. You get excellent maneuverability on the water with a low-profile design and an open-plan deck with a mast. The Fireball, International 505, and Thistle are a few examples of leading racing and high-performance dinghies.

Cruising Dinghies

A cruising dinghy is another sail-based model that’s a great choice for cruising out in calm ocean conditions or inland water bodies. They are a recreational vessel equipped with sails and rudders, and you have more passenger capacity than the other sailing models. As a result, they are the ideal choice for family’s that enjoy the sailing lifestyle.

Cruiser-Racer Dinghies

These models are hybrids that come with a focus on performance and stability. They have the ability to race or to cruise, providing excellent stability in the water. They are a great choice for someone that wants to start sailing competitively, and they also work for fun recreational sailing days on the lake with the family. The GP14 is an example of a cruiser-racer offering high-performance standards and stable cruising.

Classic Dinghies

These boats had an original design featuring wood finishes using materials like plywood and cedar. However, modern dinghies feature fiberglass construction. The classic dinghy sailboat focuses on versatility over sailing performance. The Minto is a great example of a classic dinghy.

Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatables are gaining in popularity thanks to the affordable price tag and versatility offered by the boat. Inflatables are easy to carry, and some might even fit on the back of a truck. Inflatables have side pontoons, and many of them are suitable for diving activities or spearfishing. These dinghies usually feature low-powered trolling motors; they don’t have a design for speed.

Features and Benefits of Dinghy Boat

Dinghies are versatile and affordable. There are plenty of benefits for choosing this boat beyond just the savings you make over other models.

The dinghy is one of the few boats left that offer a sailing configuration. If you’re into boating on lakes or thinking about sailing competitively, the dinghy is the best choice. Any of the sailing models listed above are a great choice. Pick the boat that offers you the best utility for your sailing needs.

Minimal Noise

Most dinghies are sailing options, so you don’t have to worry about gas fumes from the motor or noise. They offer a serene sailing experience on inland waters. Inflatable models may use a trolling engine for moving through calm, shallow waters when fishing. The low noise and churn produced by the motors won’t scare off the fish. You also have options for poling and oars for moving around without engines.

Trailerable

Dinghies are compact boats with sailing and inflatable models offering you easy trailering. Some of the smaller inflatables can fit in the back of a panel van or on the load bed of your single-cab truck. They offer you easy transport between lakes and estuaries, with a lightweight design that’s easy to launch and trailer.

Options for Inflatables or Fiberglass

As mentioned, the dinghy comes in sailing and inflatable options. Some fiberglass models also feature a wood finish on the deck for an added aesthetic that looks like a classic dinghy.

Ideal as an Excursion Boat for Yachts

Many superyachts use inflatable dinghies allowing the passengers to reach the shore. Yachts can’t enter shallow water, and the dinghy makes the ideal transfer boat for reaching the coast from open water. Most of these models feature low-powered motors.

No Need for Registration

Larger vessels require registration before you can take them out on the water. However, dinghies are small, and they don’t need any registration or licensing before you can take them out on the water. As long as the boat doesn’t have a fixed motor and is less than eight feet in length, you don’t have to worry about doing the paperwork. Regulations differ between California and Florida, so check with your local authorities before taking your boat to the lake or slip.

Lightweight

The dinghy is a lightweight boat. The fiberglass and inflatable models offer you a lightweight watercraft that’s easy to launch and pull from the water. They are also easy to repair, with basic fiberglass or polymer patching.

Easy to Maneuver

The dinghy is a super-maneuverable boat. The sailing models are easy to tack in the wind, allowing for sharp turning radiuses and easy maneuverability on the water.

Complete sailing systems

Most sailing dinghies come with options for sail systems. If you want to learn the art of sailing or teach your kids about sailboats, the dinghy is the ideal starter vessel.

Suitable for use in Shallow Waters

The dinghy usually has a high draft and a shallow keel, allowing for sailing in shallow water, such as lakes. These boats won’t run aground, and the low hull design allows for less friction on the water, increasing speed and performance.

Save on Fuel

Sailing dinghies don’t have motors, so you save on fuel costs for your boating trips. Those inflatable models with trolling motors have low-capacity engines, and they are economical with fuel consumption.

Disadvantages of Dinghy Boat

The dinghy is a great choice for your first boat, especially if you want to tackle the art of sailing. However, they do come with some drawbacks.

Minimal Power and Small Motors

Since most models are sailboats, they rely on the wind for performance. Sure, some models can reach high speeds when the winds are right, but they lack a speed boat’s torque and on-demand power. Even those dinghy models relying on trolling motors don’t move very fast.

Limited Standing Room

The sailing dinghy doesn’t offer you any standing room. Sure, you can stand on the deck, but you’ll have to duck and manage the sail, and that could mean the boat tosses you overboard. The small size of the dinghy also means that you’ll unbalance the vessel if you stand on the deck.

Limited Seating

Dinghies are small boats designed for one to five passengers. Sure, you get bigger models, but these dinghies are more like proper sailboats. The seating may also be somewhat uncomfortable, as most models rely on a cast fiberglass deck with molded seats and no cushions.

No Crossover Function

Most dinghies are for sailing, and they don’t offer you crossover functions for fishing and watersports. It’s impossible to tow a skier, and the sail gets in the way of angling. The inflatable models are okay for fishing in shallow waters or inland water bodies, but the seating setup isn’t comfortable. The low-power trolling motors available for inflatable models don’t reach high speeds, making them unsuitable for watersports.

Limited Storage Space

Most dinghy models, especially sailing types, don’t come with consoles or storage systems. Some inflatables might have storage bins in the bow of the dinghy, but they typically don’t offer much storage space.

Top Dinghy Boat Brands and Models

Intex excursion 5.

The Intex Excursion 5 is a great example of an inflatable dinghy. You can seat up to five people in this model, and it has a rubber design with all the fishing accessories you need to get out on the water and enjoy a few hour’s angling in the lake.

You get four rod-holders, a bench-style seat in the boat’s center, and two inflatable seats.

This model comes with an affordable price tag and oars included with your purchase. There’s also the option of attaching a trolling motor for effortless navigation.

However, the boat is not suitable for standing, so don’t expect to cast far with this model. The boat comes with a three-chambered design and a 1,300-lbs capacity.

The Laser is the best choice for a single-hander sailboat dinghy. This boat is ideal for cruising or competitive racing, and they hold their resale value.

You get options for three rig sizes, the 4.7, Standard, and the Radial model. These boats feature fiberglass design and low hulls for easy navigation through shallow waters.

The RS Vision

This family sailboat makes a fantastic trainer, club racer, or cruising model. This boat can accommodate up to eight sailors, and the new RS Quest model features both trapeze and spinnaker options.

Wrapping Up

Dinghies are the ideal boat for learning how to sail, and they also make inexpensive boats for recreational fishing in inland water or calm ocean conditions.

They are not the most durable boats, and they don’t accommodate many people. However, there are plenty of models to suit your sailing experience or watercraft needs. However, they offer lightweight design, user-friendly operation, and choices for inflatable or fiberglass models.

If you’re looking to learn how to sail, you won’t find a better boat available.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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Dinghy Boats: Your Guide to Compact and Versatile Watercraft

Dinghy boats are small watercraft that are versatile and easy to transport. They can be used for fishing, watersports, or as a tender for larger boats. Dinghies come in various types, including inflatable, rigid, and foldable, and can be powered by motors, sails, or oars.

One of the advantages of dinghy boats is their portability. They can be easily stored and transported on a trailer or on the roof of a car. This makes them ideal for exploring remote waterways or for taking on vacations. Dinghies are also relatively affordable compared to larger boats, which makes them accessible to a wide range of boaters.

When choosing a dinghy boat, it’s important to consider factors such as size, weight, and intended use. Inflatable dinghies are lightweight and easy to store, but may not be as durable as rigid or foldable models. Similarly, a dinghy with a motor may be more convenient for longer trips, but may not be necessary for shorter excursions.

What is a Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy boat is a small watercraft that can be used for a variety of purposes. Dinghies can be rowed, sailed, or powered by a motor, depending on the design and intended use. These boats are often carried aboard larger vessels and used for transportation to and from shore, or for exploring shallow waters that larger boats cannot access.

Dinghies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from inflatable rafts to rigid-hulled boats. Some are designed specifically for fishing, while others are meant for leisurely cruising or even racing. Dinghies can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, and can be customized with various features and accessories to suit the user’s needs.

One of the main advantages of a dinghy boat is its versatility. These small boats can be used for a wide range of activities, from fishing and exploring to water sports and transportation. They are also relatively easy to maneuver and can be operated by a single person, making them a popular choice for solo adventurers.

Overall, dinghy boats are a great option for anyone looking for a versatile, easy-to-use watercraft that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re looking to explore new waters, fish in shallow areas, or simply enjoy a leisurely cruise, a dinghy boat may be the perfect choice for you.

Types of Dinghy Boats

Rigid inflatable boats (ribs).

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are known for their durability and versatility, making them a popular choice among boaters. These boats are made with a solid hull and inflatable tubes around the perimeter, which provide buoyancy and stability. RIBs are often used for fishing, diving, and recreational activities, as well as for rescue and military operations. They come in a range of sizes, from small tenders to large offshore vessels.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are small boats that are designed to be sailed by one or two people. They are often used for racing or cruising, and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. Dinghies come in a range of sizes and shapes, from simple prams to high-performance racing boats. Some popular types of sailing dinghies include Laser, Optimist, and 420.

Fishing Dinghies

Fishing dinghies are designed specifically for fishing. They are typically small, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for fishing in shallow waters or tight spaces. Many fishing dinghies come equipped with features like rod holders , live wells, and built-in coolers. Some popular types of fishing dinghies include Jon boats , skiffs, and bass boats .

Rowing Dinghies

Rowing dinghies are small boats that are propelled by oars. They are often used for recreational activities like exploring lakes and rivers, as well as for racing. Rowing dinghies come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden boats to modern carbon fiber racing shells. Some popular types of rowing dinghies include Whitehall, wherry, and scull.

Features of a Dinghy Boat

Dinghy boats are small, lightweight watercraft that are typically under 15 feet in length. They come in a variety of designs and can be rowed with oars, sailed with a removable mast and boom, or powered by a low-horsepower outboard motor. The following are some of the key features of a dinghy boat:

• Lightweight: Dinghy boats are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to launch and pull from the water. Fiberglass and inflatable models are particularly lightweight, making them a popular choice among boaters.
• Easy to maneuver: Due to their small size, dinghy boats are super-maneuverable. They can easily navigate tight spaces and shallow waters, making them ideal for exploring coves and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Easy to repair: Dinghy boats are also easy to repair, with basic fiberglass or polymer patching. This makes them a practical choice for boaters who want a watercraft that is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
• Stable: Inflatable or rigid-bottom inflatables (RIBs) are often more stable than hard dinghies, which can be prone to tipping in choppy waters. This stability makes them a popular choice for families with young children or inexperienced boaters.
• Versatile: Dinghy boats are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of activities, from fishing and exploring to water sports and transportation. They are also easy to store and transport, making them a popular choice among boaters who want a watercraft that is easy to take on the go.

In conclusion, dinghy boats are a great choice for boaters who want a small, lightweight watercraft that is easy to maneuver, repair, and transport. With their versatility and stability, they are a practical choice for a wide range of activities, from fishing and exploring to water sports and transportation.

Uses of a Dinghy Boat

Recreational use.

A dinghy boat is a popular choice for recreational activities such as exploring, swimming, and snorkeling. With its small size and maneuverability, it can easily access secluded coves and beaches that larger vessels cannot reach. Dinghy boats can also be used for leisurely cruises and picnics on the water.

Fishing Use

Dinghy boats are also commonly used for fishing. Their small size allows them to access shallow waters where fish are more abundant. They can also be used to reach offshore fishing spots that are too far to reach by the shore. Some dinghy boats come equipped with fishing rod holders and storage compartments for fishing gear.

Dinghy Sailing

Dinghy sailing is a popular sport that involves racing and cruising in small, single-handed or double-handed sailboats. Dinghy boats are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for beginners and experienced sailors alike. They can be used in both calm and rough waters, providing an exciting and challenging experience for sailors.

Rescue Operations

Dinghy boats can be used for rescue operations in emergency situations. Their small size and maneuverability make them ideal for navigating through tight spaces and shallow waters. Dinghy boats can be used to rescue people who have fallen overboard or to transport injured individuals to shore.

Transportation

A dinghy boat can serve as a transportation vessel for people and supplies. It can be used to transport passengers and cargo to and from shore, as well as to shuttle people between larger vessels and shore. Dinghy boats are also commonly used as tenders for larger boats and yachts.

Maintenance Tips for Dinghy Boats

Dinghies are small boats that are easy to maintain, but they still require regular upkeep to ensure they stay in good condition. Here are some tips to help you keep your dinghy boat in top shape:

• Clean it regularly: Rinse your dinghy with fresh water after every use to remove any salt, sand or dirt that may have accumulated. Use a mild soap and water to clean the boat thoroughly once a month. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the boat’s surface.
• Protect it from the sun: Dinghy boats are susceptible to damage from UV rays. Cover your boat with a tarp or a boat cover when it’s not in use to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. If you don’t have a cover, try to store your boat in a shaded area.
• Inspect it regularly: Check your dinghy for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracks, leaks, or holes in the hull, seams, or valves. Make sure the oarlocks, cleats, and other hardware are secure and functioning properly.
• Store it properly: When not in use, deflate your dinghy and store it in a dry, cool place. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sharp objects that could puncture the boat. If you need to store your dinghy for an extended period, consider using a boat storage bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
• Perform regular maintenance: Check your dinghy’s motor, if it has one, for any signs of wear and tear. Change the oil and spark plugs regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Lubricate the moving parts and tighten any loose bolts or screws.

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your dinghy boat and ensure that it’s always ready for your next adventure on the water.

Dinghy boats are versatile and affordable watercraft that can be used for a variety of purposes, including transportation, fishing, and racing . They come in different shapes and sizes, from inflatable to sailboats, and can be propelled by paddling, rowing, or sailing.

When considering purchasing a dinghy boat, it is important to keep in mind your specific needs and preferences. Affordability, ease of handling, and versatility are the main factors to consider. You should also think about the type of watersports or fishing you plan to do, and the conditions in which you will be using the dinghy.

While dinghy boats offer many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Storage and weather can be issues, and safety should always be a top priority. It is important to follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate gear when using a dinghy boat.

In conclusion, dinghy boats are a great option for those who want to enjoy the water without breaking the bank. With proper care and maintenance, a dinghy boat can provide years of fun and adventure on the water.

About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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Become the Confident Skipper of Your Own Sailboat

What’s a dinghy sailboat 5 things to consider.

• Post author: Anns
• Post published: October 25, 2022
• Post category: Uncategorized
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Introduction

Sailing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the sun. But if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a boat that’s too big for your lake or river, then a dinghy sailboat might be the perfect solution. A dinghy sailboat is small enough for one person to sail but can also hold multiple passengers if necessary. They’re also easy to store when not in use, which makes them ideal for those with limited storage space or limited funds—or both!

What is a Dinghy Sailboat?

Dinghy sailboats are small, single-person boats with a sail to add power. Dinghies can be rowed or sailed, but if you’re new to the sport of dinghy sailing, it’s best to find a boat that has both options. Most dinghies have a rudder for steering and are made of lightweight materials like aluminum or fiberglass. The design of dinghies makes them easy to transport from one place to another because they don’t take up much space when deflated and stored away in bags until you want them again.

A dinghy sailboat is similar in many ways to a kayak: both types of boats are small enough for one person at a time; both have flat bottoms so they won’t tip over easily; both can float on water; and neither require much storage space once deflated (a major plus). However, there are some key differences between these two boats as well:

1. Do I want to sail or row?

The first question to ask yourself is whether you want to row or sail. Both types of boats are great, but they have their own advantages. Sailboats are faster and more fun to take out on the water, while rowing boats tend to be more efficient at transporting people across large bodies of water (and thus better for reaching destinations).

2. How many people will be sailing?

A dinghy sailboat should be able to hold at least one person. If you’re planning on sailing alone, or with just a friend, then the boat will need to accommodate both of you without being too cramped. On the other hand, if you want to row with three people (or more), then your dinghy sailboat should be large enough for everyone to sit comfortably and relax while rowing.

If there are no other sailors in your life who share your love of sailing and boating, don’t worry! It’s not uncommon for people who have never gone sailing before to purchase a single-person dinghy sailboat. These boats are smaller than most others in this category but still provide an exciting adventure that can be enjoyed by all ages!

3. Where will I store the boat?

It’s important to consider where you will store your boat. If you have a dinghy sailboat, there are two options: storing it on land or at sea.

If you choose to store your dinghy sailboat on land, then you’ll need a place that is protected from the elements and theft.

However, if you choose to store it at sea, then there are no worries about losing something valuable and having to replace it because everything was submerged in water when someone stole them!

4. What are the maintenance requirements of a dinghy sailboat?

A dinghy sailboat is a great option for anyone looking to purchase a boat that’s both fun and easy to use. While the upkeep of a dinghy may seem minimal, there are still some things you should know about before purchasing one.

• Regular cleaning: You should clean your dinghy at least once per week or after every time you use it, just like with any other boat on the water. A good way to do this is using mild soap and warm water, followed by rinsing with fresh water and then drying off everything completely before storing it away so as not to trap any moisture inside where mold could grow later on down the road (mold loves warm environments).
• Replacing sails and rigging: Sails can wear down over time due to UV damage from being exposed outside all day long in direct sunlight every single day during summer months; therefore they will eventually need replaced at some point during ownership if not sooner than later depending on how much exposure they’ve had throughout their lifetime thus far.”

5. Do I want to build my own or purchase one?

If you’re a DIYer, then building your own dinghy sailboat may be the best option. In fact, many people find that building their own is the most rewarding part of owning one. You can build it from scratch and customize it to fit your needs and style. There are many resources available online that can help you create the perfect dinghy sailboat for you!

However, if building isn’t really your thing and all you want is something functional and affordable (and maybe even faster than other dinghies), then purchasing one would be better suited for you! If you do want to purchase a dinghy sailboat instead of making one yourself, just make sure that they have all of the features listed above before buying so that they will work well with what type of water sports activities or hobbies they’ll be used for most often!

A dinghy sailboat is a small, easy-to-sail boat with a single mast and three sails. They’re best for single-person sailing but can hold multiple passengers if necessary.

The boat is usually stored on a trailer or on shore.

We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what a dinghy sailboat is, how they work and what they’re used for. If you’re looking to purchase one, we recommend going with a reputable dealer who can answer all your questions about maintenance requirements before buying one.

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The term “dinghy” designates a huge variety of small boats. Dinghies may be rowed with oars, sailed with a removable mast and boom or powered by a low-horsepower outboard motor. These diminutive boats are typically under 15 feet long and more commonly around eight feet.

They have a shallow draft (or depth) so they can be taken into waters where larger boats can’t venture. Many dinghies serve as tenders (or shuttles) to bigger boats that stay at anchor while passengers go ashore. 

Dinghies are rated to carry a number of passengers (sometimes classified as maximum weight) that shouldn’t be exceeded. Many of these small boats can be managed (sailed, rowed or driven) by one person but can carry upwards of eight people.

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Activities with Dinghies

GREAT FOR Day Cruising  • Sailing

Cruising dinghies or tenders are utility boats used to haul people, gear and provisions back and forth to a larger cruising vessel. Rigid inflatable boats (or RIBs) have a hard floor and inflatable rubber or synthetic tubes and make ideal ship’s tenders because they’re very buoyant and stable and with their soft sides, they don’t dent or make marks on the mothership. 

However, dinghy tenders can also be used for all sorts of entertainment on a weekend cruise. An outboard-powered dinghy may used to explore coves, catch fish or visit snorkel spots. A rowing dinghy is ideal when you want to get some exercise and a sailing dinghy is a great way to entertain kids or teach them the basics of sailing. Many yacht clubs have fleets of sailing dinghies in their youth sailing programs where dinghies of the same design are often raced.

Ownership Costs of Dinghies

Ownership costs for dinghies are usually low as compared to other boats and that’s primarily due to their size and simplicity. There will be the initial purchase price and the costs of storage although most dinghies can be stored in a garage on the floor or on a trailer. Dinghies over eight feet with a motor will need to have a state registration sticker so there will be a low fee assessed for that.

If you’ll be leaving your dinghy at different docks, you may want to invest in a lock and chain and if the dinghy will be stored outside, a canvas cover will help preserve your investment.

While dinghies are usually very affordable, you may want to see what type of dinghy would best fit your budget. To do so, feel free to utilize our Boat Loan Calculator .

Maintenance for dinghies is fairly low. Wooden dinghies may need to be varnished and fiberglass ones will need to be polished and waxed periodically. Inflatable dinghies may spring a leak in a tube or pontoon and will need patching. Sailing dinghies may need sail repair or replacement and rowing dinghies will need oars. If a trailer is involved, that will add extra costs.

Again, due to the simple nature of the average dinghy design and outfitting, operation costs are low. Sails may need to be replaced and the outboard motor will need fuel as well as potential annual service unless you do it yourself. 

Dinghy Boat Technology/Materials/Features

Dinghies may be constructed of wood and you can find beautifully detailed wooden rowing dinghies that are still manufactured today. Most dinghies will be made of fiberglass or even rotomolded plastic that requires very little maintenance. Inflatable dinghies are generally constructed of PVC or Hypalon, which are durable synthetics.

Many dinghies will have thwarts, which are seats that connect the two sides where a passenger or a rower can sit. Sailing dinghies will have a simple rig (mast, shrouds, boom and control lines). Motorized dinghies (even inflatable ones) will have a rigid transom (the back end of the boat) capable of holding an outboard motor.

The technology in dinghies is fairly simple, however modern lightweight dinghies may be made of carbon fiber, which offers great weight savings making them easier to lift, move, sail and row.

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How to carry a dinghy on your boat

• March 1, 2020

Cruising Calypso

• Boat Cruising , Boating Tips

In my last post, having attended the New England Boat Show in Boston, I wrote about some ways to help think about choosing a dinghy for your boat. We focused on thinking about how you will use your dinghy and what is the best one for you. In this post, we will consider the different ways to carry your dinghy.

How you carry your dinghy depends very much on the style of tender you have chosen and the type and size of the primary boat you have. Weight of the tender plays an important factor. To ensure safety, davits should never be used at their maximum capacity. Today, we will focus primarily on inflatable type tenders as that is what is most common. Hard, non-inflatable boats make excellent tenders and meet the needs of many boaters and some of the davit solutions discussed here will work for them as well.

Tenders can be carried on the mothership in the following locations;

• Transom/Swim platform
•  Foredeck
•  Upper aft deck
•  Deflated in a locker

As mentioned, the size of the mothership can determine the best place to carry your tender. To carry the tender on the foredeck or upper aft deck, typically requires a vessel large enough to have sufficient open space in these areas, The typical dinghy is 8-11 feet long, so that amount of space would be required plus room to get around the boat.

In addition, carrying a tender on the foredeck or the upper aft deck requires some way to lower and retrieve the boat. If the tender is light enough, this can be done by hand or with the mechanical advantage of a small hoist attached to a mast. For larger heavier dinghies, a crane is required using either hydraulic or mechanical power to lift the boat. These cranes can be expensive and require a solid mounting base to lift the weight of a heavier tender.

For many boaters, carrying a dinghy on the transom or swim platform is a good option. This type of set up puts the boat close to the water and relatively easy to launch. An additional consideration is that with a dinghy on your transom, backing into a stern to dock can be harder as can be boarding the boat with the dinghy in place. We often leave out dinghy behind on our morning if we know we will be docking stern-to and will not need the boat.

There are four options for this type:

•  Traditional davit arms that hoist the tender up in a level position and store it hanging
•  Swing up snap style davits that store the tender in a tipped up position
•  Pull up/slide up style davits which allow the tender to be carried level directly on the swim platform
•  Hydraulic lifting davits that can take the form of raising and lowering the entire swim platform or external arms, attached beneath the platform that raise and lower the tender

As mentioned earlier the type and weight of your dinghy can dictate the type of davit you select. The shape and design of your transom and swim platform plays a role as well. If there is a small swim platform of none, and you have a relatively vertical transom, then traditional davit arms would work well. These davits come in a variety of weight capacities and can be operated by a simple block bully system or a mechanical which. A means to secure the tender from swinging will be necessary as well.

For those with a swim platform, the simplest option is snap davits. This type of arrangement requires that a receiver loop be attached to the outside of the inflatable tubes of your dinghy or the gunnel if a hard dinghy is used. A removable hook is fastened to the swim platform a the dinghy, once attached the hook, can be lifted out of the water and leaned against the transom. the dinghy is secured using lines cleated directly to the boat. This system is quite affordable and best for lighter dinghies. IF you use your dinghy with an outboard motor, that motor will need to be removed before lifting the boat out of the water. There are systems made that allow the outboard to pivot as the dinghy swings up, thereby keeping it level. these systems add additional hardware and costs but work fairly well. These are best for smaller motors. One limiting factor of this type of arrangement is that when the dinghy is in the tippled up position, it can obscure your name and hailing port and possibly your stern light depending on where it is mounted. This is a drawback that needs to be factored in. 

The third type of davit that mounts to a swim platform is the pull up/slide up style. These systems consist of a pair of hinged arms that attach to the aft end of the swim platform and tip down towards the water to allow a dinghy to be pulled up onto them as the tip back to the level position. Once loaded on, a tender is then fastened down to the swim platform using straps to secure it. The arms are usually shaped in a way to fit the bottom of the tender. These types of davits offer the advantage of allowing an outboard to remain on the tender and accommodate different shaped tender hull bottoms. These systems are more expensive than snap davits but nowhere close to the cost of hydraulic arms.

The fourth type of transom davit system is the hydraulic lift. These systems are either arms that mount on the transom and lift the dinghy or ache to the platform and raise and lower that to launch. Such systems require electric-powered hydraulic pumps to provide the lifting. While these davits can lift large tenders they the most expensive type of system and are usually found on larger vessels above 45 feet. 

Of course, if you are interested in just a very lightweight tender, then dinghy of this type can be stored deflated in a lazaretto of similar locker. This keeps the boat completely out of the way until you need it but does limit the size of the dinghy.

The bottom line is that like choosing a type of dinghy, how you carry it is dependent on many factors including cost, convenience and type of dinghy. (Pictured is the Trick Davit System ).

Quick update.  We purchased a Trick Davit system at the start of the 2020 boating season.  It has been great!  Very easy install and easy to remove the arms when not in use.

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Everything You Need To Know About Dinghy Boat

There is a dinghy boat to suit nearly every situation! There are fishing boats that stay tied to docks, higher-speed dinghies that tie up to yachts, and inflatable dinghies that roll up when not in use. There are dinghies for use in rivers and streams and dinghies that can hold their own in seas and oceans. With all these options, how do you know which dinghy is right for you? Below, we'll discuss the various types of dinghy boats and what considerations to consider when determining which boat is best for your needs.

What Is A Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy boat is a simple, open, small boat that can be used for various purposes. They are compact and shallow, and there are many different types of dinghies, each designed for its purpose.

Why Choose A Dinghy Boat?

Because dinghies are so versatile, having just this one boat opens up a whole world of water adventures to you! They are compact and shallow, able to both traverse streams and take out into open oceans. That shallow profile also gives them a low center of gravity. This makes them great for many types of sailors, as they are difficult to capsize. Dinghies are usually very rugged and can be fitted out for rowing, sailing, or adding an outboard motor.

Types Of Dinghy Boats

There are four main categories of dinghy boats, divided by their frame type. Each type of dinghy has its own pros and cons.

Rigid Dinghy

Rigid dinghies are a classic. They are simple in design, although they come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Rigid dinghies work well if you won't be traveling far from shore or dealing with rough surface conditions. They have a lower carrying capacity compared to inflatable dinghies, but they are incredibly durable and can handle being pulled on shore. Many sailors choose to attach outboard motors to their rigid dinghies.

Inflatable Dinghy

Inflatable dinghies need to be assembled before use, but as they are collapsible, you can easily stow them in the back of any vehicle or locker. It is the perfect inflatable boat for beginners. They have a greater buoyancy than rigid dinghies so that they can carry more passengers and cargo, and some can carry up to nine people! A fully inflatable dinghy is best suited to calm weather conditions, although it can handle moderate wind. The soft sides of inflatables make them prone to puncture damage, so always have a repair kit on board.

Rigid Inflatable Dinghy

Rigid inflatable dinghies combine features of hard dinghies and inflatable dinghies. It's so efficient that even the Coast Guard uses them! It's not collapsible, as it has a solid fiberglass or aluminum keel, but it does benefit from the extra buoyancy given by the inflatable tubes around the side. Rigid inflatable boats are more stable, so they can handle higher winds and be used over greater distances, even going out into the ocean. They can have various outboard and inboard motors, and a long shaft motor will work for the largest of these types of dinghies.

Sailing Dinghy

Most dinghies are propelled through rowing or outboard motors. However, there are also specialty dinghies designed for sailing. Sailing dinghies have a very shallow, rigid hull, typically made from aluminum, so they can be as lightweight as possible. They are commonly used for youth sailing programs, as they are easier for children to control, and a smaller sail will then be sufficient to move the vessel.

What To Consider When Buying A Dinghy Boat

With all of the various types of dinghy boats available, how do you know which one to buy? Before even looking up your options, first consider what you'll be using your dinghy for, how you intend to store it, how heavy you want it to be, how much you want it to be able to carry, and what you want it to be made of. There are options under each of these categories! Then, set your budget and look up your boat options!

When buying a dinghy, it's important to consider your dinghy's primary purpose. Will you be traveling long distances at a time? How many people will need to sail with you? Will you use your dinghy mainly for entering the water from another boat, or will it be taken on shore frequently? Will it be used in rivers and streams or oceans and seas?

It's unwise to buy any boat if you haven't thought out where you'll store it when not in use. This is particularly true if you'll be using a dinghy in conjunction with a bigger sailing boat or yacht and will need to store the dinghy aboard. There are five options available to you for stowing most dinghies:

Dinghy davits are used for dinghies that are too large or heavy to be physically lifted in and out of the water. Davits are permanently installed on a dock or, more commonly, on the stern of a larger boat. It's a handy way to keep a dinghy on hand when you're out sailing in larger boats, but large waves can fill the stowed dinghy with water and unbalance the main boat.

Rather than risk the chance of a dinghy flooding and damaging the main boat, some people choose to tie their dinghy upside down on the deck. This is a perfectly fine solution, provided you have the space on deck and the dinghy won't be blocking important walkways.

A compromise between davits and deck storage, the dinghy can be stowed there if your larger boat has a swim-step. Double-check that it's elevated far enough out of the water and tilted so that it doesn't flood.

An inflatable boat has exceedingly easy stowage. Simply deflate, roll it up, and store it in a locker.

If you're not going far from shore and the weather is fair, you can simply pull your dinghy behind your main boat.

It's best not to ever keep your dinghy boat in the water for a long period of time. Even if your dinghy is a simple wooden vessel, leaving it tied to a dock when not in use will significantly decrease its lifespan. Perhaps your storage considerations don't concern a yacht or larger boat, but you'll still need space in a shed or garage for your dinghy, regardless.

Dinghies are all considered lightweight vessels, but some are much heavier than others. Will you need to be able to pull your dinghy out of the water yourself and onto a trailer or into a truck bed? Then it needs to be light enough that this is possible. The most lightweight option is fully inflatable dinghies. Lightweight dinghies also are better suited to shallow water conditions.

However, if you'll be in open water and want a stable ride, your boat is going to need to be heavier. Dinghies with a higher carrying capacity will also, by necessity, be heavier.

The rigid floors of dinghies are typically made of either fiberglass or aluminum, although wooden dinghies are still available. Fiberglass hulls are cheaper but heavier, and aluminum hulls have a longer service life but come with a higher price tag.

Inflatable boats also have options when it comes to their material. They are typically made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or CSE (chlorosulfonated polyethylene). CSE is also known as "Hypalon." PVC is more affordable and easier to clean but can deteriorate if left in the sunlight for too long. It holds air longer than CSE, however. PVC will lose under 7% of its air volume within 24 hours, while CSE will lose 15%. CSE has a much longer life span but is pricier. CSE is also more rugged and better suited to use in cold water and along rocky shores. The flexible tubes used in both fully inflatable and rigid inflatable boats are a mixture of PVC and CSE.

Dinghies can cost anywhere from $500 to $15,000 (and even more, depending on customization). In addition to the cost of the boat itself, you need to consider the cost of a dinghy repair kit and any equipment you'll need for towing and storage. Keep in mind that the more expensive choice may not always be the best choice for your needs.

Towing Ability

Dinghies can vary in carrying capacity from one passenger to fifteen! You'll want to choose a dingy that has the ability to carry all of the people and cargo required for your purpose. When looking at potential boats, consider not just your passenger amount but also the weight of your cargo. The weight of luggage, provisions and recreational gear can really add up! You'll also need to add in the weight of paddles and a motor.

About the Author

Fiona Perisone

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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David and Victoria Beckham get cozy heading to new $20M yacht with family in Miami

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David Beckham and Victoria Beckham enjoyed a glamorous family outing Wednesday aboard a multimillion-dollar mega-yacht in Miami.

The couple — who has a reported combined net worth of $514 million — was photographed riding a dinghy with their four kids , sons Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 19, and daughter Harper, 12, as well as their daughter-in-law, Nicola Peltz.

They were all dressed casually, with David, 48, and Victoria, 49, strategically shielding themselves from the hot sun under stylish hats as they made their way onto the larger boat.

The massive silver vessel — which is a Riva 130 Bellissima Yacht — measures close to 40 meters and 130 feet, and was built at the company’s La Spezia shipyard in Italy.

It accommodates up to 10 guests in five suites, which is plenty of room for the entire Beckham clan.

Officina Italiana Design worked on the interior, and its features include a beach club, WiFi and air conditioning.

We’re told David and Beckham own the lavish boat which boasts a $20 million price tag and is personalized with the word “Seven” — Harper’s middle name — written across it. The pair previously had a smaller Riva Argo 90 , which cost $6.5 million.

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The Beckhams have been spending the majority of their time in Miami since February 2014 when David was offered an opportunity to take part in the Magic City’s MLS team, Inter Miami.

The retired soccer star has since brought legend Lionel Messi on board his team, which further incentivized stars like Kim Kardashian and LeBron James to make it out to games .

Aside from business, David makes sure to enjoy plenty of quality time with Victoria all over Miami.

Page Six exclusively reported last July that the former Manchester United player and the Spice Girls member dropped more than $2,000 on a date night at the luxe LPM Restaurant and Bar in Brickell.

We were told at the time that the duo and their guests were very gracious toward the waitstaff.

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When the Beckhams are not in South Florida, they spend a lot of time in their native UK.

The power couple owns a $40 million Victorian townhouse in London that is located in the ultra-luxurious Holland Park area of Kensington — also known as “Millionaire’s Row.”

The lavish property reportedly features six bedrooms, an indoor pool, a wine cellar, a fashion runway, a gym and an at-home nail salon.

However, it appears David has grown quite fond of his new home in Miami.

He said during an event in 2018, “I could have gone to another city, but this was always my city. It’s always where I wanted to have our team.”

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Cambridge claim victory in the 2024 Boat Race

Cambridge celebrated a double success in the 2024 Boat Race, winning both the Men's and Women's races.

The Boat Race- one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events- is an annual event between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. This year, in the 169th Men’s Boat Race, Cambridge made a rapid start that allowed them to open up a lead of more than 10 seconds. Although they slowed towards the end- with rower Matt Edge clearly struggling- the team ultimately held on for a comfortable victory. Cambridge were also victorious in the men's reserve crew race. 

In the 77 th Women’s Boat Race, Oxford made a flying start but were overtaken after about 10 minutes and could not recover. However, the Oxford team, called Osiris, triumphed in the women's reserve crew race.

The University of Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey CBE FRS FMedSci, said: 'I’m so proud of all our Oxford crews for their determination, grit and performance today. Not the results we wanted but congratulations do go to Osiris who were victorious, and of course to Cambridge on their impressive wins. Thanks go to the coaches and support teams as well as the supporters who turned up in droves - next year!' 

The Boat Race took place on The Championship Course on the River Thames in South West London. The approximately 4.25 mile course, first used in 1845, stretches from Putney to Mortlake. The average time taken to complete the course is 20 minutes, but the Cambridge men's crew holds the record for the fastest time of 16 minutes and 19 seconds, achieved in 1998.

The Boat race is held in March or early April, after the captain of the previous year's losing team issues a formal challenge. The Men’s Boat Race was first raced in 1829 and the Women’s Boat Race first took place in 1927. Typically, the event attracts over 250,00 spectators, with many millions more watching on television.

After this year’s results, Cambridge now have 48-30 and 87-81 leads in the women’s and men’s races respectively.

Previous Men’s Boat Race and Women’s Boat Race results can be found on the Boat Race website.

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What Lies Beneath: London Boat Race Marred by Sewage Concerns

Rowers in the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race this weekend have been warned of dangerously high levels of E. coli in the River Thames, the latest sign of England’s polluted waterways.

By Stephen Castle

Reporting from London

The warning was stern: Do not enter the water. Not because of the tide. Not because of sharks. Because of the sewage.

For almost two centuries, rowers from Oxford University have raced their rivals from Cambridge in a contest that typically ends with jubilant members of the victorious crew jumping into the River Thames in celebration.

This year they will be staying as dry as possible.

After the discovery of elevated levels of E. coli in the river, rowers have been urged to stay out of the water, to cover any open wounds and to wash themselves down at a dedicated cleansing station at the finish.

The warning from organizers of the annual competition known as the Boat Race is the most striking symbol of the dire and deteriorating state of Britain’s rivers and coastlines. E. coli, which can be contracted from inadequately treated water supplies, can cause a number of symptoms including diarrhea, stomach cramps and occasionally fever. According to Britain’s health service , a small number of people can also develop hemolytic uraemic syndrome which can sometimes lead to kidney failure and death.

In recent years, England’s private water companies have faced fierce criticism for discharging sewerage and untreated rainwater into waterways and onto beaches when rainfall is heavy — a tactic they use to prevent the system from backing up.

Water firms in England were privatized in 1989, and critics accuse them of paying out huge sums in dividends to their shareholders while failing to make vital infrastructure investments.

While campaigners have long highlighted the problem with water quality, few Britons will have expected contamination to impact the Boat Race, a fixture of the sporting calendar which attracts up to 250,000 spectators as well as a TV audience of millions, organizers say.

Rowers from the two ancient universities will compete over the 4.25-mile course on the Thames on Saturday afternoon, the 169th men’s and 78th women’s races.

The first Boat Race took place on 10 June 1829 at Henley-on-Thames, west of London, and was won by Oxford. However, for the next 25 years, contests happened irregularly and, from 1836, in the national capital. They became annual events in 1856. A women’s boat race was introduced in 1927 but only took place intermittently until the mid-1960s.

The new guidance follows testing of the Thames by River Action, a charity that campaigns for cleaner waterways and said that its tests revealed levels of E. coli up to 10 times higher than the minimum accepted standards for bathing water.

The testing locations suggested that the source of pollution was from Thames Water, the local water company, “discharging sewage directly into the river and its tributaries,” River Action said in a statement.

“We are in a tragic situation when elite athletes are issued with health guidance ahead of a historic race on the capital’s river,” said James Wallace, chief executive officer of River Action. “Our water quality results show what happens after decades of neglect by an unregulated water company, Thames Water.”

The Boat Race, a company that puts on the race and was set up by the Oxford and Cambridge Rowing Foundation, said that it “and the universities involved love rowing on the Thames,” but that “water quality is an ongoing concern.”

In a statement it added: “We have put in place a series of precautionary measures this year to protect the health of our athletes, which includes guidance regarding the covering up of open wounds, regular hand washing, a cleansing station at the finish area and highlighting the risks of entering the water.”

Most of Britain relies on a combined sewer system that pushes both rainwater and human waste along the same set of pipes.

When rainfall is heavy, water firms are sometimes permitted to discharge some of this into rivers or the sea to avoid the pipes being overwhelmed, something that could cause sewage to back up and flood roads and homes.

Critics accuse the water firms of spilling sewage even in dry weather and, according to figures released on Wednesday, last year there were on average 1,271 spills a day across England, compared with 825 in 2022.

In a statement, Thames Water, the utility that is responsible, blamed “higher than average long-term rainfall across London and the Thames Valley.” It said overflows were designed to operate automatically when the sewer network was about to be overwhelmed, so that diluted wastewater would be released into rivers instead of flowing “back up into people’s homes.”

The company added that it was “working hard to make these discharges unnecessary” and had announced plans to upgrade one sewage treatment plant, in southwest London, “to treat the high volumes of incoming sewage and reduce the need for overflows during wet weather.”

That may be of little comfort to this year’s rowers who know that, even if they take all the precautions advised, history suggests there is no guarantee they can stay out of the Thames.

In 1912 both crews were submerged by bad weather, and the most recent sinking took place in 1984 when the Cambridge men’s boat hit a barge before the race had even started.

Stephen Castle is a London correspondent of The Times, writing widely about Britain, its politics and the country’s relationship with Europe. More about Stephen Castle

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Oxford confirm illnesses before Boat Race but stop short of blaming pollution

• Thames was shown to have high levels of E coli in race buildup
• Oxford ‘cannot definitively’ identify cause of the illnesses

Oxford University Boat Club have confirmed three members of their men’s team were suffering from a stomach bug before their Boat Race defeat by Cambridge on Saturday, but said they could not identify the specific cause.

Following a double success for the light blue of Cambridge in the women’s and men’s events Lenny Jenkins, the Oxford men’s seven seat, said: “We’ve had a few guys go down pretty badly with E coli strain … It would have been ideal not to have so much poo in the water.”

A club statement released on Sunday afternoon said they could not confirm E coli – shown to be present in dangerously high levels on the River Thames course before the event – was to blame.

“Three members of the OUBC men’s blue boat came down with a stomach bug in the week of the Boat Race, the origin of which we cannot definitively say,” the statement said.

“These things happen in the final lead up to the race, including in years we have won. We want to again congratulate Cambridge’s men on an exceptional race performance and a well-deserved victory.”

Asked if they planned to test for E coli the OUBC said: “The athletes received medical advice and treatment which does not include testing in the first instance.” Organisers of the Boat Race had earlier on Sunday contacted Oxford to seek further clarity on the cause of the sickness bug.

James Wallace, the chief executive of River Action, whose pre-race testing highlighted dangerous pollution in the water, told the Guardian: “Let’s be clear. Rowers being sick from training and racing on the Thames is not new, and nor is the news of Thames Water discharging billions of litres of untreated sewage into the river.

“E coli at these high levels can only come from sewage, both raw and treated … Thames Water is the only company responsible for sewage treatment on the Thames.”

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Thames Water has blamed high rainfall but the Government is under increasing pressure to act. The company’s renationalisation is not being ruled out following shareholders’ refusal to release further investment.

“It’s obviously not a great situation,” the Cambridge men’s coach, Rob Baker, said following the victory on Saturday. “We’d like cleaner waterways, I think that’s fair to say. We’d like to not have such a risk for our athletes.”

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David and Victoria Beckham take their new yacht out for a spin in Miami. Take a look

Cruising in style.

David and Victoria Beckham were spotted on a family outing on the water off Miami on Wednesday.

Paparazzi snapped the power couple headed to their spanking new superyacht, Seven, in a dinghy. Along for the ride were all the kiddos: Harper, Romeo, Cruz and Brooklyn, who brought his actress-heiress wife Nicola Peltz.

Can’t say we blame them for wanting to be outside instead of puttering about their downtown pad; the weather here has been more than fine.

The Beckhams also took their new baby out for a spin on Monday. Posh was seen in a black one-piece bathing suit , no crutches from her recent gym accident in sight.

For those keeping track and salivating at home, their 130 foot long, five suite toy is a Riva 130 Bellissima Yacht . Bellissima, indeed, because she’s Italian. Seven is an upgrade to the retired soccer star’s, um , smaller yacht, which was also named after his old jersey number and Harper’s middle name.

Cost? A cool $20 million, the U.K.’s Mirror reports , which is a good chunk of change, even in this economy.

©2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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