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Update on using a Kayak for a tender- Thread starter Zzzzzz
- Start date Jun 22, 2014
- Forums for All Owners
- Ask All Sailors
Zarathu said: Will I need to paint my toenails purple to get it right, do you think? Click to expand Brian S said: Click to expand Sit on top are a step towards getting a dog.. much easier to get the dog on and off the boat from a sit on top. walt said: Sit on top are a step towards getting a dog.. much easier to get the dog on and off the boat from a sit on top. Click to expand AttachmentssalishmermaidWe have been using some easyrider kayaks: http://www.easyriderkayaks.com/ Since they are made to hook together like a catamaran they are very stable and they have plenty of optional equipment you can add like sails. ahppycmpr said: We have been using some easyrider kayaks: http://www.easyriderkayaks.com/ Since they are made to hook together like a catamaran they are very stable and they have plenty of optional equipment you can add like sails. Click to expand LANCE ON CLOUD NINEI think one of these could be an interesting tender>>> http://wavewalk.com/W_Fishing_Kayak_Product_Information.html ^^ I'm confused: a. Can't paddle properly; braces are in the way of many strokes. b. Poor maneuverability as compared to a single. c. Singles have been paddled vast distances; I don't get this concern over stability. d. A nightmare in strong conditions e. Dangerous on the surf; if it broaches someone is going to get hurt. No ability to side-slip, since you can't roll the hulls. No effective brace stroke. f. Those braces are going to work terribly in quartering waves. Other than boarding, I see only down side. And most of the world sees it that way. Which is why bicylces don't use training wheels. The beauty of kayaking is to have a responsive 1-person boat. thinwater said: ^^ I'm confused: Click to expand Can someone explain to me why you dont just use a normal dinghy? It seems like pretty much all the issues you are trying to get around are part of what makes a Kayak work well AS a kayak, and are all things that aren't issues for normal dinghies. Is there some reason for trying to make a kayak do what something else does better? Dean_Wilson...StinkBug;Can someone explain to me why you dont just use a normal dinghy? " For me, its a case of I already have a kayak, and the mooring location I have, there is no place to leave your dinghy (private beaches, and not member of local club)...but then again...I am still researching the subject, and may be forced to go with a dinghy...trials begin in July.... Dean StinkBug said: Can someone explain to me why you dont just use a normal dinghy? It seems like pretty much all the issues you are trying to get around are part of what makes a Kayak work well AS a kayak, and are all things that aren't issues for normal dinghies. Is there some reason for trying to make a kayak do what something else does better? Click to expand thinwater: to follow up on what you said about utilizing both kayaks and dingys for their best purposes, I actually carry 2 inflated kayaks and drag an inflatable dingy/motor when I am on the water to play and fish. A person just can't have too many toys! Chief scotmcphersonHi guys, this is my first post. I have been sailing all my life on and off, and I joined this forum because it looks like I may be inheriting a small daysailer, but I stumbled upon this thread first. I am an avid fisherman and do quite a bit of fishing from my kayak. I think a kayak would be an interesting tender, but I think it carries some risk with it. Firstly, getting dunked is no big deal if you practice your self rescue drills. No one should be kayaking in the ocean if they can't slide back on or in their kayak like an otter (or walrus in the case if some of us bigger folks). I make my kids to rescue drills at the beginning of each season when the water is still cold so they are expert at self rescue. Standing up in a kayak is nothing in flat water once you get the hang of it. It's a completely different problem in waves or even 12" chop. However I am even more concerned about someone standing up in a kayak and then grabbing hold of a sailboat. That sounds like a concussion waiting to happen. Kayaks don't stay underneath you when you grab hold of something, they want to slide away from underneath you. Oh and the headstand? Yeah that's cool. There is even a paddle board yoga practice going on these days. Really cool I think, but still don't think a kayak is a good idea for a tender unless your sailboat has a ladder, you get in the water from the yak, and then climb the ladder from the water. I honestly think that's the safest choice if using a yak for a tender. StinkBug said: Can someone explain to me why you don't just use a normal dinghy? It seems like pretty much all the issues you are trying to get around are part of what makes a Kayak work well AS a kayak, and are all things that aren't issues for normal dinghies. Is there some reason for trying to make a kayak do what something else does better? Click to expand At Some Point... ...all the sporting good stores will literally "blow-out" thier summer merchandise. Usually it is much earlier than expected. Last year I picked up a kayak from Dick's for $ 75.00...really. Keep an eye out. The deals surface and disappear quickly. Dunlookin said: ...all the sporting good stores will literally "blow-out" thier summer merchandise. Usually it is much earlier than expected. Last year I picked up a kayak from Dick's for $ 75.00...really. Keep an eye out. The deals surface and disappear quickly. Click to expand If you already have a kayak I totally get it. A lot of this discussion seems to kind of center around buying various different kinds of kayaks, which seems kinda expensive and silly if it doesn't meet some needs for you that a normal dinghy would not. Kayaks are fun, and I have one and love using it, but for tender use I have an inflatable dinghy that works far better. It's stable, easy to row (though not like a kayak) and since it's an inflatable floor it's light enough to carry and put on the roof of my car by myself. It also deflates and rolls up for storage onboard my not so big sailboat. It sounds to me like a kayak is not the ideal tender for the OP at his age and physical ability, and modifying one to make it work for him might compromise the attributes that make it good as a kayak. Just seems like fighting an uphill battle IMHO. - This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. 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Practical Boat OwnerBest inflatable boat: 9 compact tenders put to the test- Robert Melotti
- September 9, 2021
Rob Melotti and the PBO test team put some lightweight, portable inflatable dinghies through their paces in Lymington to find the best inflatable boat Inflatables are everywhere: paddleboards , canoes, kayaks , tents, kites and wings – and inflatable boat technology has long been a practical option for tenders, RIBs, liferafts and lifejackets . But what the ‘new wave’ of inflatable boats brings to the practical boating landscape is the air floor, which makes very stable, very lightweight tenders a very practical option for people with limited stowage ie owners of cruising boats under 30ft. And the market has responded with a selection of offerings under 2.4m weighing under 20kg. So which is the best and what should you be looking for to get the most for your money? We tested nine models sold by eight different brand names. The inflatable boats were superficially quite similar, but in the accumulation of small details it was possible to pick a few favourites. We rowed and motored all of the inflatable boats solo, and most of them with two aboard. We weighed and measured them and found a lot to like. What’s the best inflatable boat? 9 options tested3D Twin V Shape 230 Air Deck Tender was a good all-round performer – and best on test 3D Twin V Shape 230 Air deck tenderFrench manufacturer 3D Tender was one of the earliest producers of ultralight inflatable tenders. This model sports premium touches, such as davit rings and the most high-spec pump of all the inflatable boats on test. In terms of convenience it is a rucksack carry bag with a large front pocket for the pump and accessories. The zips will need maintenance though. The V floor is a single chamber, keeping set-up time to a minimum and keeping the weight down. The lack of safety lines on the side makes carrying as a two-person team a little less convenient than some of the other inflatable boats, but the keel strip will help preserve this boat. The rowlocks double as cleats and the rubbing strake will provide strength but little in the way of splashproofing for passengers. Buy it now on oceanfirstmarine.co.uk Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.Force 4 02Lite was the lightest on test Force 4 02LiteThis model is very similar to the Seago Go Lite (also tested), including the rucksack, which was our favourite on test for carrying comfort, although you do have to beware of any loose objects inside the bag dropping out of the side enclosure flap. The Force 4 02Lite was the lightest package overall and packed down to just 90cm long. The oars were the smallest on test, which affected the rowing performance, but it was the only inflatable boat with open rowlocks – so you can use your own oars. The bench is adjustable, but I wasn’t able to position it far enough aft to brace my feet against the transom under oars. There are three D-rings for making a towing bridle on the bow but no ergonomic carry handle. The rubbing strake is minimal with no splash guard and there are no davit lifting eyes. Buy it now on force4.co.uk Crewsaver Air Deck 230 is solidly built and joint cheapest, but is outclassed by 3D Tender’s lightweight V floor design Crewsaver Air Deck 230Best cheap inflatable boat The pack we were sent for testing had the incorrect seat included, but we were able to substitute a seat from one of the other inflatable boats on test without difficulty. The rucksack doesn’t have a front pocket, but there are no zips to corrode and the adjustable webbing buckles mean the top opening of the bag is quite forgiving for repacking. The safety lines are robustly attached to the hull, which is a feature that will pay dividends long-term, but adds a bit of weight. The rubbing strake is also weighty, but the splash guards will keep water out of the boat. The coned aft sponson caps are hard plastic, enabling vertical storage without damage and the rowlocks double as cleats. There are davit rings in the bow and through the thick transom board, plus the bow handle is wide for ergonomic carrying. Buy it now on crewsaver.com Excel Ventura SL200From a Midlands-based company that specialises in inflatable boats, this came with a great double-action hand pump and was the only boat on test with an over-pressure valve – a useful feature for exposure to the hot sun. The safety lines are sturdily attached and splash guards make up part of the rubbing strake protecting the sides and keeping water out of the boat. The rowlocks double as cleats and the bow handle is wide enough for a proper grip. Excel Ventura SL200’s double action hand pump made short work of inflation Davit fittings are supplied and the sponsons are shaped to add waterline length and buoyancy aft. The duffel carry bag was the sturdiest on test. This inflatable boat comes with a good long set of oars, although we had to sit side-by-side to make any progress under oars with two adults on board. Buy it now on excel-inflatables.co.uk Quicksilver was big – but also heavy Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240This boat has an inflatable keel as well as a removable inflatable floor. There was also a rigid slat athwartship between the floor and keel, which increases the weight overall. This is one of the priciest and heaviest inflatable boats on the test and one of the largest in packed dimensions. It features a fuel tank strap, a decent keel strip to prevent damage on slipways, a decent bow carry handle and rowlock cleats. The rubbing strake is quite meaty as well without being particularly splashproof. The carry bag is very forgiving – opening flat like a groundsheet. There were no carry handles on the sponsons and the safety rope fixings aren’t as solid as many of the other inflatable boats on test, although there are rowlock cleats and the seat is fully adjustable. Buy it now on eBay Light weight makes for easy handling on land and in the water Seago Go Lite 230Seago is a distributor, supplying UK chandleries and there are similarities between this model and the 02Lite from Force 4. This model is very light and compact – just 0.5kg heavier than Force 4, but packs down to the same 90cm length. The oars are very short, but are fixed using a pin and thole system which some may prefer over the Force 4’s rowlocks. The PVC material is described as 1100 Decitex (Force 4 is 800 Decitex) and the backpacks of the two were identical: comfortable to carry and forgiving to repack due to their large side aperture rather than a narrow top. The rubbing strake is minimal and there is no ergonomic bow handle. Buy it now on seagoyachting.co.uk YAM 200T is not rated for two adults This 2m inflatable boat has a fixed seat and was unique on the test for having wooden slats to reinforce the floor. This means less pumping up, but slightly increased weight. Like the 3D tender there is no safety rope so carrying between two crew involves spreading your arms wide from bow handle to stern handle placed on the sponsons. It is rated for one adult and one child – the smallest by rating on the test. There is a hefty rubbing strake with raised levels to block spray and the rowlocks double as cleats. The oars are miniature and the bow has three D-rings for rigging a towing bridle but no ergonomic handle for carrying. With two adults aboard we would have been better rowing side by side – but it was no slouch under engine. Buy it now on bhg-marine.co.uk The nicest boat on test to row YAM 240 (STI) Air Floor Sport TenderThis is the most expensive model on test and features an inflatable keel as well as a floor section, plus two sponsons to inflate. With that much to inflate a high quality pump would have been better, but there is a pressure gauge included in the package to get everything sufficiently firm. The seat is fixed but the oars were nice and long, which made it the nicest boat to row. As with the YAM 200T there were no safety lines fitted and carry handles are spread far apart, which makes carrying more difficult. But there is a good, ergonomic bow carry handle and the inflatable boat is rated to carry 400kg, the highest rating on test. The rowlocks double as cleats and the rounded aft end of the sponsons have protective, hard plastic caps. Smaller diameter sponsons means more space aboard – but less freeboard Talamex Superlight SLA230Talamex is a Dutch brand imported by EP Barrus. This inflatable boat had the narrowest diameter sponsons on test, which creates more internal space, but less freeboard. It’s an extremely lightweight package, with a thin transom board, but nice long oars and a good carrying handle on the bow. The pump supplied is a single-action hand pump and the bag folds out completely flat like a groundsheet, which is very forgiving for repacking. The bag has nice carrying handles on the narrow ends. The seat was massively adjustable and the rubbing strake is generous without offering very much splash guarding. The safety rope attachments look a bit vulnerable and there are no other handles on the sponsons. Launching the Seago 320 Verdict: Which was the best inflatable boat on test?This group of inflatable boats can be subdivided in a few different ways: by length, by price and by weight (note there is also a group of rucksack boats and a trio of air-keel boats). I think the best on test goes to the 3D Tender, which manages to keep the weight down, comes complete with a very high-spec pump, a very user-friendly rucksack bag with a big front pocket and a ‘slight V form floor’ that inflates as a single chamber. There are no safety lines or a bow handle, so carrying the boat when inflated is less natural than some of the others and it’s the second most expensive. The best bargain buy is probably the lightest, smallest package: Force 4, for me, is preferable to the very similar Seago model because of its ‘open’ rowlocks. But if you prefer captive oars, the Seago is slightly cheaper. The Crewsaver is the same low price and probably more robust and seaworthy than the Force 4 or the Seago while being easier to carry when inflated than the 3D Tender. But without the V floor I think it’s a less versatile performer. I didn’t see the benefit of the two 200cm dinghies we tested: both were noticeably small in use without being smaller to pack and stow or lighter to carry. The 240cm V Floor models can carry bigger loads at greater speed, but if you really need that level of performance you have to accept the extra set-up time, weight and stowage. Best inflatable boats – key facts and figures What makes the best inflatable boat for you?Rucksack bags were easiest to carry The bag details matter when one of the main selling points of a product is its portability. We looked at handles, zips and overall design. Metal zips will corrode without a regular rinse in fresh water, but as long as the zipper track is plastic, then replacement zipper trucks can be fitted relatively cheaply. Carry handles at the narrow ends are very useful and half of the inflatable boats tested can be carried as rucksacks. A few of the boats pack away in bags that deconstruct on all four sides like groundsheets, with webbing straps and adjustable buckles crossways and lengthways. These are very forgiving and yet still pack up tightly and securely. We also looked at the quality of the bag material: is the bag likely to survive chafing, stretching, damp or UV exposure for as long as the dinghy itself? We weighed each of the inflatable boats in their carry bags and found quite a variation in boat weights Size, weight and priceOur facts table will quickly show you the lightest and smallest packs and there are four tenders priced under £500. The two longest inflatable boats in the test (YAM 240 and Quicksilver 240) were in the biggest bags (110cm and 120cm respectively), and were the heaviest packs weighing over 20kg even without any accessories. Only three of the nine tested boats weighed in at under 20kg straight out of the box. There was an 11kg difference between the lightest (Force 4 02Lite) and the heaviest (Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240). The Force 4 comes in a rucksack bag that is 20cm shorter in length than the Quicksilver and over £100 cheaper. But unless size, weight and price are your only criteria, then a simple numerical comparison could miss some important details. Article continues below… Best electric outboard motors: 9 of the best options on the marketThe electric motor is either sealed in an underwater casing, or housed above the waterline under a cowling, as in… Choosing a boat dinghy – top tips for buying and maintaining tendersFrom getting on and off the yacht to collecting supplies, visiting friends or simply going fishing, tenders play an important… Pumps and pressureSome of the air floors are rated for 1psi; others at 11psi. Most of the sponsons were rated at 3.6psi, which shouldn’t require too much brow mopping for foot- or hand-pump operators. Five of the inflatable boats came with foot pumps, but the double-action hand pumps with the 3D and the Quicksilver were a joy to use. All the boats were easily carried by two when inflated Manual handlingIt’s an ironic linguistic quirk that a tender should be so regularly treated without much tenderness. Even a few hours’ use on a clean slipway incurred scuffs, dings, grubby marks and a few minor tears to the carry bags. Grass is far kinder than concrete for inflating, but is in short supply at busy locations. We looked at keel strips, rubbing strakes, safety line attachment points, bow handles and more… including the relationship between price, weight and fit-out. First published in the September 2021 issue of Practical Boat Owner. Why not subscribe today?This feature appeared in the […] edition of Practical Boat Owner . For more articles like this, including DIY, money-saving advice, great boat projects, expert tips and ways to improve your boat’s performance, take out a magazine subscription to Britain’s best-selling boating magazine. Subscribe, or make a gift for someone else, and you’ll always save at least 30% compared to newsstand prices. See the latest PBO subscription deals on magazinesdirect.com Your Guide to Choosing the Best Yacht TenderA 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 BoatsRigid 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 StabilityIn 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 EfficiencyInflatable 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 SafetyA 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 RIBsFor 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 RIBRigid 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 DinghiesInflatable 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 YouBasically, 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 SizingDetermining 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 DinghyFollow 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. QualityThere 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 USAYes, 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. Privacy Overview |
COMMENTS
Update on using a rigid tandem Kayak for a tender ... But, hey, learning proper techniques will allow you to use a kayak with a sailboat. Take some good kayak classes, and discuss your goals with the instructor. When I was asked by students, I would take a few minutes to go over dock boarding/debarking, as opposed to only teaching beach ...
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ. Mar 12, 2019. #10. A kayak is a great toy to have with the boat. But, I would NEVER consider it to be a replacement for a dinghy. You won't be able to get into one from your boat with dry shoes. You won't be able to disembark at a dock. You won't be able to carry anything besides maybe some beach articles.
The kayak folds into a large suitcase that fits nicely into the lazarette or quarter-berth, takes 5 minutes to inflate and is easy to launch and retrieve by way of a long polyprop line attached to bow and stern. We've paddled round-trip to shore, about a half-mile each way, in a stiff cross breeze and it tracked nicely.
We focused on a recreational kayaks 9-10.5 feet long rather than true sea kayaks. A ten-footer is more practical for most sailors, due to reduced length, weight, and ease of boarding from an anchored sailboat (sea kayaks tend to be skinny and tippy, making boarding from a boat difficult).
Here's a list of things my dink can do that my kayaks can't: 1. transport fuel, water, or anything else that comes to the boat via jerry can; 2. pick up guests ashore, especially guests with luggage; 3. serve as a scuba diving platform (some sit-on-tops can do this) 4. transport bicycles to the dingy doc 5. hoist crab rings 6. run out a kedge ...
They are low-psi (1.5-2 more or less) and wide, very stable but also not very stiff. Finally the up-scale kayaks have drop-stitch floors which allow for high PSI's (7-14 more or less) and a much stiffer boat which supposedly paddles quite well. They cost more though, a good quality tandem can be bought for about $1000.
Messages. 12,766. Location. Sydney, Australia. Visit site. We are no experts on kayaks - and ours are hard not inflatable. I have a sit in kayak, my wife has a sit on kayak. They are great as a form of exercise and allow you to explore in much more silence than using an O/B. As a tender - not really practicable.
The answer was to add a swim platform and tie the dinghy to the boat, as though it were a yacht tied alongside a dock. Perhaps there is some kayak equivalent, perhaps even something including a clamp. Think outside the box. Writing full-time since 2014. Author-- Rigging Modern Anchors.
The hard shell dinghy with the addition of the Hypalon inflatable collar goes for $1958 for the 8-foot length, and $2598 for the 10-foot length at one retailer I checked. Fortunately, the Mac can be beached in most locations in Florida, so I can do without a dinghy and the expense for now. 26 posts. 1.
When the kayak is lifted from one end the stability is in the center and as the beam of the kayak gets thinner the boat wants to turtle as it gets lifted. The only way to transport is on the rail or on deck. I carry them only because the Admiral likes to kayak.. to me they are a P.I.T.A. as I get stuck with dealing with the damn things.
SOT kayak I tow a single or double ocean kayak, SOT, sit on top style. its a little wet, but won't sink. (and I can sail with it on the side of the lifelines) -normally rowing inflatables is very iffy in any kind of wind or current. that said, the inflatable kayak looks pretty good.
This solves the issue of boat handling: I can and have taken the kayak to places I would never take the Hunter and 20 miles in a long afternoon is quite doable. So it would also open up the possibilities for exploring. Obviously with a 19ft boat a 15' tender would have to be towed (!)
I'm looking to replace an old Narwhal inflatable tender. My boat is a small Varne 27 so space is limited. The Narwhal is a pain to row in anything other than flat calm. ... Saw a chap and a large dog (relatively well behaved) transfer from boat to kayak to shore from a swinging mooring in Fowey with no problems, landing on a beach in surf might ...
Conclusion. Choosing the right tender for your boat is an essential part of your cruising lifestyle. By considering factors such as size and weight, storage, capacity, performance, durability, and price, you can find the perfect tender to meet your needs and enhance your sailing adventures. Whether you choose an inflatable tender, RIB, hard ...
Tighten the clamps. Spin them up tight to make sure it stays put. Once the outboard's in position, twirl up the clamps tight. Check them now and then during the trip to make sure the engine's vibration hasn't loosened them. Outboard theft isn't uncommon, so, if you're leaving her for a while, padlock the clamps together.
Jul 12, 2024. Original: Aug 5, 2016. A rigid-bottom inflatable with a powerful outboard is the tender of choice for many cruisers. Before choosing which inflatable dinghy is right for you, there are many factors to consider. Some sailors claim that the inflatable boat has killed the traditional rowing sailing tender.
674 posts · Joined 2009. #8 · Nov 14, 2021 (Edited) Sailboat tenders are definitely compromises and there's no one-size-fits all solution. My intended audience was a first-time sailboat owner who just bought a boat in the 27-32 foot range, has limited space on deck, and isn't doing long-range cruising.
Re: Using an inflatable canoe / kayak as a tender on a small yacht. I used one of these for 6 years as a tender for my F27 trimaran. Worked really well on that boat because I could unroll and inflate it on the netting. It fit between the fore and aft akas perfectly. Rolled up, it would drop into a standard 20" square hatch.
To me a kayak, inflatable or not, is a wet, long, self propelled ride, with no real cargo hauling ability. Yesterday I hauled a 4x8 sheet of ply and foam insulation (both cut in half) back to the boat and did it at 15mph. My dink is the water version of my car at home (volvo) so a kayak would be like a one speed bike.
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Inflatables are everywhere: paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, tents, kites and wings - and inflatable boat technology has long been a practical option for tenders, RIBs, liferafts and lifejackets. But what the 'new wave' of inflatable boats brings to the practical boating landscape is the air floor, which makes very stable, very lightweight tenders a very practical option for people with ...
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.
Another problem is directional stability. Most empty kayaks will yaw back and forth when being towed. In windy conditions or if you are hit by a motor boat wake, this may cause the kayak to capsize. I find that my Hobie Mirage kayaks tow nicely with the rudder down and centered. The last concern is boarding the kayak from the sailboat.