Dinghy for a 26

Newsgroups Archive Prior to 2025
1

HI all:

We have in towed around a small tub type dinghy, as well as a JY9, but neither are particularly useful. we’ve never had an outboard - only oars. so when cruising - which is limited anyway due to heavy work schedules- we are stuck on the boat unless there is a launch service.

would love to hear recommendations for our 26

what kind?

  • inflatable?
  • Portland pudgy?
  • something else?

Engine?

  • I hate gasoline. But I guess I could get used to it.
  • Don’t have any way of lifting something heavy
  • Torqueedo?

How to bring it along?

  • davits seem like a big deal to install
  • obviously no way to put on deck
  • dinghy tow?
  • just keep on towing as usual?

Kate Herman
SEA ROSE 26C 134
Noank, CT

Katharine G. Herman, CPA
96 Euclid Ave
Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706
and
722 Commerce St
Thornwood, NY 10594
(t) (914) 693-6058
(f) (866) 462-7545
(w) www.kghermancpa.com
(e) kate@kghermancpa.com

2

Our 26-16 used Weaver Snap-Davits on a small platform to carry a Livingston 7.5 (~100lbs). Once the dinghy is connected, the halyard is used to lift it to the platform.

Several photos are on Flickr here The transom flexed when the dinghy was loaded so I added knees to transfer load to the bottom of the boat.

We added the same setup to SummerPlace 30-438 as seen here On the 30, the transom is cored and does not flex so no extra reinforcement was needed.

For outboard we have a 4 stroke Suzuki 2.5 weighing 28lbs. Its stored on the rail and can be lifted easily by hand. With the dinghy in the water and still connected to the davits, its stable so you can stand in it to mount the outboard. The Suzuki 2.5hp is nice because it has a neutral gear but it will not plane the dinghy. For longer trips and crabbing, we also take a 2 stroke Tohatsu 8hp and use a small rail mount hoist to lower it. The 8hp pushes the Livingston 7.5 plenty fast.

The Livingston has a dual-hull design, is very stable, and doesn’t leak air. It doesn’t row well at all however. We have had both inflatables and hard dinghies. Each has its pros and cons. The Livingston works for us.

Jeff
30-438 SummerPlace
Olympia WA, Puget Sound

3

Dingy tow with Honda 2ph on a 9 foot inflatable. Works well and easy to launch and retrieve. 2 hp pushes you along but fast it is not.

Speed means weight.

The motor goes on the dingy in the spring and off in the fall.

4

For my 33, I'm looking at this (the 9' version)

Www.dinghygo.com

Powered by a Torqueedo. The dinghy only weighs ~65 lbs. Because of that I figure I can wrangle her myself. I've got davits. Will report on how it works out this season! Any outboard that obviates gasoline and is lightweight and quiet I figure is worth a try!

Phoebe Schmidt
Soave sei il vento NS 33 #9
Westbrook, CT