Sea Change
Well-known member
Interesting to read this old thread.
We used an Avon Redcrest for many years, but when we became liveaboards and sailed away for a few years, we built a Spindrift 11N nesting dinghy.
We took the Avon as a backup, but it's a sad day when that has to come out. There's just no comparison. I originally thought we'd use the Avon quite a lot as a 'second car', or in situations where the lighter weight and better fendering were advantageous. But in practise we've only used it if the Spindrift is out of action for painting, or we're making a brief stop somewhere and not bothering to assemble the Spindrift. And since we added a SUP to the fleet, the Avon hasn't been used once.
One unique advantage of the rigid dinghy is that it makes a pretty good sailing boat too. It's the size of a Mirror so really quite stable. We've carried six people on a whole day sailing trip including snorkel gear and snacks. Exploring new places in a sailing dinghy is easily my favourite part of full time cruising, and I think my son agrees. I'm just a passenger/ballast these days.
There are definitely downsides. We can't plane under motor, I think you'd need a heavier and more sturdy boat for that. We aren't as well fendered as an inflatable, so we often use a stern anchor where other people don't bother. It's certainly not maintenance free, and I try to be fastidious about touching up chips in the paint.
I wonder what ever happened to the OP's plan?
We used an Avon Redcrest for many years, but when we became liveaboards and sailed away for a few years, we built a Spindrift 11N nesting dinghy.
We took the Avon as a backup, but it's a sad day when that has to come out. There's just no comparison. I originally thought we'd use the Avon quite a lot as a 'second car', or in situations where the lighter weight and better fendering were advantageous. But in practise we've only used it if the Spindrift is out of action for painting, or we're making a brief stop somewhere and not bothering to assemble the Spindrift. And since we added a SUP to the fleet, the Avon hasn't been used once.
One unique advantage of the rigid dinghy is that it makes a pretty good sailing boat too. It's the size of a Mirror so really quite stable. We've carried six people on a whole day sailing trip including snorkel gear and snacks. Exploring new places in a sailing dinghy is easily my favourite part of full time cruising, and I think my son agrees. I'm just a passenger/ballast these days.
There are definitely downsides. We can't plane under motor, I think you'd need a heavier and more sturdy boat for that. We aren't as well fendered as an inflatable, so we often use a stern anchor where other people don't bother. It's certainly not maintenance free, and I try to be fastidious about touching up chips in the paint.
I wonder what ever happened to the OP's plan?
