Dinghy/Tender

[djr]

Hey folks - golly it’s been a while since I have managed to get down to my HR34.

However, I’ve spent the last 18 months tweaking, upgrading and making things perfect - there is one thing missing.

I want to get a tender/dinghy - with an outboard.

Budget really isn’t a concern - what matters more is quality, low-hassle and being able to make it compact and put it away (either in a locker, or below deck) when I am not around - I don’t get out enough as it is and I don’t want to leave it on the deck.

it will be me and another adult - maybe 2 at the max - what size/brand/etc shall I buy? I really want something which is quality.

Sorry quick thing - it’s not just for when on anchor - would be nice to take it out and use in the Solent - if this changes things not an issue

Cheers folks

 

[pvb]

I too wanted a decent quality dinghy/outboard combination. I went for a Zodiac Cadet Aero dinghy, the airdeck is very good, the dinghy is easy to pack away (Zodiac have a neat wrap-around valise), and it seems good quality. For the outboard, I chose Torqeedo - light and easy to handle as it breaks down into bits, quiet, clean, doesn't smell, charges from the boat's 12v circuit, what's not to like?

 

[djr]

What is the range on ye old Torqeedo - and how small does the Zodiac fold?

Where on the East Coast you based btw?

 

[doug748]

If you want quality there is no better than this:

Avon Inflatable Dinghy R280 | eBay

The boards are cumbersome, you may want to replace them with slats or lightweight boards, an easy mod.
Some people are keen on inflatable floors but I am not a fan, they need to be well pumped up, tend to bring dirt aboard, reduce foot space and can be vulnerable if you carry a lot of junk. In your case it is another item to deflate and stow.

I think Seago also do a Hypalon model, but Seago were always dodgy in terms of trim and webbing rotting away.

.

 

[pvb]

If you want quality there is no better than this:

Avon Inflatable Dinghy R280 | eBay

The boards are cumbersome, you may want to replace them with slats or lightweight boards, an easy mod.
Some people are keen on inflatable floors but I am not a fan, they need to be well pumped up, tend to bring dirt aboard, reduce foot space and can be vulnerable if you carry a lot of junk. In your case it is another item to deflate and stow.

I think Seago also do a Hypalon model, but Seago were always dodgy in terms of trim and webbing rotting away.

I'd imagine you consider a Centaur to be the epitome of a cruising boat. Inflatable floors are integral, and very strong, so no more vulnerable than the floor of an ancient Avon dinghy. Also, the integral floor isn't anything which needs stowing separately.

 

[pvb]

What is the range on ye old Torqeedo - and how small does the Zodiac fold?

Where on the East Coast you based btw?

The Torqeedo range is adequate for most needs. I have a Zodiac Cadet Aero 240 which stows as 100x50x22cm. The current Zodiac range has 230 and 270 variants. I'm Orwell-based.

 

[doug748]

I'd imagine you consider a Centaur to be the epitome of a cruising boat. Inflatable floors are integral, and very strong, so no more vulnerable than the floor of an ancient Avon dinghy. Also, the integral floor isn't anything which needs stowing separately.

Rum response.

Are you feeling yourself?

.

 

[Rappey]

I have a loadstar inflatible. Very well made, bit on the pricey side.
They have pressure relief valves and a clever internal bladder system to absorb impact rather than going pop.

 

[johnalison]

It all depends on what you want to use it for. On my HR 34 I also stow a liferaft in the cockpit locker, plus a bike, and this doesn't leave room for a transomed tender, much as I would like one. I have been very happy with our Avon Redstart, of a later vintage with large tubes, and this has served us for places such as Salcombe, with a 15 min trip from the Bag, and the 2.5 hp Suzuki lives on the pushpit.

 

[Tranona]

Seago Hypalon HY240 and a Torqeedo will fit the bill.

 

[djr]

I like the idea of the Torqeedo - and the battery seems to have a decent life on it - I guess one can always have a spare if needed (I drive an EV car so I am used to being sensible with battery)

In regards to getting a 240 - is that big enough? It’s it worth going the next size up? or just not?

 

[KompetentKrew]

In regards to getting a 240 - is that big enough? It’s it worth going the next size up? or just not?

As I wrote in another thread recently, I've used a 2.4m dinghy with 2 other adults a couple of times in and IMO it's been too small - I suspect 2.4's are used often with this loading but we were crowded and I didn't like it. The 3rd person had to step carefully into the dinghy, and then there was no room to move. However if you only expect it to have to carry one or two people, I'd think a 2.4 would be adequate.

The extra foot or so of a 2.7 makes a huge difference, because the extra length is all in the middle, and I love my Honwave 2.7IE airdeck. However it does not pack down that small, and it is bloody heavy. I rarely do pack it down, because I have a 40' boat and davits.

I'd think that if you had a Centaur then you'd definitely want the 2.4m inflatable over the 2.7 to try and save as much space as possible, but I don't know how much room you have on your 34.

I know my mate can plane his 2.4 when using it alone, so I would think that consideration and the size of your outboard would drive the purchase. A 2.4 that planes would be far superior to a 2.7m that does not. If you don't have experience, to try borrow a tender to see what a huge difference planing makes. You don't need it just to get to shore, but you'll be able to explore much further if you can plane. Not sure if a Torqeedo can manage this.

 

[Adios]

Hey folks - golly it’s been a while since I have managed to get down to my HR34.

However, I’ve spent the last 18 months tweaking, upgrading and making things perfect - there is one thing missing.

I want to get a tender/dinghy - with an outboard.

Budget really isn’t a concern - what matters more is quality, low-hassle and being able to make it compact and put it away (either in a locker, or below deck) when I am not around - I don’t get out enough as it is and I don’t want to leave it on the deck.

it will be me and another adult - maybe 2 at the max - what size/brand/etc shall I buy? I really want something which is quality.

Sorry quick thing - it’s not just for when on anchor - would be nice to take it out and use in the Solent - if this changes things not an issue

Cheers folks

"dinghy/tender" is not really the same thing, you'll have to decide which you want. You've not going to get quality and size for taking it out in the solent and compact and being able to easily put it in a locker in the same boat.

If you want a locker tender get as small as you can get away with in a thinner material. There are some with 30cm tubes and thinner material so can find well under 30kg.

If you want higher quality the material makes it heavy and a size to go boating in it you want at least 2.9m then its over 40kg and not easy to put in a locker at all. Unless you're very fit and the locker is very large.

 

[ashtead]

I guess this depends on location for storage when deflated and weight. If stored below then lightness to carry up such as a 2.4 is ideal for2 plus dog/children (small types) but if you want more space then what will fit in locker Or will you keep on deck . Our deflated quicksilver 3.2 will go in locker but we lift out/in on halyard . If I was looking what about a collapsible boat with a large electric if budget not a concern or just buy some davits or a wonderful Swedish lifting davit (see the sailing RAN on utube for him fitting one) and a hard floor high field dinghy . You do need large stern locker to store bigger inflatable but a power winch helps with fitness ??so hauling out not such a chore.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

On a 34' without davits, storage and manhandling the tender (and space to inflate it) will probably be the limiting factor. I'd recommend the OP looks at the 3D Superlight Twinair range. They're very light and can pack up small (ish), easy to haul out of a locker. Half the weight of a Hypalon dinghy but not as durable. Paired with a quality electric O/B they're a good bet (Torqeedo or ePropulsion).

 

[djr]

On a 34' without davits, storage and manhandling the tender (and space to inflate it) will probably be the limiting factor. I'd recommend the OP looks at the 3D range. They're very light and can pack up small (ish), easy to haul out of a locker. Half teh weight of a Hypalon dinghy but not as durable. Paired with a quality electric O/B they're a good bet (Torqeedo or ePropulsion).

Thanks you - I will have a look.

I could get some Davits fitted - I am not anti this - I haven’t seen any on a HR34 so will do some digging

I need to see how large the locker opening is - I’ve got a paddle board in there at the moment but that really needs to be moved.

So should have space easily

 

[Sticky Fingers]

...
I could get some Davits fitted - I am not anti this - I haven’t seen any on a HR34 so will do some digging
...

If davits would work for you it will open up a lot more options. A tender that's a bit bigger, and wider, and with fatter tubes adds massively to the usability for exploring. But davits might be difficult on your boat, is your transom similar to this one:

 

[ashtead]

Personally not a great fan of super light weight dinghies due to stability issues afloat - I guess it depends which model HR 34 but if it’s a new one I’m sure HR will advise or maybe speak to a HR dealer like Transworld re davits. If you find a reliable davit supplier/fitter do let us know .

 

[Tranona]

I have a 3D, but a round tail so not really suitable for use with a motor. I chose it because of its small packed size and light weight so I can handle on my own. However really only suitable for occasional use as small tubes and light weight make it very skittish.

You really can't beat a good hypalon or higher quality PVC with a transom for regular use and long life. My old Redcrest dated from the 1970s and was still fine when I sold it aa couple of years ago. Just one refurb in that time with upgraded valves and a couple of patches.

On size a 2.4 is fine for just 2 people. Typically carrying capacity over 300kgs, enough flor space and motor well as you can get weight distribution right with just one person on board. going up to a 2.7 obviously gives more space and carrying capacity, but typically another 6-8kgs in weight and packed size around 10cm greater all round.

 

[djr]

If davits would work for you it will open up a lot more options. A tender that's a bit bigger, and wider, and with fatter tubes adds massively to the usability for exploring. But davits might be difficult on your boat, is your transom similar to this one:

View attachment 114110

This is the back of it.

Personally not a great fan of super light weight dinghies due to stability issues afloat - I guess it depends which model HR 34 but if it’s a new one I’m sure HR will advise or maybe speak to a HR dealer like Transworld re davits. If you find a reliable davit supplier/fitter do let us know .

It's a 2005 - so sadly not new.

I have a 3D, but a round tail so not really suitable for use with a motor. I chose it because of its small packed size and light weight so I can handle on my own. However really only suitable for occasional use as small tubes and light weight make it very skittish.

You really can't beat a good hypalon or higher quality PVC with a transom for regular use and long life. My old Redcrest dated from the 1970s and was still fine when I sold it aa couple of years ago. Just one refurb in that time with upgraded valves and a couple of patches.

On size a 2.4 is fine for just 2 people. Typically carrying capacity over 300kgs, enough flor space and motor well as you can get weight distribution right with just one person on board. going up to a 2.7 obviously gives more space and carrying capacity, but typically another 6-8kgs in weight and packed size around 10cm greater all round.

I am liking the idea of the Seago Hypalon - I am thinking 2.7m just need to know if it will fit in the locker