Dingy length vs. boat width?

[Granthsmith]

I have a sports cruiser that is 2.6m wide and want to get a dingy to use as a tender but am not sure what size to get.

I need to be able to transport 2 adults and a child and am not sure between a 2.4m dingy or a 2.7m dingy? 2.4m sounds good (Seago TSR240 maybe?) as it will be smaller, lighter and cheaper and go across the stern fine but is that big enough for my 2+1? A 2.7m such as a Seago TSR270 should be plenty big enough but would actually be longer than my boat is wide, would this be a problem?

Any advice or comments appreciated, within reason

 

[sarabande]

there may be times when it's not just 2+1, but also loads of kit and the family parrot.

Go large, man, go large. (They also have more stability, laterally speaking.)

Downside is the weight if you have to put in in the car roof at the end of the sail.

 

[Ianj68]

If you're going to mount it on the swim platform then I think the 2.7m may be a little wide. I would expect the drag to slow you down quite a bit.

 

[nickd]

look at the XL2.6
http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/boats/inflatables/pg_inflatable-sd230-plus.htm

no connection just a happy customer

 

[Firefly625]

I have had both, Seago 240 and now the Seago 270. Remember the 270 isn't just longer, but tubes are greater diameter and the entire dingy is wider making it far more stable and dryer..plus the 270 has a keel. I would recommend the 270. If your beam is 2.6 and the dingy is 2.7m that would be fine...

As far as Seago is concerned I am still impressed at the quality for the money. My 270 I bought in January from Marinescene for £395 (including inflatable floor & keel)... good value IMO.

Just looked, see below they are still doing the same deal...

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/3843/seago-2.7-metre-airdeck-inflatable-dinghy

.FYI.....I have nothing to do with Marinescene, but have bought quite a bit from them and they have always been OK.

 

[SpottyDog5]

This one is 3.1mtrs on my old p32, didn't effect performance, was a big lump to get aboard, took all my swim platform, but was more fun than the "mother ship"

 

[aquapower]

look at the XL2.6
http://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/boats/inflatables/pg_inflatable-sd230-plus.htm

no connection just a happy customer

Have a brand new one of these for sale, has just been pumped up and put in the water to try and then deflated and packed away, if anyone interested then pm me for more details

 

[[2068]]

My S28 is about 3m wide, and the Quicksilver 240 looks about right the right size on Weaver Davits at the stern.

I think a 270 on a boat with a 2.6m beam is going to look too big, and be too unwieldy.

Our 240 is fine for one FB (me, 17st), swmbo (divide previous figure by two and a bit) and a 6 yr old, plus barbecue, fuel tank, bags of stuff etc. so long as it's not choppy. Else you get wet.

 

[Granthsmith]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, in the end I decided to go for the smaller 2.4m Seago option to save a bit of cash and to ensure I don't have anything too bulky hanging off the back. If I need to carry more stuff now and again then it's a good excuse for an extra trip in the dingy on my own . Thanks for the Marine Scene tip, I've ordered it from them for the grand sum of £349.99 inc p&p, just hoping it's here for the weekend now!

 

[Dave_Seager]

It is a little late if you have already decided on the smaller dinghy but I think that you have made the right choice.

You do not say where you use your boat but if it is inland then you definitely not not want the dinghy overlapping your transom as it will scrape on lock walls and soon become worn.