More Tender Ideas - In Theory

[Kristal]

Seeing as there is a lot of interest in the building of tenders at the moment, I thought I'd introduce a theoretical thread - theoretical because it is one of the many things I've whimsically considered, but am in no position to do for the forseeable future, if it is indeed even doable.

Crystal's coachroof narrows slightly as it goes forwards, and the actual roof itself slopes down to give enough headroom for my 6'2 frame at the galley/chart-table end of the saloon but be level with the cabin sides at its most forward point. This shape is approximately similar to the shape of many tenders I have seen.

I wondered, therefore, if it would be possible to overcome my dislike of trailing tenders by designing and building a tender which, with a removable transom, could fit snugly over the coachroof.

The obvious difficulty is, of course, the removable transom. The tender would also need to be well clear of the boom when fitted over the coachroof.

This is just a "blue-sky" idea I had once. Is it, in theory, workable? Or has anybody already done it?

/<

 

[Bajansailor]

If the tender was a two part version, with a pair of ring frames to join the two halves together, instead of a transom, it might still work in the manner you suggest?

I have designed a tender like this for a friend who has a Sarum 28 - the intention here is that the two halves of the dinghy will nest happily, and then stow 'wrapped around' the forward end of the coachroof.

He just has to build it now, to see if it works in practice.....

 

[SwedishLass]

Noticing your post number this is obviously the divil's work /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Trying to find works for idle hands.
The Atalanta's used the dinghy (purpose designed) as the coach roof for the after cabin. Part of the transom folded to fit the hatch. Alternatively what about a folding dinghy such as the portabote?
Grahame

 

[cliffordpope]

Having just built a simple plywood dinghy to my own design, I would observe that the main problem is transverse bracing to keep its strength. If the thwarts were removeable too, then you would have nothing to hold the two sides together.
You might well need to compromise on the available free depth inside the shell in order to retain strength.
That said, the transom could simply hinge at the bottom, and have rubber or canvas side pieces that folded inside when in use.

 

[Roach1948]

I seem to remember that there was an article in CB sometime back written by Nikki Perryman. I believe they adapted a clinker Oughtred design and to have a removable transom so that they could stowe it on the coachroof of their Robb Lion Class sloop - they had so much faith in that they got rid of their liferaft.

 

[Mirelle]

I think the Avon Rubber Company solved this one quite a few years ago!

Ingenious rigid dinghies are far more trouble than they are worth, imho.

 

[Bajansailor]

I see your point Mirelle, but I must beg to disagree slightly - we have an Avon Redcrest - best inflatable ever I reckon - but we also have a 7'6" 2 part nesting pram dink in GRP which stows in only 4' of length on the cabin top, can take 2 people happily, and rows beautifully.
If just me in the dink, under oar power I can overtake little inflatables going upwind with 2 hp outboards, and that is without a lot of grunt on the oars.
Rowing is a pleasure, not a chore, in a good pulling dinghy.