Optimist as tender

[corkonian1]

Anyone have experience of using an Optimist sailing dinghy
as a tender.

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[chippie]

I tried once or twice, the rowing seat that fits over the centreboard isnt ideal, and one adult is about its capacity.

In my opinion there are better options.

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[danera]

I sailed round the world as a kid, partly in the company of a french yacht that used an optimist as a tender. They managed to fit 2 adults & 2 kids in fine, the trick was to scull not row, leaving a hand free for the glass of wine as Erick used to say!

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[VicS]

I'm assuming the oppie has a daggerboard, in which case you'll ned to make a blanking piece to stop water coming up the slot esp. if you are going to tow it. I have a Puffin (the one with the collapsible sides) which I occassionally use as a tender and in addition to the above I found it needed a small skeg in order to tow in a straight line.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[wiggy]

I have thought of doing the same to allow my girls to learn to sail in the best possible way. They are expensive to but but will hold value well and are fantistic to sail even for an adult.

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[sjohn_gibson]

I built a PBO Pup (slightly bigger than the Optimist) for the grand kids. It soon became the tender because it was much lighter and easier to manage than similar size GRP tender. Furthermore, the Pup dagger board is off-set to one side which gives a clear area down the centre - very useful. It is an ideal tender because it can be rowed, sailed or motored. Kids are occasionaly allowed to play with it - taking me ashore or at anchor when I want peace and quiet.



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[sjohn_gibson]

I built a PBO Pup (slightly bigger than the Optimist) for the grand kids. It soon became the tender because it was much lighter and easier to manage than similar size GRP tender. Furthermore, the Pup dagger board is off-set to one side which gives a clear area down the centre - very useful. It is an ideal tender because it can be rowed, sailed or motored. Kids are occasionaly allowed to play with it - taking me ashore or at anchor when I want peace and quiet.



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[sjohn_gibson]

I built a PBO Pup (slightly bigger than the Optimist) for the grand kids. It soon became the tender because it was much lighter and easier to manage than similar size GRP tender. Furthermore, the Pup dagger board is off-set to one side which gives a clear area down the centre - very useful. It is an ideal tender because it can be rowed, sailed or motored. Kids are occasionaly allowed to play with it - taking me ashore or at anchor when I want peace and quiet.



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[sjohn_gibson]

I built a PBO Pup (slightly bigger than the Optimist) for the grand kids. It soon became the tender because it was much lighter and easier to manage than similar size GRP tender. Furthermore, the Pup dagger board is off-set to one side which gives a clear area down the centre - very useful. It is an ideal tender because it can be rowed, sailed or motored. Kids are occasionaly allowed to play with it - taking me ashore or at anchor when I want peace and quiet.



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[sjohn_gibson]

Sorry about that - lost internet connection. How I got 3 copies is beyond me

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[alahol2]

We now use a Bobbin as a tender, it sails, rows, motors and tows well. Got tired of inflating/deflating rubber ducks all the time. Now we quite happpily tow the Bobbin everywhere without problem and it's immediately available when we arrive.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.troppo.co.uk> Follow the Tightwad Sailor</A>

 

[Abigail]

We use our swifgig which also rows, sails and motors and it does the job very well.

<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah&Pip

 

[chippie]

Danera, I'm amazed, I'm a fairly big bloke and that made the balance critical if I had a child on board. Two adults and two kids , wow.

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[branko]

My first boat has Optimist as tender. Once , during storm, waves fill it with water and it stopped the boat. I have to cut rope.My Optimist is now ex Optimist.

<hr width=100% size=1>skipp