Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

[RayArdia]

Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

I have a Humber 8ft inflatable well used in UK as a tender. now living very close to sea in NW Spain and would like to try sailing it in sheltered waters, (Ria de Arosa).
Has anyone any experience of converting such a small inflatable for occasional sailing use?
Grateful for any comments, links to articles etc.

 

[paulburton44]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

you would need a centreboard/dagger board .........

 

[26ft_bathtub]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

Might want to go with leeboards so as not to pierce the bottom.

 

[luddites]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

Hi, I made arig for a simialr sized inflatable a few years ago. I used a wooden broom handle right across the dinghy engaging in the oarlocks with a leeboard on each end and it worked quite well. The mast had stays set up to the carrying handles and a mirror dinghy mast and mainsail. the rudder fitted on the outboard bracket. Obviously it's a diabolical shape to sail so give it plenty of sail area.
cheers Paul

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

Have a look at This Page

Hope your's looks better

 

[Kilter]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

That's a lovely area you've chosen!

 

[RayArdia]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

Many thanks! Your reply has given me some ideas, though I certainly wouldn't want to cover the whole dinghy with a sheet of ply and then sit on top!
A rig like Optimist might well be fine though, leeboards are of course essential, rudder no problem as the Humber has a transom of heavy plywood.
Will have a look at your CAD dwgs.
Ray

 

[RayArdia]

Re: Sailing a small (Humber) Inflatable

Hi Paul, thanks for reply, very enccouraging - at least a couple of people have made it work!
In your recollections, how, and on what, did you step the mast? Ray