Tinker Foldaway RIB

[NJMcK]

May I ask if anyone has experience of the foldaway Tinker RIB?

Does the folding mechanism seem durable? Is inflation/deflation and folding easy?

 

[Seakindly]

Useful post...I didn't realise Henshaws did an RIB as well. Can't say I've seen one of the new GRP foldaways but the standard Tinker with full plywood folding floor has proved bullet-proof - very robust indeed with huge valves for rapid inflation and deflation. Only downside is all that strength comes with weight - a friend had to get rid of the larger version as it was unwieldy. I see the RIB comes with wheels that will suit marinas and hards but I need to get my Tinker along a footpath to the mud-berth so have ordered a folding wheelbarrow from Tchibo online -it claims to hold 120kg which is plenty and 10 times the spec of simlar versions from other retailers. Good luck with the RIB. Be interested to know how you get on with it if you go ahead.

 

[baggypipes]

have you tried asking on the owners web page? may offer you good advise & assistance

 

[NJMcK]

Thank you both.

Seakindly, I note your comments about durability and valve size, very helpful.

Baggypipes, I've looked at the owners association (Tinker Class Owners Association, www.tinkerowners.co.uk) but their discussion group is only open to members. To join they require either £20 and a Standing Order or a cheque for £40, which seems a bit steep when I only want to ask one or two questions.

 

[barnaclephill]

I made the Wooden Widget, a very similar folding dinghy. For its hinges I used 'Ripstop 650(gsm)' which is PVC on nylon mesh, used on truck side curtains. I built it in May last year, and row out to my boat each fortnight. There has been no wear nor tears in the material, especially as the hinge is protected by a 6mm overlap of ply from the side panels. The bottom of the dinghy is the fabric also, protected by a skeg. No wear and tear their either. I don't think over more years that the fabric will wear appreciably.

If the Tinker is a bit pricey, then look at http://flapdoodle.250free.com/ and http://www.woodenwidget.com/ .
They'll be much cheaper.

 

[NJMcK]

Thank you Barnaclephill. I have looked at folding dinghies but eventually discounted them. For safety, when used by a novice, I considered buoyancy bags or a collar or similar, either internal or external, to be essential.

Inflating and fitting the buoyancy requirement to a folding dinghy would be time consuming and perhaps rather fiddly. We also need the dinghy to pack down reasonably small. Hence the conclusion that an inflatable of some sort would be best.

 

[pessimist]

I have had one for a couple of years now. No problems at all. Rows well, motors well, sails..... I think the problem may be that I used the rig from an old tramp and I think the rib would really benefit from a jib.

It seems very durable and is dead easy to fold.

Highly recommended.

Cheers,

Colin

 

[NJMcK]

Many thanks Colin.