tinker tramp / traveller

[guydea]

I am considering replacing our zodiac 2.6 tender with a tinker tramp or traveller -
can anyone advise on suitabilty as a yacht tender -

we pull the zodiac onto the yacht and fold it while under way - see the tinker weighs in at 26 kg / traveller 32 kg
but wonder if tramp is big enough
should i be looking for a traveller or is this too heavy
anyone with experience of using a tinker as main tender ?
thanks

 

[MJT]

Welcome!
Had a Tinker Traveller as a tender and liferaft for many years, many of which were in blistering heat which didn't trouble the dinghy. Only problem over 10 years was faulty gas bottle valves which leaked and emptied the bottles. The Traveller taught my kids to sail, rowed like a dream - but was very, very heavy as a tender. Getting it up on the back of the boat was nothing like as easy as a Zodiac. Now the children have flown the nest, I would think seriously about getting a Tramp when our current Zodiac calls it quits... Expensive but worth it if you treat it as a liferaft, too.

Martin T.

 

[npf1]

If you do decide to go down the Traveller route and are looking for a used one, give me a shout as a I can put you in touch with someone who was thinking of selling theirs (I think it was the Traveller version - I'll check!). Seem to recall that it had all the toys including liferaft and sailing kit. Thx.

 

[guydea]

thanks for info... would seem a traveller is too heavy -

would a tramp be ok ? anyone have experience of using a tramp and storing on deck.

 

[billmacfarlane]

I'm on my second Tramp. I use it as a tender and the occasional sail. My first was also used as a liferaft but I found it too much of a faff to set up each time and I eventually bought a separate liferaft. It rows well enough and I use a 2.5 hp outboard on it. Drawbacks ? The only one I can think of is its weight and bulk. But I learned to live with them over the years. The plusses by far outweigh the negatives.

 

[kengill]

Traveller is OK - we used one for years. I've had an MI and so am limited on upper body strength but a simple four point bridle and some loops of 6mm braid enabled the wife to lift her easily out of the water using the main halyard and the coachroof winches - and she's only got one hand - I used to do the difficult bit of guiding it back onto the foredeck.

Just remember to pump them up as hard as possible and always sail them a bit free and you'll have years of pleasure from one.

The owners association is very good as well and is very cheap to join with a miniscule annual fee.

Have fun

 

[NealB]

I've had my Tinker Tramp for over twenty years (and I bought it 2nd hand). It's a bit UV faded, but is very, very usable - I envisage many more years together.

I've used it as my main tender on a wide variety of boats. Smallest was a Manta 16, then a 21 foot Corribee.

It's been round much of the coasts of England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man and Scotland, and has been to the Mediterranean three times.

During 'liveaboard' periods, its served as car, van and taxi.

It's stood up unbelievably well to some serious abuse.

It rows really well, better than any other inflatable I've tried, and, with just me on board, my gps gave over thirteen knots with a 3hp 2 stroke doing the work (negligible tide).

She's reasonably comfortable with 4 adults aboard (years ago, four of us explored all the creeks from Helford up to Gweek).

The rig provides a bit of fun, although it is not that quick to set up.

She's a confidence inspiring tender when it gets lumpy.

Glad to say I've never used the liferaft kit.

Henshaw Marine have always been a pleasure to deal with, and have given excellent service.

As you see, I'm a devout fan. The only downside is the weight, but two of us can lift it aboard without difficulty (I'm no weightlifter, and swmbo is definitely petite).

 

[damo]

I had a Traveller with the sailing rig. Very good rowing tender, not great under sail, but waaay too heavy for me to easily get on and off my boat. I had to deflate and roll it up on board, which caused a few problems with the fixings on the transom trying to gouge surfaces.

I sold it last year and have a very lightweight inflatable, which is pretty cr*p as a tender, but is very easily managed. I would recommend the Tinker for longevity and durability, as long as you can launch and recover OK.

 

[davies]

It takes a bit of technique (rather than strength) to get it back on board single-handed, but in all other respects it is excellent. The sailing performance isn't competitive but who cares. I have sailed mine for hours when Amoret or her predecessor Dipper was at anchor in rivers all over the West Country and Britanny. Apart from the pleasure and lack of outboard noise, it adds great style to one's arrival at a remote waterside bar.

 

[chalstead]

Hi
I'm looking for a Tinker Traveller... perhaps you could check with your friend ...

Thanks