Tinker Traveller

[zvidoron]

Has anybody any experience of using the Tinker Traveller dinghy (a larger version of the Trump) as a sailing tender? Opinions on ease of setting up and folding, quality of build etc.?

Thanks

 

[Robin]

We carry a Traveller with full sailing gear on holidays as well as the usual Avon that is always on board. We had a Westerly 33 and carried it on deck ahead of the mast in a bag provided as an extra by Tinker, the rig, centreboard, rudder, oars etc were in another zip up bag tied down on the coachroof. We have changed to a 41' Sun Legende this year and it will be still carried on deck folded although we may be able to carry it inflated on the foredeck for short trips. Inflating on deck is easy enough as is deflating and packing. The mast is put together on deck and fitted to the dinghy alongside, easy enough with 2 people. Sailing performance is surprisingly good even in very light winds and it planes with 2 adults with our 2hp Honda! We find we use the engine very little and often sail ashore for shopping, even a restaurant and the Avon wasn't used at all on our 5wk summer cruise last year to South Brittany. Ours replaced a sailboard on board when I finally admitted I wasn't that good at it and it has had much more use and provided a lot of fun. There is not a lot of difference in size packed or weight between the Tramp and the Traveller, but quite a lot in terms of extra space and performance. Quality seems good, ours was bought secondhand though lightly used and is about 6 years old, still looks like new. Go for it, you will enjoy it!

 

[zvidoron]

Thanks Robin

Thank you so much Robin just the response I was hoping for !

 

[hillyarder]

Agree
we have quite an early star traveller and its a fine dinghy. ours had a wooden bulkhead which was a bit of a nuisance to fit but we took it back to the factory who updated it (fitted an alloy strengthening bar) and now is as good as new. its the only dinghy my wife feels safe in.

 

[bedouin]

We too have a tinker traveller - great dinghy but a bit too large for our boat (a rather small 32'). It is very difficult inflating and packing it on the boat.

Ours isn't getting much use at present - so I might consider getting rid of it if you're looking for one.

 

[zvidoron]

Possibly - has it got the sailing kit? How old is it?