Windward 260SL tender

[BenMurphy]

Hi guys,

I need a tender for my newly acquired Hunter Horizon 27. Needs to accomodate my wife and I and two young boys for trips to shore.

I've come across this Windward 260SL from Force4 chandlery (who generally seem to be very good in my opinion). This seems like really good value - has anyone had any experience of this boat or this brand at all? It looks identical to a Seago 260 that I've seen elsewhere.

260SL Inflatable Dinghy

Thinking of getting an electric outboard motor and a 12V battery to power it.

 

[Aeolus]

Don't know this brand but a thought - if you ever plan to deflate the dinghy and take it on board, make sure it packs down to a size that you can accommodate.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I have just disposed of my Waveline 2.9m inflatable dinghy which I had since 2008.; heavily used and abused and always kept outside winter and summer, no punctures; just getting old. The Windward is likely to be same Chinese as the Waveline. Marinescene chandlers still sell the Waveline dinghies.

 

[Humblebee]

Welcome to the forum.
Electric motor??? How old are your two boys? They might love the adventure of rowing...
Dinghy looks OK to me, couple of other thoughts re inflatables though. Wheels can make a huge difference to manhandling a dinghy onshore, I see them mentioned under the dinghy advert on Force 4 website. Also, it does not have an inflatable keel which means you can bring her further in to the shore or up a beach. Inflatable keels draw more water which can mean getting wet as you land at a beach.
Let us know how you get on!

 

[BenMurphy]

Welcome to the forum.
Electric motor??? How old are your two boys? They might love the adventure of rowing...
Dinghy looks OK to me, couple of other thoughts re inflatables though. Wheels can make a huge difference to manhandling a dinghy onshore, I see them mentioned under the dinghy advert on Force 4 website. Also, it does not have an inflatable keel which means you can bring her further in to the shore or up a beach. Inflatable keels draw more water which can mean getting wet as you land at a beach.
Let us know how you get on!

Yes I was considering the wheels. I'm happy to row, and I think it's a good idea for the boys to learn to row too! However I was unsure as to whether there would be potential tidal situations when I'd need a bit more ooomph to get from the boat to the shore. Is this likely or would rowing always be good enough from a mooring or anchorage around the BC??

 

[Humblebee]

Well, I haven't any first hand experience with electric outboards but when I have seen others using them they don't seem particularly powerful. Maybe I'm just a Luddite, or a skinflint, but basic ie oars suits me fine, Why not have a go with oars and if you find them inadequate think about an engine then?

 

[peteK]

Agree about the oars in some anchorages I seem to be the only person rowing the 200meters to the shore.

 

[doug748]

Yes I was considering the wheels. I'm happy to row, and I think it's a good idea for the boys to learn to row too! However I was unsure as to whether there would be potential tidal situations when I'd need a bit more ooomph to get from the boat to the shore. Is this likely or would rowing always be good enough from a mooring or anchorage around the BC??

I think you need an outboard of some sort, unless you envisage very short and sheltered trips

There are a few problems in rowing this style of dinghy, first the oars are short and fixed which means you tend to be pecking at the water and not getting power in the stroke - this matters when 4 up. Older Seago inflatables had rubber rowlocks which gave you the chance of using longer oars.
Secondly, when you are rowing there is little space for others, you tend to end up hitting people in the front with your elbows and folk at the back have to avoid your arms and perch with half a cheek on the transom.
Thirdly, what is an easy row one up becomes a real trial with the extra weight, if there is a strong headwind you may even have to give it up as a bad job.

I gave up lugging an outboard years ago but with a family I think it is a different matter. A 2.5 two stroke would be my choice.

 

[doug748]

Did you get your tender? There is one going in the For Sale section.