Small aluminum dingy

[amirm]

Hello everyone.<br /><br />I need a small aluminum boat to go to and from our buoy where our main boat will be tied up. Need something stable but of course, not too fancy/expensive as we will have to store it on the shore. We have a small outboard but would be great if this thing was easy to row. The buoy is on Puget Sound so need something with decent freeboard.<br /><br />What size would people recommend? And any sources in the pacific nortwest?<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Amir

 

[JackB]

Re: Small aluminum dingy

Have done this same moorage system for years at the beach off Marysville. After several brands settled on the Livingston/Sorenson twin hulls. Very stable for moving people and stuff, nearly indestructable with kids running them. Yes, a little heavy but not nearly as tippy as a metal boat when transfering gear and bodies between boats. Find a used on so it's less likely to be stolen.

 

[amirm]

Re: Small aluminum dingy

Thanks for the reply Wilson. Thought everyone had ignored my post . My last boat was actually a 32' cat so I have a soft spot for such designs. But I do worry about the weight. I will give them a serious look though.<br /><br />Amir

 

[stevens]

Re: Small aluminum dingy

There's also this little boat called Walker Bay, that does triple duty (row/motor/sail) and, due to its 'RIB-like' design, must be the most stable dinghy ever. Here's an article about it, in Norwegian I am afraid, but with pictures. The journalists were simply unable to capsize it.<br /><br /> Walker Bay article<br /><br />Also, here is their homepage:<br /><br /> Walker Bay homepage

 

[amirm]

Re: Small aluminum dingy

Thanks Stevens. We actually have a walkerbay but without the tubes (the previous owner of the house left it for us). It is very heavy to lug around and super tipsy. The tubes will help I am sure but they cost a fortune to add ($1700?). For a boat that we will be leaving on the beach, tubes don't make much sense as it is liable to get stolen or wear out.<br /><br />Amir

 

[stevens]

Re: Small aluminum dingy

OK, I see your challenge; to find something nice & stable enough to be useful, but inconspicuous & cheap enough so it won't be stolen. Tough one.<br /><br />Too bad the Walker Bay tubes are so expensive, that might have solved the problem. Not available for less on ebay or somewhere?