Rubber Dinghy?

[bmetros]

I have a 23' Cruiser that I will be putting in the Chesapeake this Spring. My question is how do I get to shore if there is not a "water taxi"? My boat is too small to tender/tether anything! I was thinking of getting an inflatable (walmart) raft for 6 persons and inflating it as needed. How do you handle this situation?

 

[Msibley]

I generally walk on the water, or in, depending what drink I have in my hand.

A 23'? Beach it bow on if you don't want to, or can't get wet. They make folding steps you can mount on the bow area.

 

[inkblue]

Here's an option: http://www.seaeagle.com/MotormountBoats.aspx

 

[Zysyx]

Whatever you do, don't buy such an important purchase from Walmart.

 

[PascalG]

that's really your only option but dont' get a toy from Wallmart... get a real dinghy along with a small 12v pump to make it easier to inflate. storage is an issue on a small boat.. and dont' count on a small inflatable to carry 6 persons... more like 3 adults.

 

[inkblue]

Darn. I just got my Walker Bay inflatable from Defender and it's heavier than I thought.

Now, if only I can inflate this thing in my living room...

 

[BaltoBoater]

bmetros, I was in a similar situation when we acquired our 26ft boat. I opted for a small Mercury inflatable, Airdeck 240 with a Mercury 3.3hp outboard. The dinghy is relatively small when stored on the swim platform. The engine, weighing under 25lbs is stored in a seat locker.

I've managed to use this set-up fequently with great success. I purchased both the dinghy and engine used for less than $1k. It was suggested to me, when I was shopping, buy quality - that way its easier to upgrade!

Buy the largest dinghy your boat can carry. Don't be fooled by the people carrying capacity - its all relative. Our dinghy is rated for 3 persons, we've carried 4 adults, and cruised comfortably with two for a few miles of gunkholing.

If you plan on rowing your dinghy, be sure to look at the inflatable keel models, they track better than flatbottom boats. Worse case, consider a 2 -4 hp engine - you'll never row again!

 

[Thudpucker]

Balto said it! Big, good quality, and the inflatable keel. That inflatable Keel (the whole bottom should inflate) will help a lot to keep the chill from the water prevading your already uncomfortable body.