Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
We are beginning to think about buying a dinghy for our E30+, partly as a safety back-up in the event of major boat problem, but mainly for my wife and I to explore the little bays and shoreline when we anchor out in the Gulf Islands, BC.
With the limited storage on the E30+, I don't think we can store a fold-up of any kind in lockers, nor is the boat large enough to store it on the bow/cabin. So I am thinking we will tow it behind the boat, so it needs to be easy to tow without too much negative impact on boat speed under sail.
My wife and I have a combined weight of under 300 lbs. and wouldn't be taking any significant loads with us (maybe a cooler/picnic basket, or groceries). We are both in our 50's, and a bit limited in our ability to hoist weight over the lifelines.
I also don't want something that takes alot of time to set up or inflate (5 - 10 min. would be ok, but not a half hour).
So far, we are both thinking an 8' Walker Bay fibreglass dinghy might be best--sturdy, not too heavy, good reputation. I'm thinking oars, to avoid the need for engine/gas; my wife is wanting a small engine to make it easier to get around.
Any advice on what would be best for exploring the bays during those quiet evenings before sunset?
Thanks,
Frank.
With the limited storage on the E30+, I don't think we can store a fold-up of any kind in lockers, nor is the boat large enough to store it on the bow/cabin. So I am thinking we will tow it behind the boat, so it needs to be easy to tow without too much negative impact on boat speed under sail.
My wife and I have a combined weight of under 300 lbs. and wouldn't be taking any significant loads with us (maybe a cooler/picnic basket, or groceries). We are both in our 50's, and a bit limited in our ability to hoist weight over the lifelines.
I also don't want something that takes alot of time to set up or inflate (5 - 10 min. would be ok, but not a half hour).
So far, we are both thinking an 8' Walker Bay fibreglass dinghy might be best--sturdy, not too heavy, good reputation. I'm thinking oars, to avoid the need for engine/gas; my wife is wanting a small engine to make it easier to get around.
Any advice on what would be best for exploring the bays during those quiet evenings before sunset?
Thanks,
Frank.