Simon Langford wrote:

I want to acquire a lightweight dinghy and outboard for use on the UK
south coast (in Dorset). We have a cottage up a small cliff from the
beach, so I'd like to be able to carry the stuff up and down the cliff
path. It's not steep, but it a little uneven, rocky and brambley!

I'm thinking of something about 3m in length, as we have two children
(small at the moment, but they'll grow!), so big enough for four is
the requirement.

We've owned a mirror dinghy in the past, but it's a little heavy for
lugging back up the path. I'm thinking either plastic, aluminium, or
inflatable would be easier. Being able to row, sail and motor it
would be an advantage too.

I've looked at:
- Walker Bay boats (a bit small & unstable without the tube?)
- QuickSilver inflatables (downside is you can't sail them)
- Wetline inflatables (are these any good?)
- Tinker inflatables (they seem a bit heavy).
Are there any others I should consider?

It's basically a tradeoff between rowability and stability. The Walker Bay has
a rounder bottom, with less wetted area. It's deeper and more directionally
stable. Inflatables are flat bottomed and draggy. They'll plane with enough
power, but don't steer well at low speeds or row well. Very stable, though.

Regarding outboards, we've had a Mariner 2HP in the past but I found
it a little weedy. I was looking at a Mercury 6HP 4-stroke. But...
- are 4-strokes a bit of a liability regarding oil leaks?

I suppose they can spill if you tip them upside down. But small 4-stroke
outboards are designed to be laid on their sides, etc., because this is how they
are normally treated. In general, they're *a lot* less messy than 2-strokes.
More reliable too.

- what is the effect of using a more powerful engine than the boat is
rated for? I think Walker Bays are rated up to 4HP - what would a 6HP
do to it?

Probably not much -- I can't imagine it being able to plane with 6HP. A small
hardbottom inflatable might, with 1-1.5 persons aboard.

I'd like to be able to trawl at mackerel-fishing-pace as well as go at
higher speeds to visit neigbouring bays ets.

You'll probably need more power for higher speeds.

I can definately vouch for the basic, 2HP, 4-stroke, newer Honda. I use one a
lot and I love it -- simple, reliable, and lightweight -- only 28 LB. I can't
imagine lugging a 60-80 LB outboard up and down a trail all the time, which is
what a larger one would weigh.

Matt O.