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(Rolf) wrote in news:a6137ff7.0408172250.7fe41a1
@posting.google.com:

I am in the planning/dereaming stage for a multiyear cruise nest year
when I will retire. This will start in the Carribean and then go to
the South Pacific.
I am planning to get a recent model 45 to 50 ft sloop for that.
I am thinking about the dinghy/ tender. I am considering an 10-12 ft
inflatable with a fiberglass bottom.
I am thinking about needing 2 out boards, one a 3-4 HP 2 cycle for
easy lifting and short distances. The I think I need a 15 to 20 HP
maybe 4 stroke for serious work either carrying serious loads (
diesel) or serious distances.
Yamaha seems to be the recommended brand.

Any suggestions for the tender or comments?
Rolf

Your configuration matches just about everyone cruising in the Caribbean.
I'd look for a used inflatable as you can probably find one in very good
condition for much less than new. It's going to get beat up anyway. 12'
is getting pretty large and heavy. I assume that you'll keep it on davits.
A key thing to look out for is to make sure that the davits are high enough
(or the dinghy short enough) so that the ends of the dinghy don't hit the
water when heeled way over. Sounds obvious, but I've seen dinghies that
have been ripped off becuase they didn't consider that.

As far as brands go, Yamaha has the clear lead in the Caribbean. Can't
tell you about the South Pacific yet. You can get Yamaha parts anywhere,
but not other brands. I had a Nissas that it was impossible to get parts
for. The down side of this is that it makes your motor more of a theft
target. I know...:-(

-- Geoff