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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jul 2007
Posts: 4
Default "tent" type dinghy


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OK, I do not want an inflatable dinghy cuz they row poorly. My
original dinghy was 8' of fiberglass and very heavy and took up too
much space. Portaboats (folding dinghy) is both heavy and makes too
much windage leaning against stanchions, my Two-paw-9 nesting dinghy
is also too heavy and a pain to assemble in spite of my advanced L
bracket and clamp system replacing the original bolts.
SO, what I want is a dinghy that works like a modern backpacking tent,
held "up" by tension of strong but lightweight poles. Two
longitudinal ones at gunwales, one at the keel, one across transom ,
one across center and then all joined at the bow. This should have
light weight fabric over it with reinforcing at stress and wear
points. The center crossbeam should hold a seat for good rowing
efficiency and another at the rear for a passenger. Does such a thing
exist? Is any design available?


I have tried every kind of dingy I can find.
And just like you, they are either too big, tip too easy or just a pain in
the but.
I needed something that would fold easy and sit on the wing nets on my
trimaran.
So here is what I found, even has a sail adaptation if desired.
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/or...dex.htm#Videos
I just started mine, all cut out and just waiting for warmer weather so I
can epoxy coat and paint it.
Have had it dry assembled and it is amazing.
I am using clear fabric, so I can see below.
Has partial wooden floor boards, so you do not sit on the fabric.
Folds up nicely (less than 5 minutes).
Only problem I had was one misprint in the plans and the weight.
Most builders are coming in at 40pds or so.
Mine is 40pds without paint or epoxy.