David wrote:
My day is ruined now.

I know the feeling!

I think the market for this might be NOT as a primary dinghy for cruisers,
but for day-sailing. Who wants to drag a dinghy around
"just-in-case-we-want-to-stop-at-that-nice-beach" or
"because-the-YC-launch-stops-at-7" ? How about power-boaters?


The ideal dinghy would be:
Lightweight for hoisting out of the water.
OK, fabric and lightweight poles. As soon as you go to Hypalon or whatever,
weight and bulk go way up.

Would carry 3 people
How about 2? Not ideal, but useful

would have floatation
Air tubes/sponsons - no bulk or weight, double as fenders, design in so as
to add stability. Klepper sponsons are used to "firm up" the hull, after
the frame is inserted loosely

would row well ( I mean for at least 1 Km)
Yup - if it could row REALLY well, this whole concept would be a winner,
regardless of other vices. I think if you discard the motor mount, you can
create something nice.

Easy to assemble
Yup

would store in a small volume (1m X 1m X .33 m)
Or 72" x 18" x 4" (berth sized) - with a bottom panel this big, could have
a light 10' x4' double-chined hull

To these requirements, I'll add - beachable, and easy to patch!

Hmmm - next step is research, to find all the similar offerings over the
years - identify technical and marketing issues with each... then
prototypes with cheap fabric (blue tarp, anyone?) and tent poles...

Could be a fun project!

Sal's Dad