On Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:41:51 -0500, "Wilbur Hubbard"
wrote:


"cavalamb himself" wrote in message
...

What qualities make for a good crusing dink?


1) it should be easy to row.

Why not use an engine? Even the lifeboats carried on ships no longer
have oars. A properly maintained engine fails about as frequently as
an oar breaks.

2) you should be able to row out the bower, kedge and a shot of chain even
in rough seas.

Anyone that has to set a second anchor in rough seas is not paying
attention. Given the availability of radio weather reports in this day
and age anyone who doesn't know what the weather is doing isn't
listening.
The time to set a second anchor is before the wind gets up.

3) you should be able to get it aboard and stowed lashed amidships under the
boom.

Bad! Behind the mast interferes with the vang and main sheet. Forward
of the mast!

4) it should be made out of GRP and have positive flotation.

Wooden boats are no longer usable I guess. Or perhaps Willie doesn't
know about wood boats.

5) inflatables are a joke if only because you can't row them and sooner or
later that reliable motor will die.

Just flat wrong! Perhaps you can't row a rubber duck into the wind but
I can. It is just a matter of technique. As for a motor "dying", just
maintain it and it won't.

6) if you have to ask here then you aren't doing enough reading of good
cruising books.

Right! Don't bother to go sailing; just read a book about it!

Wilbur Hubbard


Willie-boy, I really feel sorry for you - a guy that spends all his
time reading sailing magazines and books rather then going sailing -
and thinks it makes him a sailor. Pitiful!


Bruce-in-Bangkok
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from address for reply)