clareb 1 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 We’re looking for a sailing dinghy to take offshore cruising - hoping to combine our needs for a tender (to fit 2 adults and a child) with something our 10 yr old daughter can use to sail. She currently sails an optimist dinghy but I don't like our chances of using that as a tender. We can put it on davits so towing drag isn't an issue. We’re thinking of a seabird or townson. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin McCready 83 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Don't get a Walker Bay. They sail like dogs. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Myjane 40 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Hi there was plenty years ago but they seam to have stoped making them I have a 2.7 dingy that sails and motors and row I can't remember the make but is was an Auckland company that manufactured them Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dagwood 57 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 We had a 2.6 Seabird. Sailing was probably it's weakest mode but it was a pretty good all rounder. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest 000 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 What you need is an Eastport nesting pram. Stable, rows and tows well and sails. Check it out on the internet site Chesapeake Light Craft. And guess what, I just happen to have one for sale. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin McCready 83 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 it's not real without pics and specs KM-M Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marinheiro 352 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 How fast do you want to motor? If just slowly a Jim Young 2.8 stitch & tape would be a good option. If you don't mind spending rather more and want to go faster Russell at OC tenders could build you a sailing version, as he did for Hamish Wilcox Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,227 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I looked at Hamish's one. Pretty cool, and he seems pleased with it. But cheap they are not.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
idlerboat 116 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 ...most of the pram type nesters. Mine is 10 foot 6 when assembled. Kept on the aft cabin coach house roof. I run a 2.5 mercury and it will actually plane with one person . They row beautifully having a bit of a V in the hull and most have a simple un-stayed gunter rig for sailing . The mast dropping into a support tube in the forwards buoyancy chamber. Mostly are ply built but my next one will probably be glass, honeycomb panel. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clareb 1 Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 What you need is an Eastport nesting pram. Stable, rows and tows well and sails. Check it out on the internet site Chesapeake Light Craft. And guess what, I just happen to have one for sale. They look stunning - and I can see yours in the photos, what a great boat, PM me what you're after for it, . We're still in Wellington so hoping to buy further south but we could always hire a skipper to bring it down for us Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clareb 1 Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 How fast do you want to motor? If just slowly a Jim Young 2.8 stitch & tape would be a good option. If you don't mind spending rather more and want to go faster Russell at OC tenders could build you a sailing version, as he did for Hamish Wilcox Love the sound of them but last week we got the new shaft and prop put in (ie. the budget is now pretty small). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clareb 1 Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 We had a 2.6 Seabird. Sailing was probably it's weakest mode but it was a pretty good all rounder. Good to know, thanks. Easy enough for a capable 10 yr old? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clareb 1 Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 My little light 7fter (there abouts, 6ft 10 maybe) can motor at 5knts with a 2hp Yammy one up. Sails well and as yet undefeated. Rows like a dream. Have had Mum, Dad and 2 kids (of the 6 & 9yo size) in it and motored long distances, up rivers perfectly fine. It has been towed in excess of 12kts and did fine. I believe it was the plug for a a fleet destined for Pine Harbour. Once I get the big boat wet again I'm going to make a carbon one. I reckon the pair of oars will weigh more then the dingy. Sounds ideal. Let me know if you want to part with it before April/May. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
muzled 140 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 What you need is an Eastport nesting pram. Stable, rows and tows well and sails. Check it out on the internet site Chesapeake Light Craft. And guess what, I just happen to have one for sale. If Claire doesn't take it I might be interested Chris. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dagwood 57 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 Good to know, thanks. Easy enough for a capable 10 yr old? Was a long time ago but yes I can't imagine any issues - just choose the weather if they're a bit on the light side! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chippie 6 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 Ron Given's Delta. Could be too big at 3m. Fibreglass, but no heavier than our old 2.4m ply dinghy. Honks under sail, easy to row, and virtually planes with a 3.3hp outboard. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Elenya 33 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 Hi We have used a Seabird 2.8 (or whatever the small on is in length) for about 12 years. We have two adults up in it for rowing and with 2.5HP outboard. Sailing is fine but you get a wet bum from the bilge. Works for us in conjunction with a 3m RIB and 15HP. I would suggest a 3.2 and perhaps a removable inflatable or foam ring for a fender and buoyancy. We keep ours on deck and it's fine to handle on a halyard and winch. Great to have a sail and explore in quiet with no engine. enjoy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clareb 1 Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 Hi We have used a Seabird 2.8 (or whatever the small on is in length) for about 12 years. We have two adults up in it for rowing and with 2.5HP outboard. Sailing is fine but you get a wet bum from the bilge. Works for us in conjunction with a 3m RIB and 15HP. I would suggest a 3.2 and perhaps a removable inflatable or foam ring for a fender and buoyancy. We keep ours on deck and it's fine to handle on a halyard and winch. Great to have a sail and explore in quiet with no engine. enjoy. Thanks Elenya, great to hear and thanks for the suggestions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wild violet 38 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 I had a seabird 2.6 35 years ago spent every afternoon sailing her great dinks she was in the water so much she got osmosis finally got stolen up a river in oz great safe dinks just very heavy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne-o 12 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 the Deltas are good - move well, big payload and not too heavy (although as a result not as sturdy as seabirds). hard to fit on a lot of decks. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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