The dinghy sale is back, $479

[Bepi]

I haven't had a brand new dinghy since... ever. A lot easier to get up on deck than an 18 ft canoe. It feels like Christmas Day.

Roll-Up Inflatable Dinghy - Bellows Pump, Repair Kit, 2-Piece Oars | West Marine

Explore the Roll-Up Inflatable Dinghy, complete with a bellows pump, repair kit, and two-piece oars. Lightweight and portable, perfect for easy transport and storage.

www.westmarine.com

 

[Christian Williams]

Wow. lowest price i ever saw was $800.

I've had this dinghy 10 years. it is small but adequate. it is light enough to wrestle up on deck from the quarterberth and inflate on the foredeck. it is small enough to carry inflated on the foredeck of the 32 for short distances. It unfolds well and the floorboards are obedient and trouble-free.
I carry four adults in smooth water without issue.

The dinghy is PVC, meaning it can't be left in the sun for long periods. It has no skeg, meaning a dock approach requires anticipation. it can be rowed with the supplied aluminum oars, but a very small outboard is better, especially an electric one.

One seam opened up last summer, but I successfully glued it for a strong repair.

Small boat needs small inflatable. If you only need to go five knots for short distances in protected waters, recommend.

Video will jump to topic:

 

[vanilladuck]

I originally bought a PRU-3 as a shore tender. But, I quickly found that getting the 60lb bag in and out of the companionway on the E32-3 can be quite challenging, even in a calm mooring field. I started looking for alternatives and landed on a Takacat.

Shop the Takacat T260LX | Buy the Ultimate Portable Dinghy

The compact T260LX inflatable catamaran - ideal for families & fishing. 8.5ft of stable, portable fun. Perfect tender for larger boats. Free shipping in the US.

www.takacatamericas.com

Before you pass out from seeing 3X the cost of the PRU-3 on-sale, check out these features:

• Breaks down into two 30lb bags, which can be stored separately inside the boat. Heck, you can even fit them through the tiny lazarette lids on the E32
• The floor doubles as an inflatable SUP board
• The catamaran hull reduce drag and improves the efficiency of your outboard
• The hull also improves directional control with no inflatable keel needed

Paired with a three HP-equivalent electric outboard, I can *almost* get the dinghy on a plane with just me in the boat

 

[nquigley]

I originally bought a PRU-3 as a shore tender. But, I quickly found that getting the 60lb bag in and out of the companionway on the E32-3 can be quite challenging, even in a calm mooring field. I started looking for alternatives and landed on a Takacat.

Shop the Takacat T260LX | Buy the Ultimate Portable Dinghy

The compact T260LX inflatable catamaran - ideal for families & fishing. 8.5ft of stable, portable fun. Perfect tender for larger boats. Free shipping in the US.

www.takacatamericas.com

View attachment 54212 View attachment 54211 View attachment 54210

Before you pass out from seeing 3X the cost of the PRU-3 on-sale, check out these features:

• Breaks down into two 30lb bags, which can be stored separately inside the boat. Heck, you can even fit them through the tiny lazarette lids on the E32
• The floor doubles as an inflatable SUP board
• The catamaran hull reduce drag and improves the efficiency of your outboard
• The hull also improves directional control with no inflatable keel needed

Paired with a three HP-equivalent electric outboard, I can *almost* get the dinghy on a plane with just me in the boat

I have the same inflatable. Great design and light weight - you can even stand with both feet on one pontoon and the thing does not flip over! The open bow makes for very easy onboarding from the water.
I bought the optional retractable beach wheels - easy for one person to pull the boat up on shore or down to the water.
Mine will plane with my 3.5 hp Tohatsu but it did not with my old 2.4 Honda (you definitely want a short shaft - less drag). I have a tiller extension that lets me sit well forward, which helps it get on the plane.

 

[vanilladuck]

So, you're saying if I just get a bigger motor... I've heard getting a wing for the outboard can help lift the stern enough for planing. Maybe I'll try the tiller extension first. Fun times!