We purchased a Walker Bay 8 (Got a GREAT deal on it.) at the Strictly Sail Show Chicago last winter for our North Channel cruise
this last July. We car-topped it to Little Current and towed it behind our Mac during our week long cruise. Towed great
and worked well for the 2 of us. Easy to board and pull up on the islands. Other Trailer Sailors were using kayaks with good results.
Some sailors used inflatables due to their ease of stowing when trailering up to the North Channel.
Personally, I liked our Walker Bay the best. They do have inflatable tubes you can attach to the boat if you want more stability.
Again, thanks for all your input. Off to the Southampton Boat Show with the junior crew this weekend to look at some of the available options. Will keep you updated afterwards ...
Hugh wrote:After reading this thread and discussing with sailing friends we've chosen this route: A SOAR 12' inflatable canoe.
This is an expedition proven boat made of hypalon. I have a friend who runs an outfitting/tripping business and she uses them on trips around the world.
The rationale is we want a boat we can explore with once we've docked/anchored. We come from a canoe tripping background and feel this boat will allow us to paddle better than a dinghy rows and we can add a motor mount if we feel the need to have an OB. It is stable enough to step into it from our and has enough cargo capacity to act as a tender. at 52# it is a managable weight. The only concern I've got is towability under sail and power. Time will tell.
Hugh
That is very similar to what I've just ordered, a Z-Pro Tango TA300 which has had very good reviews over here (I agree, though, the SOAR seems to be built quite a bit tougher). Can add a motor mount as well and use my Yamaha electric outboard that is currently collecting dust in the attic. We have lots of little rivers and creeks and canals to explore here. There were other options that I would have really liked if they wouldn't have been a bit too pricey, esp. the Walker Bay or the Porta Boate. To me the 4 meter inflatable canoe seems the best option within my available financial means, esp. compared to other inflatables in the same price range (8 foot economy inflatable dinghy). Time will tell how feasible it is together with "Rockhopper".
It arrived yesterday. Me and the admiral tried "little Rockhopper" out on the Crouch this morning. 2 1/2 hours on the river with a rising tide, half of the time for the return paddling against the tide. Had lots of fun, definitely more than with a standard inflatable. Will be even better next time when we actually put the seats the right way and don't go stern first !
I'm planning to use this: http://www.polysail.com/PDR.htm
Yes it will also be my one design racing dingy as well. It has positive flotation built in and is just too cool! I plan to make a couple this winter with a few buddies.
I'll beef up my transom to hold a 6o hp so it will also work as a motor sailor too!
!
