[PUP] The Ultimate Dinghy

[David Schramm]

I would like to start a discussion that I believe would be productive to the
group.  My 15 year old RIB needs to be replaced this year.  Since realizing
this last year, I have been collecting my thoughts about what my replacement
should be.  I've been keeping my eyes open to all the dinghies I see in the
various anchorages, marinas, etc. and have also scoured the web.  Alas, all
this has led to no solution that meets my requirements.  Realizing this, I
tried to actually write down what an ultimate dinghy would need to be able
to do well in order to qualify.  My going in assumptions had to be
constrained by my Nordhavn 46's ability to store the dinghy on deck, and my
wife and my physical capabilities to launch and retrieve the dinghy from the
boat and the shore.  Using this as a starting point, I'd like to solicit
your input.  

Like all boats, the dingy that you have is a necessary compromise of
conflicting requirements.  So, I expect to see conflicting requirements that
cannot be resolved in one design.  My purpose is to arrive at a dinghy
design that is as close to perfect "for me" as possible.  I plan to either
purchase or have the resulting craft built this summer and then keep the
group apprised about the results against the requirement.

I will try to manage the discussion in stages.  The first stage will be to
collect capabilities only.  What should the dinghy be able to do and what
should it not do.  The second stage will be to boil the capabilities into
requirements that have design implications.  And, the final stage will be to
consider the design implications against possible designs and solutions.  I
will hold firm against jumping directly to solutions.  This is not
productive to understanding what we need.

So, I will begin with my list of important capabilities.  Capabilities
should be stated as "capable of" or "can be used for".  Please phrase your
entries using these words and join in and tell us yours.  I will compile the
responses and republish them periodically until the entries subside.

Thank you.

Capabilities:

. Capable of carrying 2 passenger, 1 dog normal load, 4 person occasional
load in passenger mode with passengers and groceries staying dry in rough 2
- 3 ft chop conditions.
. Capable of carrying 2 passengers and 4 3x2x2 full duffel bags in freighter
mode with all staying dry under mild conditions.
. Capable of controlled and safe surf landings and launching in 2-3 ft
breakers common on the west coast of North America.
. Can be loaded / offloaded on yacht deck by two people.
. Can be repeatedly dragged up the beach by two men in areas with 10 ft tide
over sand and pebbles without damage.
. Capable of easy enjoyable rowing.  Rowing in surf, drift boat position for
landing, normal position for launching through surf and normal rowing.
. Capable of tracking well when turned with motor, and tracking straight
through surf, but also turns easily with oars. 
. Capable of using high docks, providing easy passenger entry / exit.
. Capable of standing up to frequent docking against cement docks and
pilings.
. Can be used for fishing excursions.



David A Schramm
M/V Jenny
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