We are getting closer to cutting the docklines and still have to tender/raft. I dont really trust or want to pay for the canister type rafts. I would love to keep a hard dingy on deck but only have 6'8" from the mast to the companionway. have any small boat sailors found a soulution to this. Ali
I'd rather have a hard dinghy also, but like you we simply don't have space for it. So we settled for an Achilles LS2RU. 7'6" overall. Wooden floor but roll up. Takes minimal space when floors are removed and dinghy is rolled.
You might also look into a "coastal" type raft. They are much cheaper and the valise takes MUCH less space. Not really designed for offshore but they'd certainly be better than nothing.
Our inflatable-
You might want to check out the plans for the Deckster dinghy. I recently wrote it up on my blog... http://boatbits.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-next-dinghy.html It is a very nice little dinghy and I plan to build one as soon as I can get my list back to manageable!
The other alternative is a roll up inflatable...
Bob
http://boatbits.blogspot.com/
http://fishingundersail.blogspot.com/
[url][http://www.tinker.co.uk//url]
These inflatables are expensive BUT they have sail kits AND FULL canopy enclouser(liferaft) options available.
Bob,is that a Dana on your blog? Thats exactly what I was thinking of with the cutout for the mast. My only issue is that the only thing I have ever succesfully built with wood is a fire. I'd love to learn more. ali
Yep that IS a Dana ! Benjy the designer lives on a Dana and the plan came out of his frustration of a dink that would fit on his deck!
The plans are pretty foolproof and it is a pretty easy to build. You can leave out the Mirage drive and just use it as a normal dink with oars, motor or sail if you like. But my guess is that the Mirage drive will be faster than an outboard and cost less.
While we were cruising the Med my wife and I had a similar sized pram and it worked out really well for us.
Bob
http://boatbits.blogspot.com/
http://fishingundersail.blogspot.com/
The inflatable might be the answer for you
If you get a life raft you will still need a dinghy to get ashore
A 406 EPIRB and an inflatable might be the best combination.
Allan