Dinghies Review

Summary

There’s certainly no end to the enjoyment you can have on a large schooner or yacht, but everyone needs a little time paddling around on a smaller vessel. For those who have more complicated launching or anchorage arrangements with their large boat, or for those who simply prefer a simple and small vessel to take around the lake, a solid and inexpensive dinghy is absolutely essential.

As with any other boat, of course, determining your specific situation and needs before purchasing is absolutely essential. Will you be using the dinghy as a primary recreational vehicle or as a complement to your larger vessel? Will you be requiring a hefty, ocean-going boat or a light one to tie in front of your lakeside home? The answers to these and other circumstance-specific questions will determine exactly what kind of dinghy you need. There’s no sense spending a couple hundred or even a couple thousand dollars on a boat that’s not matched to your needs.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options available. Solid, rigid dinghies—powered by oars or just a small outboard—can make a perfect lake vehicle. Sailing dinghies might be more appropriate in choppier waves and can certainly be a great starter boat for anyone interested in piloting bigger vessels in the future—but without the huge initial investment. Pedal boats might seem the kiddy option, but their relative ease of use makes for a worthwhile choice.

Propulsion will be one of your biggest choices. Paddles are great for leisurely trips or even just beginners who want simplicity at a fair price. There’s no reason to invest in an overpowered outboard for casual use—most dinghies wouldn’t handle well at maximum speed, anyway. If you do decide on a motor, get one that packs just a couple of horses, which should be fine enough for most recreational use. Granted, if you just can’t keep away from a 5hp+ monstrosity, then indulge by all means.

Pros

• Great for individual or complementary use.
• Useful training craft, whether for overall beginners or wanna-be sailors.
• Relatively inexpensive; small investment for lake use.

Cons

• All the disadvantages of a smaller craft: can be flimsy, hard to navigate, easy to tip.
• Significant expense for what may be limited use.

Featured Manufacturers

Achilles, Caribe, and Avon

Conclusion

Deciding on a worthwhile dinghy shouldn’t take terribly long if you know what you want to do with it. The anxiety comes when the buyer hasn’t a clue where or how he’ll cast off. Be honest with yourself—don’t over-purchase based on a whim or dream of another dock. A well-kept dinghy is still relatively easy to liquidate, so there’s always the chance of trading up later.