dinghy for family of 5

Nehalennia said:
Todd
I'm considering these three: Silver, Baltik and AMI
The AMI is about 15 minutes from me and a great looking product and value.
delphintopangle.jpg

http://www.amiboats.com/boats/delphin.html

Silver marine: http://silvermarine.com/product/product29.html
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Silvers can be found on ebay sometimes
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I ended up buying a Baltik today. I made an offer on eBay then negotiated a couple times. I'm happy to say for $599.99 I have a dink on the way including shipping, oars, carry bag, pump. I bought an 8.5' with wood floor.
BW85_1.jpg

http://www.affordableinflatable.com/estore/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=15
 
Alex F said:
Todd,

I get on the dinghy while it's tied to the bow and then take it to an empty slip to pickup my crew.

320 has 11'6" beem, but don't let this number fool you as your objective is the platfom width, which is about a foot less. You have to remember that any part of the dinghy that sticks out will be the first contact point when you're docking. So, if your dink will not stick out on the sides, then stern is the only part you'll have to worry about. I have 8.6' Baltik and it's a perfect fit for 320, but as you can see on these pictures the motor's prop sticks out beyond the dinghy width, so I always keep that in mind when docking. I'm pretty sire that 9.6' will stick out beyond your platform dimensions.

100_4027.jpg


Here you can see how the bow is just within the swim platform dimansion on the port side.

100_4028.jpg
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Alex, where did you get the registration numbers made up? They look very nice...

BTW, I have the same dink and love it...
 
Doug, Marshall is right, that's where I got the numbers. The only puzzle I have at this time is finding a good glue to have them stick to the boat.
 
Thanks Alex and Marshall, just ordered a set online and currently waiting for the "code" so I can complete the order. I'm sure I won't hear till tomorrow.

Since our Baltik's are PVC material. I will pick up the PVC glue at West Marine. I've seen it there before. Here is a link:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...01&storeId=11151&partNumber=7780109&langId=-1

You can also get it at Lowes and Home Depot... In the PVC department cheaper too.
 
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Nehalennia said:
I ended up buying a Baltik today. I made an offer on eBay then negotiated a couple times. I'm happy to say for $599.99 I have a dink on the way including shipping, oars, carry bag, pump. I bought an 8.5' with wood floor.
BW85_1.jpg

http://www.affordableinflatable.com/estore/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=15
Click to expand...

Todd,
Thanks for the input. I am going with Baltic too. I was set on the 9.5 footer but Alex has me second guessing that choice. I am still looking at the 8.5 footer too. Of course there is no way to purchase a motor until I get the dink as the motor ratings a quite different. I am going down to my boat this week to measure the platform. Maybe this will give me a better idea?:huh:

Alex F said:
Hey Todd,

I just posted details of my setup, so it might give you another idea on what to get and how things might fit in your case.

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Dinghy Davits – Dom’s Ramps and Alex’s Mounts
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Thanks Alex. I already scoped them out and continue to follow that thread. It really is an excellent post!
 
Our 8.5' Baltic is rated for 10 hp. I use a 3.5 two stroke and can get on plane with just me in it going down hill with a strong wind at my back (joke),

It does very well with the 3.5 and will move out nicely.
 
MarkD said:
i think the minimum size you'd need is a 10' inflatible. You need to check capacities since some are less than others. You will also will need to look at motors. The 15-25 HP ones are heavy! 100+ lbs. If you are taking the motor on/off alot, you might want to think about a small one. Its just easier, but will be a slug when you want get-up-and-go! I have a 11'2" Avon hard bottom w 25HP and it is fast. 30+ mph and is rated for 5 people. But, my rig is heavy... maybe 310+ lbs. You probably dont need that unless you want to go exploring miles away with the dink. We traveled alot so wanted it for that reason... Oh yeah, the hard bottoms are more stable when tracking on plane. The airdecks/air keels will be less stable. As for the brand.. there are tons out there. Saturn, Mercury, Caribe, Avon, Zodiac, blah blah blah... I think most are good, just depends on how much you want to spend for quality. I have friends with Saturns and they swear by them and are cheap to buy. Your mileage may vary.
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How do you carry your Dinghy, any pictures?
 
Well I'm a two boat owner now. I ordered a 8.5' Baltik from Affordable inflatables on Ebay and after some negotiation we settle on $599 down from $729. I was happy with that and it arrived from UPS yesterday. Now, I need to work on how I want to attach it. I have some ideas that should be a clean install....hopefully.

I took Doug's advice and ordered the wood floor. With the twins being 8 and now ready to explore I figured this will be more durable and their little devil feet would pop an inflatable floor.
 
Very interested to see what you come up with Todd. This is my next project.
 
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