Getting the dinghy ready for summer

Stee6043

Well-Known Member
Jun 1, 2015
6,706
West Michigan
Boat Info
1997 Sundancer 400
Engines
7.4L Gassers
I was finally able to get over and pickup our "new to us" dinghy last week after buying it in October. Yesterday I spent the day in the garage getting her ready. She should be in the water this weekend.

After spending 4 seasons with a Zodiak 310 and a 3.5hp Tohatsu (which we loved) I'm pretty excited to make this move. I've spent just enough time putsing around to know what I wanted in my next inflatable.

Necessary Upgrades:
1.) Fusion stereo w/speakers
2.) Battery on/off switch (since dinghy's don't seem to come standard with them?)
3.) Flag pole
4.) Light/manageable anchor setup

Here's to hoping for a good summer 2021!

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Nice ride I’d rather take the dinghy out for a ride than the big boat
Both of our Nouvarania’s had factory installed battery switches. Good idea though
Are you installing a plotter? VHF?
 
I put a small GPS/fish finder on ours more for depth than anything. Music comes from a bluetooth speaker instead of a real "system". Seemed like too much hassle. Don't forget navigation lights if you plan on being out dusk-ish or after. BTW I can't see any of your pictures. I don't know if it's my end or yours. Anyone else? Mike
 
I scoured the interwebs for a plotter that would work on this ultra-mini-console. The only one that would fit was a 5" Simrad. And the reviews were pretty awful relative to screen size/usefulness. So I just stuck the Fusion in the middle of the available space, calling it good. I'll use my phone if/when I need charts but I don't plan on doing much off-shore cruising with this 10 footer :)

A handheld VHF and transom-mounted "cheapo" depth meter are still on my list. But not super urgent. Gotta save some money for beer yet...
 
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Nice dink. We love our walkerbay.
 
Is that a Walker Bay LTE? Would love to hear a review once you start using it.

Nope, it's the 325 "Supertender" or STX. I really....really wanted the 11' LTE. But it was another 80lbs heavier than the STX. I'm already pushing it...figured I'd be better off avoiding the extra weight.
 
I scoured the interwebs for a plotter that would work on this ultra-mini-console. The only one that would fit was a 5" Simrad. And the reviews were pretty awful relative to screen size/usefulness. So I just stuck the Fusion in the middle of the available space, calling it good. I'll use my phone if/when I need charts but I don't plan on doing much off-shore cruising with this 10 footer :)

A handheld VHF and transom-mounted "cheapo" depth meter are still on my list. But not super urgent. Gotta save some money for beer yet...
I agree, radio nice. Beer is a must have!
 
And here I was all proud of the dinghy I bought last summer. Stee you are going to be talk of the marina this yearView attachment 103913
Very cool. I don't know why I like these little boats so much...I can't get enough of them!

Highfields are great. Here is my old one, with the replacement on the left. Will likely return to Highfield in the future...

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Sorry...don't mean to hijack! :)
 
Impressive dinghy boats! Where do you guys keep them, how do you mount them on your boat, etc?
 

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