- Joined
- Nov 8, 2012
- Messages
- 2,318
- Location
- Port Orchard, WA
- Vessel Name
- Sandpiper
- Vessel Make
- Bluewater 40 Pilothouse Trawler
Though a 2 stroke is lighter and less complicated, I would not want one. Noise, smoke, smell, mixing oil to fuel.
I would choose a console to tiller also.
I prefer fiberglass tenders to rubber dinghys. Hard to install downrigger, pot pullers, rod holders and other accessories. The tubes take up too much space, sitting on the tubes is no joy. Hard bottom inflatables require service of the joint between the tube material and ridgid bottom interface. Tubes can leak and the tubes will eventually be replaced. One has to be careful with knives, hooks, crab and other sharp hazards. Larger inflatables 12' + are better suited but still have the above issues.
Fiberglass tenders are low maintenance, lighter (depends on brand) and you can mount pullers, downriggers and other accessories. And they just look better than a rubber dink. The larger inflatables over 15 feet look great but the crammed under 14 foot inflatables are funny looking to me.
I carry a custom 12' Sterling Sea Skiff center console FG tender with a 20 hp 4 stroke Tohatsu. It has mounts for rod holders, pot puller and downrigger. It has a depth sounder, color chart plotter/VHF, 50 watt stereo with box speakers.
We carry the tender on the roof of our 40' boat.
You would think that a 49 foot Alvin should be able to carry a tender bigger than 11 feet.
I would choose a console to tiller also.
I prefer fiberglass tenders to rubber dinghys. Hard to install downrigger, pot pullers, rod holders and other accessories. The tubes take up too much space, sitting on the tubes is no joy. Hard bottom inflatables require service of the joint between the tube material and ridgid bottom interface. Tubes can leak and the tubes will eventually be replaced. One has to be careful with knives, hooks, crab and other sharp hazards. Larger inflatables 12' + are better suited but still have the above issues.
Fiberglass tenders are low maintenance, lighter (depends on brand) and you can mount pullers, downriggers and other accessories. And they just look better than a rubber dink. The larger inflatables over 15 feet look great but the crammed under 14 foot inflatables are funny looking to me.
I carry a custom 12' Sterling Sea Skiff center console FG tender with a 20 hp 4 stroke Tohatsu. It has mounts for rod holders, pot puller and downrigger. It has a depth sounder, color chart plotter/VHF, 50 watt stereo with box speakers.
We carry the tender on the roof of our 40' boat.
You would think that a 49 foot Alvin should be able to carry a tender bigger than 11 feet.
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