Light weight ship->shore options - Shaun & Jess, Andrew, ?

[Paul English]

We greatly enjoyed our Takacat 260LX last year purchased at the boat show and used extensively! It is small and light, as advertised. However 2x30lb bags take up an entire dock cart, as well as a fair bit of space on the boat so we're considering other options. We'll probably keep the Takacat for bigger trips (inflated and on the net) but something even smaller and lighter would be easier to load/unload or leave on the boat for shorter trips "just in case."

Rowing (or paddling) only is definitely fine. We thought we might really want an outboard on the Takacat, but found that when cruising if it is spicy enough out, or we were far enough from a land destination that rowing would be undesirable, we were pretty content with just.. not going.

Shaun & Jess - I recall you had something?

Andrew - had a different something?

Anyone else?

[Andrew Miller]

I suspect you mean the other Andrew but I've been using a Sea Eagle 385 inflatable kayak on the tramp of my F22 for trips and it's been pretty good. It's low to the water but feels very stable once you get into it, I put it between the ama and the main hull, tie off the bow so it can't go forward and sort of flop down into it from the aft beam. It's not as sleek as a rigid (including the folding Orus) but moves well enough to be good for poking around for fun beyond pure utility. Material is that fiberglass filled PVC stuff, seems pretty durable. It takes up about half a dock cart on edge or the full dock cart flat. Only complaint is that they don't use stainless hardware on the included seats or the carrying cover.

Andy

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[William Quigley]

You're welcome to try my 8-foot kayak. I built it for my daughter but it can hold up to 220 pounds. Might be a bit of a squeeze for both you and Joanna though :-)

I also have a 2-piece nesting dinghy that's been to Alaska and back. It weighs about 50 pounds. You're welcome to try that one as well but I don't think it takes much less space than the Takacat.

Bill

On Thu, Feb 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM Paul English <tall...@engmooski.net> wrote:

[Jude Stoller]

We have been using a TrueKit skiff on Dragonfly last 4 years.  It’s held up very well.

 https://truekit.net/en-us/collections/boats-only

They are similar takacats, but better built (imho), and track a lot better in surf.  

The lightest one is 53 lbs, and they fold up for easy storage.

I have no affiliation with this company.

On Feb 9, 2024, at 5:20 AM, William Quigley <wjq...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Ginnie Jo Blue]

I have the 14' Kaboat, lightweight (58lbs). It fits my family of four, barely, but that's how we like it. It's long and lean, fits perfect on our tramps. Bought it when I had the F27. What I MOST love about this boat (other than it's light enough to not need wheels and can one-person carry it to high tide line) is that it tracks beautifully. I love to row it on my own (tight with the family) for fun around the bay. I have a lithium battery and electric outboard I bought for my bigger dinghy and I don't bother bringing it with this boat because it's such a pleasure to row. 

https://www.boatstogo.com/kayaks-sk430.asp

I originally purchased (and still own) Saturn's 12' Catamaran. It's much more comfortable for a family of four but twice the weight, requires wheels to drag up the beach and doesn't row nicely so I also have to add the battery and motor if I want to enjoy the experience. https://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable-catamaran-mc365.asp. I think it will be great on more extensive trips, as it's a very sturdy little boat, it's just more than we need for 90% of our adventures. Sounds like you and I are on a very similar path!

Go with a Kaboat, you'll love it!

[Shaun Heublein]

We purchased a basic dinghy from Amazon. It works OK for what we want it for, simple way to get to shore. Best thing about it is when it is rolled up it fits in the ama of our 31. It claims 43 lbs but that includes the pump, paddles, and seats, none of which we use so is probably down to ~35lbs. You could get a "motor mount" for it but we just use our whitewater paddles (not the cheap ones that came with it.) It's not going to survive hard use on barnacles and it could use more freeboard. GZKYYLEGS 10 ft Dinghy Boats, 4... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B93FBRCC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Shaun

[Mark Olsoe]

From a historical perspective,  the Portabote has been a very popular option over the years: https://portabote.com/.  Folds and deploys quickly on the tramp.  Sturdy enough for a motor and dragging on rough beaches.

….MarkO

 

From: northwest-multi...@googlegroups.com <northwest-multi...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Shaun Heublein
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2024 10:51 AM
To: Northwest Multihull Association <northwest-multi...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [NWMA] Light weight ship->shore options - Shaun & Jess, Andrew, ?

 

We purchased a basic dinghy from Amazon. It works OK for what we want it for, simple way to get to shore. Best thing about it is when it is rolled up it fits in the ama of our 31. It claims 43 lbs but that includes the pump, paddles, and seats, none of which we use so is probably down to ~35lbs. You could get a "motor mount" for it but we just use our whitewater paddles (not the cheap ones that came with it.) It's not going to survive hard use on barnacles and it could use more freeboard. GZKYYLEGS 10 ft Dinghy Boats, 4... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B93FBRCC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Shaun

On Friday, February 9, 2024 at 3:43:27 PM UTC-6 ginnie...@gmail.com wrote:

I have the 14' Kaboat, lightweight (58lbs). It fits my family of four, barely, but that's how we like it. It's long and lean, fits perfect on our tramps. Bought it when I had the F27. What I MOST love about this boat (other than it's light enough to not need wheels and can one-person carry it to high tide line) is that it tracks beautifully. I love to row it on my own (tight with the family) for fun around the bay. I have a lithium battery and electric outboard I bought for my bigger dinghy and I don't bother bringing it with this boat because it's such a pleasure to row. 

 

https://www.boatstogo.com/kayaks-sk430.asp

 

 

 

I originally purchased (and still own) Saturn's 12' Catamaran. It's much more comfortable for a family of four but twice the weight, requires wheels to drag up the beach and doesn't row nicely so I also have to add the battery and motor if I want to enjoy the experience. https://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable-catamaran-mc365.asp. I think it will be great on more extensive trips, as it's a very sturdy little boat, it's just more than we need for 90% of our adventures. Sounds like you and I are on a very similar path!

 

Go with a Kaboat, you'll love it!

 

 

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[Eric Lindahl]

Regarding Portabote:

 

I didn't recommend this bc of the OP's parameters but since its been mentioned I've written a bunch about it.  I have had 3; a 12, 10, and 8 footers.

 

Basically I think it is the best dingy for the Puget Sound bc of our rocky barnacley beaches.  Though it scratches I don't think I will ever cut or wear thru the hull.  I just drag it up any old barnacled or sharp rock beach.  They are "interesting" to fold and unfold, it is like arming a really big mousetrap.  Easier for a larger person, I'm not sure my 5' 2" wife could do it.  Sold the 12' ,too big for an Fboat.  The 10 I kept hoping to carry it my small RV but haven't so far.  Instead we splurged for 2 Hobie Mirage drive 9' inflatables which we love and also use on our F31.  The 8' is what we use and if fits better on the tramp and or folded and lashed to the cabin side.

 

I've written a lot on both the Portabote.  Here is a huge thread on them.  See my post #93 for my opinion.

 

If you don't plan on big provisioning or big distance dinghy trips you might consider a SUP or better a Hobie Mirage kayak.  Here is a link to my opinion on them.  We absolutely love ours and bought two of the 9 footers.  They are so fast and easy to toss in the water and go.  And we take them on our RV too.

 

Eric 

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[Mark Long]

Was just looking at this issue.  Found this article. 
https://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/best-inflatable-boat-compact-tenders-tested-68704

Also, e-Propulsion just came out w/ a 500w motor if you need to go longer distances. 14.7 lbs.
https://www.epropulsion.com/outboards/eLite/

[Daniel Hill]

I have this Avon Rover 2.50 compact roll-up going up for sale. Was going to ask $500 - would do $400 for a club member. Located in Ballard - can deliver to Shilshole.

• 8 feet long - 79 pounds - 5hp max
• Made of Hypalon rubber, not PVC plastic 
• No leaks
• Includes Pump - clunky oars (small crack fixed with epoxy/5oz cloth)
• Small fold-up wheels - Works good on the docks, kinda small for a muddy beach
• Plywood floorboards replaced with HDPE StarBard. 
• Fiberglass seat
• Fordeck bag
• Storage bag/wrap thingy - looks like a 1990's jogging suit

On Thu, Feb 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM Paul English <tall...@engmooski.net> wrote:

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[Eric Lindahl]

Hi Mark.  Glad you are still around.  I think you are boatless now, is that right?   Come by a meeting sometime.  It would be good to see you.  

Eric 

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[Paul English]

So many helpful responses from everyone, thank you!!

On Thu, Feb 8, 2024, at 22:38, Andrew Miller wrote:

I suspect you mean the other Andrew

Yep - and while he hasn't piped up, I managed to recall what I think he's using - a "pack raft." They can be "relatively" pricey but WOW are they light!  2 person ones are available and will track better for straight line paddling - I just need to be careful that I pick one that fits in the ama when packed, saving precious cabin space.

It looks pretty easy to find 2 person packrafts < 20lbs, even the ones built out of heavier more abrasion resistant material.

[Andrew]

Ha, wasn’t really holding out, but I think that a packraft isn’t a mainstream idea so wasn’t putting it high on the list - but here are some thoughts. 

With the F22 I’m space and displacement limited. We get out for a month cruise and I like to think that we can stay out a week without reprovisioning, longer if water is available. That probably puts us over what Ian designed for - so needed small and light. 

I wanted to carry 2 adults and one standard poodle (we’ve done 3 adults, one small grandchild) plus some gear. I chose the Alpacka “Forager”. There are other styles of double and singes, also other manufacturers. 

We got the largest size - marketed for two up, or packing out your moose. Our packraft weighs 14#, carbon paddles 3#. They say it rolls up 20x10” (I never try that hard unless I’m carrying it in a backpack) and it can carry 1000# in calm water. 

Inflated, I can keep it on the net, bow over one beam. Room to walk past it on edge of float for mooring or along the cabin. It has an airtight zipper (used on a river as designed, you store gear low in the tubes before inflating) which means it deflates in 2 seconds and I loose roll it before tying up next to cabin if I thinks it’s in the way (seemed best twice in bigger wind and sea states, otherwise always inflated).  I have a USB rechargeable pump that weighs once’s and fits in the palm of my hand. It works for ~5 fills that each take maybe 10 minutes for raft, floor, seat. 

It is self bailing - holes in the bottom with a zipped-in inflated floor - so never fills with rain (or a cresting wave, hopefully only on a river). The two rows of holes probably slow you down when not in moving water and I have read of people taping some shut for open water. Step in the center and your feet stay dry, on the very edge and you might get wet toes. 

For two up it’s paddled like a canoe, for a single the same paddles become a single kayak paddle. The seat has to be moved back to help directional stability when solo. 

We explore harbors and islands. I’ve used it on a couple rivers. Gone on trips one way by water, hiked back with it in a daypack. Easy to take in the camper van. People take it as check luggage. 

It’s unique enough that I think some extra research is necessary before making the choice. But after 5 seasons I still feel it’s our best choice. And when you see all the ways people are using them . . .

Pros:

Size, weight - portability 

My wife can take the dog ashore, carry it up past high tide with one hand

High potential displacement 

Multipurpose 

Things you might considered cons:

Cost. Ours was hand made in Colorado and marketed for a niche purpose (not how we usually use it). 

It doesn’t have a keel which takes some modification to technique, I don’t think about it anymore. You’ll be more affected by wind. You won’t win races. 

The inflation is low pressure, in a non-compliant material -so it takes some management, ie. if leaving in sun you will slightly deflate it first, or if putting in cold water you might wait a couple minutes and if soft, temper before taking off. If we’re staying put, I leave it in the water under the net. 

The stern keeps you from flipping backwards when going over standing river waves. It’s a seat for two up. 

Videos -

Forager: Two up, two week unsupported Grand Canyon (gear and two extra rafts inside). 

Bikerafting with smaller rafts under your handle bars

On Feb 12, 2024, at 22:47, Andrew Rice <a_r...@mac.com> wrote:



Ha, wasn’t really holding out, but I think that a packraft isn’t a mainstream idea so wasn’t putting it high on the list - but here are some thoughts. 

With the F22 I’m space and displacement limited. We get out for a month cruise and I like to think that we can stay out a week without reprovisioning, longer if water is available. That probably puts us over what Ian designed for - so needed small and light. 

I wanted to carry 2 adults and one standard poodle (we’ve done 3 adults, one small grandchild) plus some gear. I chose the Alpacka “Forager”. There are other styles of double and singes, also other manufacturers. 

We got the largest size - marketed for two up, or packing out your moose. Our packraft weighs 14#, carbon paddles 3#. They say it rolls up 20x10” (I never try that hard unless I’m carrying it in a backpack) and it can carry 1000# in calm water. 

Inflated, I can keep it on the net, bow over one beam. Room to walk past it on edge of float for mooring or along the cabin. It has an airtight zipper (used on a river as designed, you store gear low in the tubes before inflating) which means it deflates in 2 seconds and I loose roll it before tying up next to cabin if I thinks it’s in the way (seemed best twice in bigger wind and sea states, otherwise always inflated).  I have a USB rechargeable pump that weighs once’s and fits in the palm of my hand. It works for ~5 fills that each take maybe 10 minutes for raft, floor, seat. 

It is self bailing - holes in the bottom with a zipped-in inflated floor - so never fills with rain (or a cresting wave, hopefully only on a river). The two rows of holes probably slow you down when not in moving water and I have read of people taping some shut for open water. Step in the center and your feet stay dry, on the very edge and you might get wet toes. 

For two up it’s paddled like a canoe, for a single the same paddles become a single kayak paddle. The seat has to be moved back to help directional stability when solo. 

We explore harbors and islands. I’ve used it on a couple rivers. Gone on trips one way by water, hiked back with it in a daypack. Easy to take in the camper van. 

It’s unique enough that I think some extra research is necessary before making the choice. But after 5 seasons I still feel it’s our best choice. And when you see all the ways people are using them . . .

Pros:

Size, weight - portability 

My wife can take the dog ashore, carry it up past high tide with one hand

High potential displacement 

Multipurpose 

Things you might considered cons:

Cost. Ours was hand made in Colorado and marketed for a niche purpose (not how we usually use it). 

It doesn’t have a keel which takes some modification to technique, I don’t think about it anymore. You’ll be more affected by wind. You won’t win races. 

The inflation is low pressure, in a non-compliant material -so it takes some management, ie. if leaving in sun you will slightly deflate it first, or if putting in cold water you might wait a couple minutes and if soft, temper before taking off. If we’re staying put, I leave it in the water under the net. 

<IMG_2798.jpeg>

The stern keeps you from flipping backwards when going over standing river waves. It’s a seat for two up. 

<IMG_7891.jpeg>

Videos -

Forager: Two up, two week unsupported Grand Canyon (gear and two extra rafts inside). 

Bikerafting with smaller rafts

On Feb 12, 2024, at 14:03, Paul English <tall...@engmooski.net> wrote:



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