Dinghy (RIB) On Flying Bridge

[debbie]

We finally found a RIB that will work for us and are uncertain about how best to stow it. Because of our marina slip situation, aft storage won't work (we'll stick too far out of our slip into the narrow fairway). Besides the transom door is our best access to the boat and we don't want to block it.

We have a decent sized flying bridge though. The RIB would take up most of the "party" space if we set it there, and I assume we'd have to purchase some kind of stand that bolts to the deck to hold it.

I wonder about turning it on its side? Seems like a crosswind would be a problem, but there's space available that would leave the deck mostly clear if we did that. Plus we could just lash it to the stanchions.

We don't have a motor (yet). That would change the discussion. We do have a mast w/block and tackle to raise and lower. And for longer trips we'd tow it I guess.

Just wondering what experience others have had? I've done some dumb stuff that seemed to make sense at the time (you guys know THAT by the dumb questions I ask, LOL). Hopefully you can save me from myself. :lol:

[Tedster]

Sideways is not an answer, you might as well buy a sailboat then and with only one engine good luck docking.
My recom. is to buy one that stows deflated really well and get a really good electric air pump, then just stow the boat in a bag on your fly bridge till needed at the destination.

[debbie]

Sideways is not an answer, you might as well buy a sailboat then and with only one engine good luck docking.
My recom. is to buy one that stows deflated really well and get a really good electric air pump, then just stow the boat in a bag on your fly bridge till needed at the destination.

That was kinda what I was thinking. We can inflate it and tow it. :-)

[Play N Hookie II]

I bought a great electric pump at West Marine. It has a 6V (Ithink) battery that it hooks to like a set of jumper cables and also an AC plug. It works really well and fills it up fast.

[Tedster]

That was kinda what I was thinking. We can inflate it and tow it. :-)

Yup that is what I would do! :)

[wickus]

You'll never use the dink if you do that, been there, done that. You are setup to hoist and haul. Use it. When you want to use the party space, launch the dink and tie it along side. You will be doing that anyways when you arrive at ports of call.

[Papa Charlie]

I would put it up on the flybridge. You can hang up to 1/3rd of the dinghy stern off the flybridge to give you back some of your room on the bridge and provide clearance for the motor to hang off without getting in your way from down below.
Wickus is absolutely right. You will never use it if you fold it up. Plus I don't think leaving them rolled up is very good for them.
You will add to the enjoyment of your vessel if you leave it out. Don't put it on the swim platform as that will take up room and add drag. Plus I don't like the strain it puts on the swim platform.
You can cover your dinghy to protect it and even use it as a place to lounge while it is up on top. Maybe far fetched but you could.

[Randygh]

I agree--store it inflated on the flybridge. Make some type of support cradle, purchase a cover for the inflatable and hoist it up. I store my inflatable totally deflated in my shed. It is easy to inflate and deflate (with a vacuum), but it is cumbersome, and since yours is an RIB it would be a PITA to stow when not in use.

[debbie]

You've convinced me - we got a "free" cover when we ordered the thing and I didn't even think of letting it overhang a little big to recover room. I didn't like the idea of inflating/deflating either.

Thanks as always!