I am completely on board Team Tender now! Long story short, I always wanted one but there was no room in my slip, which is 35 feet. I got in to a couple engine maintenance projects late this season ... problems arise ... can't get parts etc. So how do I get my fix? A tender of course! A spot opened up in the tender dock, and I can't stop taking it out. I'll take it out at sunrise, then work on the big boat, then take it out again. It's a blast for the kids and I'm trying to teach them the basics of boating. It's a lot easier to start out this way. SunDolphin -- Just over 9 feet long, with 6hp merc OB
I’ve had a Zodiac since 1988. I can’t imagine not having one. It was always my boat between boats. When the main is winterized and we get those sunny warm days that pop up in December or even January I can get my fix. You will love having one. Big boats are nice but nothing like a go kart on the water.
Best boat bucks I have ever spent, Love using the dink for puttering around the marina fore sure but works great to entertain our little friends when taking the mothership out is not in the cards. There is nothing like watching a youngster's eyes light up when they are trusted with the helm..and the throttle!
I had that exact one on my 340, I had it fold up on the swim platform with a 6hp. (engine went in the bilge) Was great for getting dog to the beach and puttering around, one my our favorite things to do.
No matter where we go, the kids want a ride on it when we get back. Luckily there are beaches on either side of the marina, so when we want to swim, I can pull right up to the shore and dump them off like a water taxi
Want to really trick it out? Put anchor holder on the bow with a small Fortress anchor. There is space on that bow lip.
Oh man .... don't tempt me .... Before you know it I'll have a full console, chart plotter, the whole 9 yards
Phil, if you ever plan to beach the dink to play on shore, consider putting a "Keel Guard" on. It's a very heavy duty, very dense rubber strip that attaches to the keel and protects it from rocks.
That sounds like a great idea -- thank you! I just ordered portable nav and stern lights. I was coming back in at dusk the other day, and the city police gave me a wave (they keep a boat near me) but I figured I'd should be compliant asap.
I learned many years ago that it's best to become friends with them. That way they recognize you and your boats and likely will know you as a good guy and that earns you breaks.
