Engineless dinghy?

[Jim Cate]

And far contrary to safety conversation, i think it is far safer to have a dinghy with 100% reliable power. Rowing an inflatable is really slow. Rowing against wind is nearly impossible. So a rowing dinghy with or without small motor sounds much safer to me.

100% reliable power?

I've personally broken both oars and rowlocks on dinghies. What about injuring an arm or hand rendering serious rowing impossible? And over the years I have had an equal number of oars and motors stolen (one each). And seriously, few of us can really row into 30+ knot headwinds, especially if the sea state is a bit lumpy. Maybe the self proclaimed super heroes can, but what about mere mortals?

I agree that rowing has some benefits, but lets not get carried away with rhetoric and claims of 100% reliability and the additional safety thus garnered.

Jim

[malbert73]

Well we can call it a wash?

Ideally whewe go cruising longer term with our kids we'll have sailing dinghy on davits and inflatable with bigger engine. Mre fun for all!


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[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by malbert73

Well we can call it a wash?

Ideally whewe go cruising longer term with our kids we'll have sailing dinghy on davits and inflatable with bigger engine. Mre fun for all!


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Now that's a program that I can agree with!

Jim

[seandepagnier]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

100% reliable power?

I've personally broken both oars and rowlocks on dinghies. What about injuring an arm or hand rendering serious rowing impossible?

In either case you can scull with a single oar without needing an oarlock and go just about as fast as rowing.

And over the years I have had an equal number of oars and motors stolen (one each).

Which would you rather have stolen?

For me I would rather they steal the motor since I have no use for it.

And seriously, few of us can really row into 30+ knot headwinds, especially if the sea state is a bit lumpy. Maybe the self proclaimed super heroes can, but what about mere mortals?

I have rowed into 40 knots (working very hard to move half knot forward), but at 45 got blown back in the gusts. This was in wellington harbor, and also had issues in castle point new zealand. Anywhere else seems easy.. in 30 knots I can still go 3 knots against it.

I agree that rowing has some benefits, but lets not get carried away with rhetoric and claims of 100% reliability and the additional safety thus garnered.

It's very clear rowing is much _more_ reliable. Nothing is 100% reliable.