Getting into your boat out of the Dinghy??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
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We have an innova two seater inflatable kayak that we have successfully (meaning dry) entered from our 22. We tie it tightly to boat cleats fore and aft, I get in first and then stabilize it by holding on to the gunwale while Patti gets into the Kayak. It has worked thus far but bear in mind I managed to turn it over not once but twice while entering in knee deep water. A good laugh was had by all who witnessed my grace and balance. Good to see you at Mark's birthday party.
 
BJIDZIK,

We have the same RU260 and launch it just like we do the Innova Kayak. retrieving has proven relatively easy. A fairly long (25') line is attached to the center bow ring on the dinghy. We make sure the dinghy is empty and the oars are stowed in their clips. I go out on the bow of our 22' and pull the bow of the dinghy up until I can grab the safety lines around the circumfrence of the dinghy. It is easy to lift as long as part of it is still in the water. When I have the safety line, I pivot the dinghy over the bow rail and, still using the safety lines, get the stern up on the brow of the boat, the bow rail is taking most of the weight. I then just slide it back on the top of the cabin roof and tie it down. We store it right side up so it slides easily. I've never tried to put it on upside down except at home and that was a pain.
 
Patty again. Pat and I discovered the key for our being able to get in our kayaks was to get your caboose in first without touching the kayak with your hands---disrupts the center of gravity. Getting out, same thing, caboose last, on land or on the boat. We both use the swim step to get into the kayaks. I use the swim ladder to get out---I put one foot on the bottom rung, then pull myself out. Pat uses the belly-flop-on-the-swim-step method. Also, on shore, leave the kayak partly on the ground, not floating. Then scoot out after you are in it. All this by trial and error. Neither one of us has had a problem since figuring these methods out.
 
BaseCampAnne":ia5cit9l said:
I have read all the comments about a person getting in and out, using swim step, etc.

Do any of you have a 75 lb. dog that you can get into and out of a dinghy?

If so, please advise what you have learned.

Thanks!

Anne Cox
Click to expand...

We bought this dinghy (RU260) for our new R27. My Golden Retriever loads fine from the dock. He should be ok from the swim platform we hope as it is more level with the dinghy. Jake appears to enjoy the ride.

New%20Dinghy%20025s.jpg
 
Do any of you have a 75 lb. dog that you can get into and out of a dinghy?

If so, please advise what you have learned.
Click to expand...

Get a smaller dog? :P :wink: I'm kidding.

I've seen "ramps" used on sailboats. In fact I watched an "elderly" couple get their yellow lab onto their sailboat using one and the dog appeared "elderly" too, with a pronounced limp & a white face. The ramp appeared pretty light weight & simple; probably not wood from the looks of it. It looked something like Starboard. They motored up to the boat; the wife held the inflatable steady while her husband placed the ramp on the port side and released the life line. Fido just hobbled up. They restowed the ramp in the dighy, then went to the stern and climbed up the ladder. It appeared they had done it 100's of times.
 
Rob says this is low priority as far as our boating "must haves" but I think it looks fabulous. http://ding-ez.com/

(I actually think he enjoys the show as I flop into the dinghy or crawl my way out. There is a funny video of a woman on this page which looks a lot like my method).

Its on the list but I need to be patient as I just whined my way to the small window airconditioner. :)

Mary McClain
 
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