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AS POTENTIAL TENDERS FOR A MARSHALL 22 I AM CONSIDERING AN ACHILLES 8′ 10″ FIBERGLASS HULL INFLATABLE, AN 8′ FATTY KNEES DINGHY, OR A 7′ 10″ STUR-DEE HARBORMASTER DINGHY. I AM NOT AS AGILE AS I USED TO BE. ANY AND ALL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS APPRECIATED. MOST INTERESTED IN TOWING/ROWING ATTRIBUTES, AND STABILITY AND EASE OF MOVING BETWEEN TENDER AND MOTHER SHIP. THANKS
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I’ve used an Zodiac cadet aero floor inflatable and a Dyer sailing dinghy.
The Zodiac didn’t scratch the topsides and is solid to stand on when transferring into and out of. It is also the right height for a Marshall 22. But rowing is not easy and you will want a motor. Another plus is the two towing rings. I attached a line from each ring to the two stern cleats on my M22 and towed the Zodiac with a 5 HP gas engine. I also towed the dinghy without the engine across Block Island Sound for 18 miles in 30 knot winds. The short double towing lines kept it stable and the drain hole in the transom continuously emptied rain and spray.
The Dyer is traditional, easy to row, and fun to sail. Unless you put a canvas cover over the wooden gunwale rail, it will scratch your hull. It dips down when you transfer in and out. It collects spray and rain and you will have to climb into it to bail the water out. Easy to do in calm water, but something to avoid in rough weather when water is coming in and it is heavy to tow.
Why don’t you borrow some dinghies from people and decide which kind is better for your needs?
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