Advantages

• Ease of Handling

  Most dinghies can be moved, rigged, launched, and sailed controllably, even by a child. Walker Bay dinghies even have a built in wheel on the keel so one person can move them easily on land.

• Stability

  Tiny and light, dinghies are sensitive when you step into them, but their hull shape adds stability when you are positioned and underway. Walker Bay RIDs, however, with their inflatable sides, are very stable always.

• Versatility

  Those that can be rowed, motored, or sailed, are often selected as a tender for a larger boat—because of their versatility. Some dinghies are designed just to be sailed and have a specific purpose and audience in mind: the Optimist for small children, the Super Snark for entry-level sailors.

• Car-top ability

  Most dinghies can be car-topped. Ease depends on the weight and width of the dinghy, the size/type of the car, and the rack you are using. Sailing dinghies designed to carry 3 adults are rarely easily car-topped and often trailered.

• Non-intimidating

  Dinghies are cute. Cute is not scary.

Keep in Mind

Dinghies are small and lightweight. Are you? Will you have enough leg and head room when sailing? Will you be content sitting on the narrow rail? If you are tall or heavy, you may have to sit on the floor. Will you be comfortable there?

When sailing a dinghy, how agile you are is also important. You'll need to respond fast—and with the right amount of weight shift. Too much weight moved in a wrong direction can cause a quick capsize.

Caution

When dinghies capsize, they fill with water and need to be bailed with a bucket or scoop. Attach one with a line to your boat.

Dinghies are great fun for kids, agile adults, and young at heart.