Hey folks, I’ve been lurking for a few weeks while looking at dinghy options for our Catalina 27, used mostly in the San Juans and Up into BC some. My sister/boat partner built an ‘Elegant Punt’ a few years back that has served us well, but we’re looking for an upgrade. The Punt is just about as big as we would want to put on the foredeck, so it looks like we’re in line for a nesting dinghy.
Requirements (in order)
- Rows well with medium 2 adults and passably with 3, even with a bit of chop
- Sailable with 2 people and a bit of gear for practical use, fun to sail singlehand round the anchorage
- preferably stowable amidships under the boom, but at a minimum can fit on the foredeck for longer passage. Towed for shorter legs
I took some VERYYYYY rough measurements via pictures (I live 1.5 hours from the boat) and I believe there is 21” clearance between the hatch and boom. The vang gets in the way if the length is too long while stowed, so the Spindrift 9 looks to be the ticket. Bigger would be nice but I don’t want it to interfere with the main while underway.
The Ask
- Has anyone tried a spindrift in this location on a Catalina 27? Google has not been helpful.
- is there anyone within a couple hour drive of Seattle with an S9n that would be willing to let me borrow it to test both stowage on the mothership and a quick row? Compensation may include excellent company, frothy beverages, homegrown eggs, airplane rides on a later date....