Nesting Dinghies

[ZendoDeb]

Am finally getting ready to start boat-building after a few set backs.  I want to start with a dinghy. I need one from my sailboat, the price is right, and I want to try something small.  The epoxy doesn't scare me but I want to use it as a chance to learn how to get a "showroom finish" on the final product.

I am looking at several designs including some of your nesting designs.  (I have to take another set of measurements to be sure what I can carry on deck.  I am pretty sure I can carry a nesting dinghy... the cutter rig is nice, but it limits room on the foredeck.)

Anyway, my question is about how strong they are.  While I don't intend to use it in horrible weather, when you are cruising you use the dinghy as you use your car at home.  Sometimes you have to go out in bad weather. I am concerned that they will separate where the 2 sections are joined.  How is this joint typically held together and what has the experience been with them?  Probably will build something like one of the Catspaw pram-style dinghies to maximize capacity per unit length.

[Hirilonde]

I don't find strength to be an issue at all.  I use my Spindrift just as you propose to use a dinghy.  My S9N is the tender to a Pearson Renegade.  The only difference is that mine sails as well.  The 5 bolt system that comes with the design for joining the halves is simple and I'm sure very strong.  I went with 3 brackets and 2 bolts in a design modification developed by the forum's very own Garry.  The brackets weren't developed to improve strength, but for convenience in assembly.

It would seem you are looking at the right designs for your needs.  Whether you choose a Catspaw for the slightly extra capacity/length or the Spindrift for better movement through the water, I think you will end up quite pleased with a B&B design.

[Garry]

Here's the link for my connector design. For ultimate strength you might choose Graham's basic bolted design but I have used this design on two dinghies with no concern for failure. One was a basic rowing pram used while cruising for three years. The other was Graham's Spindrift 11N nesting design fitted with a sail rig.

Do a search here for comments from others who have found my connection design to be useful for ease of joining the sections together.

I have one concern. A showroom finish on a cruising dinghy is not going to remain that way for long. You could be proud of it for a short while and unhappy for a long time because you won't be able to keep it that way. Start with a workmanlike finish and then you don't have to worry much about it, just keep it functional. Just my opinion.

Best wishes, Garry

[ZendoDeb]

I know the finish won't stay showroom.  But the last few painting efforts I have been painting over 1-part polyurethane.  Which limits me to using 1-part paints.

I need to get a little experience with 2 part linear paints before I undertake a large project (summer or fall).  I want to try Sterling - supposed to have been specially formulated for rolling/tipping.  I also may be able to borrow an LPHV spray system and an air respirator.  I really want to try spraying Algrip or Imron.  The dinghy project is the perfect test bed, because while I want it to look good, I don't really care all that much about the looks of final result.  I do care about the sturdiness of the dink.

Thanks for the info.  I still am considering options.  I would like a Spindrift, but I think space-on-deck is going to dictate a small dinghy, and load requirements will probably push me to a pram.