|
[ Return to Contents
| Post a Reply
| Post a new message
]
LiL' Boats that could...
Posted by Brian Richardson on Apr 01 2004
10’6” is a pretty small dinghy/tender craft - That said some of these sport boat inflatables are moderately to even effectively seaworthy.
When I had my older model (it would be some 28+ years old today if I still had it) 12’ Avon w/ skinny tubes and a 25 HP prop plus 4 HP back-up… I made all kinds of trips way out into the PWS and islands. Dear, bear, fish, and no people back then. Mmm mmm mmm! This is in the days of map, compass, and self-reliance. I used plastic laminated sea charts, a grease pencil, my Dad’s trusty Coast Guard compass of 1950s vintage, the first of the Casio waterproof digital watches, and 1Gumby suit for the rough days. Later on I used the advance tech of the day a handheld ELT so Mom would not worry. I was for the most part what you’d describe as an exploratory yet decidedly capable boy).
With forecasting, vhf, GPS, Sat phones… Drysuites, 4 stoke outboards… on and on – I see no problem at all going out to sea in you lil’ bitty boat. Most of what I read here is doom saying. Technology is a great assistance when you recognize how to use it appropriately and under demands. I will say it should not be the foremost dependency or even a replacement for good decision-making.
Tiny craft are used in PWS all the time…. Dinghies like yours, sea-kayaks and sit on tops, ultra-light sailboats, personal watercraft (jet skis)… go just as far as most of the big guys. I’ll have to admit not as comfortable as a roof over your head, but straightforwardly capable of getting you out to some super spots.
You’ll get the best comments from tenders… They’ll look at ya and go - what tender are you off of? Thinking you came from the next bay over.
The greatest guidance I can give you on equipment is go heavy on the HP engine and a 4 stroke for any given skiff size. This will help you get across open stretches much faster, and before weather abruptly changes catching you out in the open. You will also get way better gas mileage… less weight on gas, more space, less mess, fewer tank changes… all and all far more efficient and reliable.
The next is learning ahead of time the straight-line, point-to-point protected havens. Mark them on GPS for waypoints before launching off and make additions en route “with notes” incase you have to go in on wind driven, misty rain, fog with waves or all of the mentioned in darkness. *Really key because in your size boat you’ll need to land it to wait/camp/hunt/hike/whatever.
Lastly, is to bring all you’d necessitate for a couple days stay (yep, even a rig to catch rockfish if need be). You have to prepare gear and arrange in your mind that conditions will change out to sea - sit the bad, sketchy, or unfamiliar weather/seas out and observe sound judgment – no pun at all intended.
Go out by all means and give it a try - I would cam strap in all gear and gas. I’d take good oars (not Wal-mart specials… just buy a lot of candy there). I would make some effort or expenditure to make a spray skirt for most of the boat. Take a look at waterproof storage. Invest in dependable communication and GPS *Make it so it can be carried in a protective box but also be transferred to on your person “waterproofed” – it’s available today so why not. Think about getting a dry-suit with feet.
Best wishes –
Brian Richardson
EXPLORE WHERE FEW HAVE BEEN BEFORE!
http://www.northernrim.com
1-800-616-RAFT
Previous: Boating Out of Whittier Kenaimike Mar 31 2004
Next: Thanks Kenaimike Apr 01 2004
 Message Thread:
|
