Posted by Alex Forbes on July 03, 2011 at 11:17:47 user Pitsligo.
In Reply to: Re: Folding Boat (semi) posted by Tom Napier on July 03, 2011 at 08:58:03:
16'5" is a fair bit smaller than my 18'11", but no, 80 lbs isn't light, that's for certain, and yes, she'd definitely be an awkward piece to stow (ugh, indeed). With a sling rove from the gaff, and with the assistance of the peak halyard, I think getting her over the side and back aboard isn't as daunting as it might be --but then, as you point out, there's getting her below for stowage. I don't want to diminish the effort, certainly, but I think it is workable. I'm also considering lightening up her scantlings, from 3/8" ply to 5/16", perhaps lighter for the sides, with stiffer rub- and inwales, perhaps "chine logs" to match, to compensate. There is much to think about --and I haven't yet started "lofting" her, let alone bought the wood; I'm still in the thinking stage.
The only thing that makes the project attractive --the only thing that, I expect, makes *any* folding dinghy attractive-- is the lack of other stowage options. It is simply not practical to stow a solid tender on the deck of a 19' sloop while under way. As for inflatables, I've used them enough to know I hate them; they are absolutely not an acceptable tender for me.
I have for years towed my beloved 9' dinghy on our voyages, out of loyalty (she was my first boat), out of fondness for her handling, and out of the need for a tender. But she has a couple times now almost cost me my ship and, in doing so, once came close to costing me my life. That is on the extreme end of the nuisance spectrum of towing a tender, of course, but having experienced it, I would like to avoid it in the future. Hence, my research into folders.
A modified Handy Andy (bow cut back to make her a pram, lighter scantlings, etc.) is the current best option. If Berthon happens to have plans for a small folding tender, I think the photos I've found of the type look very sharp, and I'd sacrifice a little (*little*) ease of handing to have a design so pleasant to the eye.
Those are my thoughts thus far.
Alex