Carrying a dinghy on a marlin ?

[PNWMarlin28]

i'm trying to figure out how I can carry a dinghy on my marlin. Top seems obvious but there's lots of antennas, radar, etc. up there... do I just need to relocate them or is there another option someone has used ?

 

[Buffalo Btms]

Working on machining a bracket for two rod holder bases on one side that will carry two kayaks or two mountain bikes. Dinghy likely too wide for that sort of bracket.

Hate asking this, but here goes, what is the size of your dinghy? :/

Is it possible to secure upfront on the bow?

 

[Fishtales]

pia. I went with the smallest rollup I could find and an early 1970s 4ph 2 stroke ob. stored up front when traveling. I also inflate in the boat and toss overboard for long trips. either way or on hardtop it isn't easy.

 

[PNWMarlin28]

thanks guys. don't actually have the dinghy yet but thinking i'd like something that would hold 3-4 (two adults/two kids) .
was wondering if i'd have to inflate it instead of carrying it inflated.

 

[fsc60]

Heres what I did
Came out great
Then I Bought an Express
Still have the brackets

 

[hinmo]

Great Question....I have been wondering the same. I suppose a rollup stored in the cockpit or on the bow might be ok (with a small OB). Anyone tow a rollup? looks treacherous

 

[drbatts]

I have been toying with the same issues and options on my 305. I think a bracket on top of the stern fish box is probably the best way to go. I used a small roll up on my 265 which I would inflate and deflate which was a PIA. I did tow it once at 25 knts (empty) I used the setup and rope you would for a tube, and it actually tracked well behind the boat. Will a small inflatable fit in the walkway to the bow on a marlin? I have seen this done on other boats.

 

[GradyChris]

I just bought a inflatable roll up dinghy for my 272 Sailfish...the plan is to really only use it when we are somewhere without launch service or at a dock.
I'm actually testing it out tonight in the yard to see how easy it is to inflate/deflate (I did buy a rechargeable battery pump to help with this)

We are on a 315 mile cruise starting next wknd so likely plan to keep it up on the deck (in the bag) when underway (if not in the aft cabin)
I don't think it is something I would attempt to tow at cruise speed for fear of it getting swamped or filling up with water

 

[Comfortably Numb]

I just purchased a Zodiac Cadet 230 Aero (high pressure air floor) and Yamaha F2.5. They both store neatly (including oars, aluminum seat, and air pump) inside a Yeti 350 that I keep on the deck of my Express 330.

I have not had a chance to use the inflatable yet, so I do not know how difficult it will be to inflate or deflate, roll and store again, but it's a very neat and tidy way to store the boat so far. The Yeti also has a padlock to lock it closed, and I can lock the cooler to the gunwale of the Grady when I am away from the boat.

Since the Yeti weighs 89 lbs empty, the boat, motor and cooler combined have to weigh close to 240 lbs, so locking it to the gunwale is probably unnecessary.

 

[Fishtales]

even the small rollups are a pia. you have to inflate and then toss overboard. then pass the engine and all the gear. just not worth it if you ask me. the boat is too small to keep it on inflated, hardtop not made to handle it. I guess up front but then your view is impacted.

 

[Comfortably Numb]

I bought the boat to use when anchoring overnight in a mooring field, or to power up to a restaurant dock that cannot accommodate a larger boat


This boat weighs just 53lbs. The aft portion of the hardtop should have no problem supporting it, if I turn it upside down and tie it down sideways. If not, then I’ll have to throw it in the cockpit or deflate and store it back in the yeti

 

[Fishtales]

I thought that too until I did it a dozen times. Gets old fast.

 

[Comfortably Numb]

I thought that too until I did it a dozen times. Gets old fast.

I can see that being the case, but I have a specific trip in mind where a dinghy is essential.
If it’s that big a PITA, then I’ll list it on Craigslist after the trip

 

[lahillier]

I can see that being the case, but I have a specific trip in mind where a dinghy is essential.
If it’s that big a PITA, then I’ll list it on Craigslist after the trip

Did you end up keeping it? I’m looking at the similar Zodiac.

 

[DaveHempstead]

I may have a solution for carrying my dinghy on my 235. The dinghy is small (8 feet) and has no motor, but meets my needs. I used 1" PVC pipe, going into the rod holders, and resting on the rear cleats.
(since I took the first picture, I added a 2nd cross pipe sitting on the storage bins, just to provide extra support)

 

[loubeer]

I agree that a roll-up is a pain in the ass, but it seems that all options on smaller boats are a PITA. I did the following for both my Marlin and then my 330. I purchased an 8'8" Achilles LSI in 2002 (minimal use and still going strong), featuring a high-pressure floor and air keel - very happy with the performance and weight saving. Two adults and two kids OK for short jaunts to shore. I transport the dinghy in a cockpit corner. I have a stern mount on my transom for a Yamaha 4hp four stroke. I take a 110 volt inflator and top off the pressures with the foot pump. When I take the family to Catalina, we inflate the dinghy on the stern top deck, toss it in the water and then mount the outboard - about 30 to 40 minutes. It takes two adults to best accomplish this, but they're with me anyway. Reverse process when leaving, but deflation goes much quicker. Over the years, I've got it down and it's well worth the effort. All the adults, kids and grandkids have and still enjoy dinghy adventures.