Boat to shore transport ('packraft'?)

[Paul Flint]

I live in Cumbria but have been enjoying sailing my CC19 on the Orwell and Stour, where anchoring or mooring to a buoy was fun but did not lend itself to being able to go ashore for walks, provisions, etc. It was like being in a castle surrounded by a moat.

Does anyone use a small craft to get to and from the shore when exploring coastlines? One thought I have is to acquire a 'packraft' (in preference to a SUP, for example), as they can be packed and stored in a relatively small bag and able to carry a reasonable amount of kit. Not intended by me, for long distances, but to typically as a ferry over few hundred metres. Ideas welcome.

Here's a link to an article about 'packrafts'. https://inflatablekayaksandpackrafts.com/packrafts/

Many thanks.

Paul

[bellalistair]

Hi Paul,

You will not be surprised to learn that a whole array of small craft get used for CC19 tenders. On the annual rally gatherings I have seen,
- Larger traditional tenders towed
- Inflatable dedicated tenders rowed and one with a 2-stroke outboard
- Inflatable canoe
- Swimming!
- and we have an Aldi beech style inflatable which was bought as an easily obtainable short term fix but has been in occasional use for several years now.
and probably something else I've forgotten,

The space under the cockpit can provide quite a large area for stowage.

All have their advantages and disadvantages, take your pick! The only thing I will say is make sure if inflatable you have a good pump, stirrup hand pumps tend to be better than foot pumps particularly when inflating in the cockpit.

Cheers,
Alistair

[Paul Flint]

Hi Alistair

Many thanks for some very useful thoughts. The world is almost my oyster, it seems, when it comes to options!

Critical things, for me, are the ability to pack the tender into a very small space, a boat that isn't too tippy when in use, and for an inflatable not too awkward to inflate (your point about choice of pumps is well made).
I think I'll draw the line at swimming, particularly if carrying a can of fuel!

I'll try a couple of options and let the forum know, in due course, what I have found to work for me.

Thanks again for responding, Pul.

[Andrew Scullion]

We found the inflatable canoe to be an excellent solution.
Note that they do vary greatly in quality and one which is not the cheap fabric type that stays wet is a serious investment.
10 years ago we invested in a Gumotex Palava Canoe and it has performed very well so I can highly recommend those.
We could carry all four crew ashore and return with some supplies without getting wet and this packs down to fit under the front bunk with loads of room for other kit on top.

[Paul Flint]

As an update, my Anfibio Rebel packraft has proved to be a useful and practical one person tender (2 people versions of packrafts are available) using a kayak-style paddle that splits into two to stow. A £10 pump from the local ironmongers, intended for air beds, etc, is a practical method of inflating (and deflating when valve reversed) the packraft in the relatively cramped cockpit, and much easier to use than the inflation airbag that comes with the craft. Tricky to paddle over any distance in wind more than F3-4. They take up very little space when packed away. So far, a good compromise.