(Which) Dinghy for the Mac?

[Russ]

Wow, Ix, that dinghy is so nice. Sailing too!

I wish I had talent like that.

[Ixneigh]

Like the theft resistant finish?

[OverEasy]

Hi Ixneigh!

Like the theft resistant finish?

What ‘theft resistant finish?
It’s perfect!!!

It’s got real character!

I haven’t seen plans for a lengthwise two part dinghy but I have seen several crosswise two part and even three part versions….
I don’t see why a properly designed lengthwise two part dinghy wouldn’t work though and have some really nice advantages too!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Ixneigh]

The lengthwise two part version of this dinghy is an idea that I've had since I got the macgregor. It could be made very light if epoxy resin was employed. The current one tows very well at all speeds including planing speed. Its pretty heavy though since I used inexpensive resin which is not as strong and had a short potlife (not like vinylester resin)
She will carry two adults and gear. Since she tows so well, the only time I really object to not being able to put her on deck is when trailering the boat, when it is a hassle to deal with an additional burden to put in the back of the truck.
With a few minor adjustments, Id happily sail a 23 ft version of this pretty much anywhere, with an external lead ballast grounding shoe and ballasted daggerboard (400 lbs)

Ix

[OverEasy]

Hi Ixneigh!

Just a thought… Up north on our local lake an enterprising guy took two matching single place plastic sit in kayaks, added plugs to the openings (to seal them up) and bolted a plywood platform across to join them together. He uses it for several functions such as paddling, rowing and towing behind his powerboat. I don’t see why it couldn’t be adapted to sailing as well with the addition of mast/sail/keel/rudder(s).

It could be set up with quick release pins to add/remove the plywood deck. The two kayaks would fit on the foredeck of a Mac26X or Mac26M easily enough. The plywood deck could be made in two pieces about 18-to-24 inches wide to match the beam of the kayaks …

Just a thought…

I like your existing setup though as it looks roomy and stable for whatever you want to use it for!

Best Regards
Over Easy

[NiceAft]

You’re thinking small. Do it with two Macs; one and one .

[tuxonpup]

Hi Ixneigh!

Just a thought… Up north on our local lake an enterprising guy took two matching single place plastic sit in kayaks, added plugs to the openings (to seal them up) and bolted a plywood platform across to join them together. He uses it for several functions such as paddling, rowing and towing behind his powerboat. I don’t see why it couldn’t be adapted to sailing as well with the addition of mast/sail/keel/rudder(s).

It could be set up with quick release pins to add/remove the plywood deck. The two kayaks would fit on the foredeck of a Mac26X or Mac26M easily enough. The plywood deck could be made in two pieces about 18-to-24 inches wide to match the beam of the kayaks …

Just a thought…

I like your existing setup though as it looks roomy and stable for whatever you want to use it for!

Best Regards
Over Easy

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of, why would you connect two kayaks together... and not mount a sail on it!: https://www.sailboatstogo.com/content/Katamayak