New to RIBS

[John Suncat]

I am looking for a tender for my small 18 foot sail boat. I saw one that fits the bill but did not get a mfg. I need it to be light, at 70# or so, and short to fit only two adults with oars or a small OB.
Also available in Canada or Northern USA.
The one I saw had an alminium hull so it was light. The distinguishing feature on it was a tube welded vertically on the bow to atach the tow line.
An suggestions?
Thanks
John

[prairie tuber]

Welcome John,

A couple of things come to my mind that might make a suitable, compact tender for an 18' sailboat. If you want to keep space requirements to an absolute minimum, something that can be paddled reasonably efficiently may be the way to go.

Perhaps a good quality folding canoe such as an ally canoe;

http://www.allycanoes.com/canoemodels.htm

Or a narrow paddleabale 2 person inflatable such as this;

http://www.orcainflatables.ca/en/pro..._crocodile.php

Or, if you want something similar, but offers the option to use a small outboard, ARK makes the Fishduc

http://www.ark.co.za/html/crocoduc.html

Or if you want something truly superlight, there is the Alpacka Dory which is suposed to fit 2 people at under 6 lbs;

https://www.alpackaraft.com/store/in...D=69&do=detail

[John Suncat]

Would really like a rib for the ability to handle some waves and an OB. I have a two person kayak now but it is harder to get into and out of when beside the sailboat. A RIB would be easier to step into. 70-80 pounds is ok. in 7-8 foot length.
Hard bottom is hard to find in that size and fiberglass is heavy so Aluminiun looks like the best option. I saw Swift in Austrailia but not sure if there is a dealer in Canada or US.
Any other suggestions.
Thanks
John

[prairie tuber]

Are you planning to tow it behind or store it on the boat?

While I can't find it one their website, you can gat a small Zebec built boat with a rigid aluminum hull that looks to be under 10' long. I know this because the local dealer here in winnipeg has one kicking around. I don't know how much it weighs or what it costs, but here is his contact info;

http://www.zebecboats.com/manitoba.htm

I believe polaris boats in BC also offer a rigid hulled anluminum tender that is about 10' long, but it is a little heavier than you had mentioned.

[John Suncat]

I will be towing it. So 80 pounds is ok. I will check out that site.