Wet-Butt Kayaks

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Boat Tech, Dingy, Kayaks

We really like our 8′ inflatable dinghy and 2hp Honda outboard, but when Costco started giving these kid’s kayaks away for $80 each we took a look.

We’re right at the rated weight limit, and they’re not rated for much, but the kayaks are only 6.5′ long and under 25#.

Well, it turns out they’re great. They’re probably too unstable for fishing or long voyages, but they’re a great way to get to shore or do a little exploring in an anchorage.

Clearly, though, we’re right at the weight limit.

The decks are awash.

It occurs to me that the “Wet-Butt” appellation may be considered vulgar. Please feel free to substitute “Semi-Submersible.”

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Bright Water Deck Pictures

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Boat Tech, Center Cockpit, Deck Space, Dingy, Dingy Mount, Engine, Sails, Solar Panels

The Genoa.

The fully-battened main.

We store the dingy on deck during passages.

With the solar panels stowed, there’s lots of clear, secure deck area for fishing.

But there’s still plenty of room with the solar panels open.

The view aft from the high and dry center cockpit.
The dingy makes a great davenport.

Clean, wide-open engine install.

Panoramic view of engine room, showing systems and workbench.

Ripples.

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Achilles, Cal 2-46, Dingy, Hypalon, Inflatable Floor

“We throw rocks in the ocean just to see the splash,” Uncle Ned said.  “Then we watch the ripples spread.  We’re boys.  It’s what we do.” – Jimi and Isaac 2a: Keystone Species.  Phil Rink (Unpublished) (Un-actually-written-yet)

On our trip to the Caribbean with the kids, we had the world’s best dingy: 10.5 feet of AB Hypalon RIB with a 15 Hp Merc 2-stroke outboard.  Fast, stable, rock-solid.

Also heavy and hard to move around.

For this boat, for this ocean, for just Nancy and I, we need something lighter so we don’t hurt ourselves.  This is what we found:

It’s an Achilles Hypalon high pressure inflated floor dingy.  Much smaller (2.6 m), but only 66 pounds, and the inflatable floor and keel are stiff enough that it planes with Nancy and I with a 2 hp Honda outboard.  The four-stroke Honda only weighs 35 pounds and is bulletproof.  Nancy and I will be able to carry the whole thing up the beach, instead of dragging it or using awkward wheels.

Clearly it’s pretty full with three people, and four people will be really full, but the French overload dinghys all the time, so it must be OK.  Plus, wet butts are more or less OK if the water is warm.  Warm water and sunshine is the key.

Plus, it’s got a cool name, and a cool logo.