Re this: On 10/18/23 11:28, Dave Scobie wrote: ...
IMO get a small kayak. IMO folding is problematic as it still is HUGE to put below. IMO just expect to tow the kayak at all times.
I used a friend's rec kayak (Perception Carolina 12) as dinghy for a multi-day trip to Waldo lake (OR) some years back. As long as you can get in & out OK it works well. That is *not* a beginner move, from sailboat cockpit to kayak cockpit or vice versa! And of course then you have a kayak to cruise around in, much more versatile & efficient than a dinghy for exploring sounds, inlets, shorelines, rest of the lake when wind is down, etc. Waldo is a great paddling lake as well so the combo of M17 and kayak was splendid. That particular kayak by the way is a great option for dinghy use (speaking as an experienced kayaker and paddle-sports instructor), it is beginner-friendly but paddles decently as well, not a barge like a lot of 'compromise' rec kayaks. It's been in production for decades so you can sometimes find them used for a good price. Very durable. Towed fine for me. Downside of a one-person kayak is, you can't carry more than one person. And other hauling is limited to what can be fit in the hatches and/or any extra space in kayak cockpit. If you want two person capacity and/or easier loading of gas, groceries, dog, etc., look for the rec kayaks with very long wide open cockpits, typically 12-14 ft long, that have two seats or can be switched between one and two seats. Someone here has posted they use one of those and it works well for them... The Origami is about 6 ft. x 6 inches x 15 inches folded, which for an M17 is not that hard to stow. It will go on the quarter berth, or under the cockpit sole, doesn't have to be on the V-berth. cheers, John -- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com