Inflatable sailboats like Ducky or MiniCat

the_amazing_raisin

Hi folks, looking for some advice or experience that other people have

I'd like to get back into sailing but don't have the space to keep a boat and don't really want to go to the trouble of hiring a shed to store it in

I was recently looking at some inflatable boats like a Minicat and they seem like a good potential option

Mainly I'm looking for something that's big enough that I could bring my family out (2 adults, 2 kids) but small enough that I can just about handle it myself

I've no interest in racing or performance sailing so speed and hydrodynamics aren't a huge concern

I would only be going for inshore day sails in good weather. Obviously weather can be unpredictable but my instinct would be to cancel and head home if things are looking suspicious

Those plus the requirements for portability and compact storage have led me to the world of inflatable boats.

I'm aware there are drawbacks compared to a rigid hull, however I think for my usage they'll be fine

Minicat seems the most popular option here but I was quite interested in Ducky boats, particularly the Ducky 16 which seems to fit the size requirements I'm going for

I'm wondering has anyone any experience with Ducky and inflatable catamarans in general and could tell me what they thought about them?

the_amazing_raisin

I should mention I would primarily be sailing off the east coast around north Dublin, probably not going to head around the Fastnet rock in an inflatable 😅

AndyBoBandy

I have a 28ft fixed keel cruiser/racer, and with myself, and an inexperienced OH and a 10yo son, days we can get out are fairly seldom (weekends, weather/wind probably less than 15-17kts……) so couldn’t imagine going anywhere near the open sea in an inflatable…. Would the estuary in Malahide be an option as it’d be a much safer option!!!

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123621756#Comment_123621756

Malahide is definitely an option as I'm pretty close to there. I'd definitely be sticking to inshore sailing anyways as I'm the only one with any experience or training

Weirdly the knowledge that I'd only get out some weekends actually makes the inflatable boats more appealing. I'd feel a bit frustrated having a boat taking up space in a yard or sitting on a mooring when I don't get many chances to use it