How to use a dinghy on a rented yacht
Denis Korablev
  • 19.04.2021
  • 627

How to use a dinghy on a rented yacht

After graduating from the yachting school and having gained solid theoretical knowledge and practical sailing experience, you can plan your first yacht trip. What is required to make it as safe and comfortable as possible? In this article, we will try to consider the issues of organizational development of a yacht trip, namely, the use of a boat called "tuzik" or "dinghy" (from the English "dinghy").

What is a dinghy for?

Dingi can be used to:

  • To get to the shore when the depth does not allow getting close enough to it on the yacht (for example, at the anchorage);
  • Establish communication between 2 yachts when they are located at some distance from each other;
  • ОProvide assistance to a person who has fallen overboard;
  • To tow the yacht for a short distance (in calm weather);
  • Place mooring lines on a pier, shore or barrel;
  • Inspect the ship's hull for damage.

Almost any yacht, at least for some time out to sea, must have a small motorized watercraft on board in order to be able to reach the shore when anchored in the bay. The selection of new and used inflatable boats and outboard motors is very large today, and lessors are trying to purchase them so that in the end the dinghy is practical and not too expensive for the yacht owner.

Many people think that the larger the "tuzik" and the more powerful the outboard motor, the better. But this is a common misconception, since in the process of using a dinghy, many questions arise related to its storage, transportation and use. And this leads to an increase in the cost of renting a yacht. The problems of choosing an inflatable boat for a yacht (goals pursued, weight, engine power, transom reliability, bottom type, etc.) fall on the shoulders of the owner of the vessel, but vacationers need to know how to use it correctly and what rules to follow.

Today, inflatable boats are already comparable to a full-fledged motor yacht, have excellent buoyancy and reach significant speeds. Of course, speed is achieved due to the low weight of the dinghy. As a rule, if the vessel is small (up to 80 feet long), a dinghy is selected, designed for two or three passengers and one helmsman. Larger yachts use larger and more powerful boats called ribs (RIBs) as dinghy. Unlike tusik, RIBs have a hard bottom, as well as built-in steering and are designed for the largest possible number of passengers.

Dinghy can be used in any weather, however, safety precautions should not be forgotten. We will consider the recommendations for the safe use of "tuzik" a little later, but now we will deal with the issue of its storage and transportation.

Dinghy transportation during the yacht's sailing can be done in three ways:

  • when folded on board the yacht - for this, space is provided near the mast on the bow side;
  • towing on a sufficiently long and strong rope;
  • accommodation in a special garage on the yacht in the stern, which is more typical for large and expensive ships.

It is important to remember that the dinghy is always transported with the motor removed (to avoid damaging it or overturning the boat). When operating a dinghy, you must adhere to certain rules. So, after launching, you need to make sure that the compartments hold the air securely and the boat does not collect water. You also need to check the reliability of the attachment of the mooring line on both sides.

The outboard motor attaches securely to the transom and switches to operating position. After installing the outboard motor, the oars, fuel tank, scoop and rescue items are placed in the “tuzik”. And only then can you place passengers in the dinghy, having previously warned that the bottom of the boat may be wet and that you should wear suitable shoes, and also reliably hide objects that are afraid of water (for example, smartphones).

After the engine is started and warmed up, it is imperative to put on the key-check on the left hand - in the event of the boat overturning or the helmsman falling overboard, it will not allow it to move on by turning off the engine ignition.

After the trip for money comes to an end, the boat should be prepared for transportation - for this you need to turn off the engine, disembark all passengers and unload all things on board. The outboard motor is then removed and securely attached to the yacht's stern rail. The dinghy is lifted aboard using lifting equipment or tied with a mooring end from the stern (when transporting over short distances).

Safety engineering

Since an inflatable boat is usually small and unstable, safety becomes a critical issue in its operation.

Basic safety tips for using the dinghy:

  • Do not overload the boat - if there are more than 3-4 people on it, the likelihood of sea water getting inside and drowning increases;
  • It is advisable not to swap places in dinghy on the go;
  • The mass of cargo and passengers should be evenly distributed over the boat with a slight offset to the stern;
  • If any of the passengers cannot swim, it is imperative to make sure that he puts on a life jacket;
  • You need to accelerate smoothly so as not to overturn the boat;
  • Make it a rule: always put the key-check on your hand on the go;
  • Check the fuel level in the tank before landing;
  • No smoking in the boat;
  • Before disembarking, you need to carefully study the coast;
  • You cannot land on a rocky shore when there is any significant excitement;
  • Dinghy should not be used without a motor - it can be very difficult to row upwind;
  • At a shallow depth, in the presence of a large amount of algae or the likelihood of meeting dangerous pitfalls, the engine must be turned off and continue to paddle;
  • If visibility deteriorates, it is better to stay on board the yacht and in this case, you need to take care of the presence of a compass and a GPS navigator;
  • Be sure to take a charged mobile phone with you on board;
  • Agree on a return date.

Returning the yacht to the charter company

When planning travel itineraries on a rented yacht, it is necessary to take into account that a significant surcharge is assigned for being late, and the fuel tank must be fully filled upon delivery of the vessel. Typically, under the terms of the charter, the yacht must be returned by 8:00 am Saturday.

When planning your return, put things in order on the yacht, when you approach, inform about it by phone or radio - you will be met. Sometimes the approach to the berth can be greatly complicated by a strong crosswind, in this case, ask for help and an employee of the charter company will approach the yacht on a dinghy to bring it to the berth. Having received the inspection sheet, proceed with the delivery of the vessel, if there were any comments, you must inform the employee of the company about this.

If you are interested in renting or buying a yacht in any selected region - you can find out the required information and get qualified support by contacting 2yachts. Our specialists have the experience sufficient to freely navigate the yachting market and select the best offers for customers.