I have an M17 but I will claim this reply is relevant anyhow...:-) Mainly because what I am going to be using (see below) is also used by at least one Potter 15 owner, who stows it in the cabin while under way, and that cabin is a fair bit smaller than an M15 cabin. I'm building a slightly modified version of the Origami folding dinghy: http://woodenwidget.com/origami.htm Modified in that I'm basing it on the 6 ft. version but adding about half a foot - a bit more at the midline - thus making the bow a bit more vee-shaped, less blunt, which also involves changing the shape of the bow stem piece to match the sides. Some of the angles of side pieces vs bow and stern stems will be adjusted slightly so the fabric can be smooth rather than wrinkled at bow and stern. I actually like the lines and ease of the fold/collapse system of the Fliptail better: http://woodenwidget.com/fliptail.htm ...but it is bulkier (11" thicker when folded mainly), and, the designer tells me the Origami is a bit better for rowing/motoring (the Fliptail a bit better for the optional sail rig). Here's a Duckworks article by the guy who used an Origami 6 with his Potter 15: http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/projects/origami3/index.htm My slightly larger "6-plus" version will stash on one side of the V-berth in my M17. The M15 V-berth is a few inches longer even (though the companionway a bit smaller...but still bigger than a Potter 15 I think). It could also stash on the settee in an M17. I went around and around on tender/dinghy ideas for a long time and looked at a lot of options, including hardshell and inflatables. I've had experience with low end (Tahiti) and high end (Aire tandem) inflatable kayaks, and with Walker Bay dinghies, and one ride in an M-7-11 no less. So far the clever folding designs of Origami or Fliptail is the coolest option I've found. Collapses and sets up quick. Packs quite small and light for its load capacity. Stows on board, don't have to tow. And I can put my Honda 2.3hp auxiliary on it if I really want to zip around fast...! If I were going with a hardshell, I'd probably go with a Portage Pram (the modern version, kit or plans built): http://www.duckworksbbs.com/category-s/463.htm Or possibly the CLC Eastport ultralight: https://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/rowboats/dinghies/eastport-ultralight-di... ...but the Portage Pram seems just a bit more of everything for the size and weight. I'll report on the Origami in late spring/early summer when I get it finished and do some sea (well, lake to start with) trials. cheers, John On 11/29/2018 05:57 PM, Rusty Knorr via montgomery_boats wrote:
Just curious what the M-15 sailors here are using for a tender. In Puget Sound your really need one because anchorages are rugged and rocky and beaching is a challenge or impossible. Please share your thoughts, experiences, opinions, etc. M-17’s need not apply! (Unless you also have an M-15. 😜)
Rusty
www.rustyknorr.weebly.com
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