Sailing Dinghy for roof rack of Motorhome

[mattrosersv]

Anybody stick a sailing dinghy on top of their motorhome?

I am looking to get one to start getting my 3 yr old into sailing. Something like a mirror would be ideal, however, this will be too heavy for me to get on top on the Motorhome with the aid of the Mrs. I also need to consider that I will have to drag the thing to and from the beach.

Have toyed with the idea of a folding, or inflatable dinghy. The motorhome does have a garage so an inflatable jobby might be ideal although I don't suppose they are the best sailors.

The other option I am considering is a Topper, but budget (ideally 500 max, although could go more) dictates the old GRP hull which again may be too heavy (need to check this out).

I also have a small yacht so it would be good if there was an option that would also be viable to tow behind the boat.

I am not sure there is anything out there that would fit both roles - any suggestions..?

Matt

[Fishtigua]

If you remember the old Tinker sailing dinghy, a newer one seems to be on the market now. Out of your budget, but seems nice.

http://www.dinghygo.com/product/

This is on E-bay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tinker-Foldaway-Rib-sail...

[Chrisgr31]

Wouldn't it be easier to get a towbar and tow it bennd the motorhome?

[mattrosersv]

Well... That is an option I am considering, however, this then becomes another thing to store somewhere (my drive/garage is already full of TVRs a Land Rover and motorbikes , hence having something that can stow in or atop the van would be the ideal.

Also, my grand plan is a trailer to tow my TVR behind the caravan for family outings.

I had seen the Tinkers and I think this is the way I'll go, just need to up the budget to get a good one.

Cheers,

Matt

[Chrisgr31]

You could get a dual level trailer for the TVR, car underneath, boat on top! Mind you might need to purpose made/adapted!

[Bill]

I did (briefly) consider trying to get a canoe onto the roof of our MH but settled for an inflatable. Getting it up there is the main issue, but total load and having that much weight that high are probably as much of a problem.

[mattrosersv]

Hi Bill,

I am not too worried about total load (I have plenty to spare) and anything that goes on the roof I have to get up there myself without too much difficulty hence a Mirror is out.

Interesting point about the impact of adding weight up high though. I am now looking at either an inflatable, or a folding type dinghy.

Matt

[Burrow01]

You should be able to get a reasonable Topper for around £500, one we used to own has just been sold for £550.

Depends how strong you are to get it onto the roof, but I do see quite a few motorhomes with them up there.

[chopper602]

Normally when you tow a dinghy, the mast sits high above the tow car out of the way. That's not really going to be possible with a motorhome, as it would have to be REALLY high . . .

[size13]

chopper602 said:

Normally when you tow a dinghy, the mast sits high above the tow car out of the way. That's not really going to be possible with a motorhome, as it would have to be REALLY high . . .

You're allowed a 1m overhang so I used to just get away with sticking mine out the back with a florescent rag on it. I'm going to get an extension pole for the mast support to make it higher as I was pushing it at about 1.5m overhang from an RS400

Back to the OP though, a topper should be fine, even the older ones. You're only issue is getting it up there!

[mattrosersv]

Thanks All. A topper would be a good option, I might try and find some kind soul with a Topper locall to see if I can get it up there easily enough. Will have to check length of mast, Motorhome is 7.5 m long so I don't think it will be a major issue.

The big gripe, of course, is finding somewhere to park right by a beach to avoid lugging it for miles. I was down in Swanage at the weekend which would have been perfect but for the 'cars and motorbikes only' parking along the coast.

Interestingly and slightly off topic .. there was a camper parked up there for most of the day without a ticket. I wonder how they enforce this (My camper is registered as PLG) - might have to look into this a bit further..

Cheers,

Matt

[Engineer1]

Topper or Lazer but be aware the cockpit of the Topper is cramped and if you are tall, large or less flexible then it can be a PITA to sail comfortably as you / the rigging are forever in the way of each other.

[Burrow01]

mattrosersv said:

Will have to check length of mast, Motorhome is 7.5 m long so I don't think it will be a major issue.

The big gripe, of course, is finding somewhere to park right by a beach to avoid lugging it for miles. I was down in Swanage at the weekend which would have been perfect but for the 'cars and motorbikes only' parking along the coast.


Cheers,

Matt

Is the Topper mast two piece - I cannot remember

As for parking by a beach, I sailed at Snettisham on the Wash last week, and there were a couple of campers at the sailing club there right by the launching area - www.snetbeach.co.uk

Rutland Water also has a campsite suitable for campervans next to it, and you can park campers in the club car park (but not stay in them overnight) - www.rutlandsc.co.uk

Edited by Burrow01 on Monday 2nd June 13:01

Edited by Burrow01 on Monday 2nd June 13:04

[size13]

Is the Topper mast two piece - I cannot remember

Yes, Topper mast is two piece and the two pieces are shorter than the hull length.

Just re-read your original post and you say a 3 year old! A topper cockpit is probably a bit shallow to safely house a 3 year old. Why not get a mirror as you thought, and tow it?
Deep hull and now need to lift on roof.

One down your way...
http://sailingdinghies.apolloduck.co.uk/display.ph...

Edited by size13 on Monday 2nd June 14:26

[Bill]

Knoll Beach at Studland is fine for campers and has a slipway.

[OneDs]

http://www.selway-fisher.com/New2001.htm#CAR

If you're handy with the tools and have some time to do it.