difference between dinghy and yacht

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

Everything fun you can do from your yacht

Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat

January 7, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 5 Comments

At anchor, a dinghy boat serves as your lifeline to everything from leisurely excursions to provisioning trips. Every captain or crew will use their dinghy differently, so it’s essential to consider what features and functions are important to you.

Do you plan to explore remote areas away from anchor? Do you plan to fish, snorkel, or dive from the dinghy? How many people will you need to carry at once? Every aspect should play into your decision.

Below, we cover the following to help you choose a dinghy that’s right for your boat:

• Key Factors to Consider
• Types of Dinghies
• Outboard Motors

General Information and Tips

What should i consider before buying a dinghy for my boat.

Make the following considerations before purchasing a dinghy for your boat: 

• DInghy Storage 
• Carrying Capacity
• Use of the Vessel

Dinghy Storage

Storage should be a defining factor when purchasing a dinghy for your boat. There are several common ways to store a dinghy, but not all storage is suitable for every vessel. A rigid dinghy will need enough space to be tied on the deck or at the back of the boat, while you can stow an inflatable dinghy in lockers or lazarettes.

Regardless of where you choose to keep your dinghy on the boat, it should be in a location that does not reduce drag, restrict access to important areas, or prevent easy access for storage and use.

The most common options are:

• Dinghy Davits
• On-Deck 
• Locker 

Davits: Permanently installed at the stern of the boat, davits are used to store, deploy, and retrieve your dinghy from the water. Davit storage is standard for any dinghy that’s too heavy to manually lift in and out of the water. Although storage on dinghy davits is convenient, it poses a risk when sailing through heavy seas. Large waves and wind can cause the dinghy to flood while in transit, and the weight can damage the stern of the boat or the davits.

On-Deck: Some people choose to tie the dinghy upside-down at the bow, stern, or side of the boat. For this to be an option, you need sufficient unused space on the deck, and you need to be sure that the dinghy is not interfering with any important pathway or area on the boat. 

Swim-Step: Boats with an elevated swim-step can accommodate a dinghy at the boat’s stern as long as it’s elevated far enough out of the water. Keep the dinghy tied aerodynamically and tilted so that it doesn’t fill with water. 

Locker: Roll-up inflatable dinghies are easily deployed and retrieved from the water by hand, and they can be deflated and stored in a locker anywhere onboard. 

Towed: For nearshore journeys in calm conditions, you can easily pull the dinghy behind your boat. Be careful, though, as high speeds and choppy seas can cause a dinghy to flip in the water.

Dinghy Carrying Capacity

If you’re sailing with multiple crew or passengers, you will want a dinghy that can carry the same amount of people. Making numerous trips from ship to shore will not only cost you time, but it will also run up fuel costs. Further, you’ll want extra room for luggage, provisions, recreational gear, and anything else that may find its way onto your boat. 

The handling in your dinghy can become problematic when loaded beyond capacity, so use caution – especially in rough seas. Safety should always be a top priority, so the goal is to aim for the biggest dinghy you can get without sacrificing too much storage space.  

Dinghy Material

Rigid dinghies are most commonly made of fiberglass or aluminum, but you can opt for a more classic wooden design as well. The material will partially dictate where the dinghy can be stored and the need for equipment such as dinghy davits. While fiberglass hulls are cheaper than aluminum, they also come with the burden of a heavier weight. Alternatively, aluminum hulls will outlast their fiberglass counterparts, but for a higher price. Overall, rigid dinghies can withstand wear-and-tear better than inflatables, although routine maintenance is required.

Inflatable dinghies are kept afloat using tubes surrounding the boat’s hull, commonly made of either PVC or CSE. CSE, or “Hypalon,” is a synthetic rubber material that is highly resistant to chemicals, UV light, extreme temperatures, and abrasion. CSE is a lot like PVC, but it’s lighter and has more UV and water-resistant properties. It’s also more abrasion resistant, making it ideal for taking to shore. CSE offers a longer service life and a more extended warranty, although again at a higher cost. The most common complaint you’ll hear about CSE is the rate at which the air escapes from the tubes. On average, CSE tubes lose about 15% of their air within 24 hours, while PVC loses under 7%.

PVC is an excellent alternative to the more durable CSE, as the material still offers a reasonable service life at a lower cost. PVC is also much lighter, more convenient to fold, and easier to clean than CSE. The biggest potential problem with PVC is simple neglect and lack of maintenance. If cared for properly, modern PVC materials can last long enough to justify not paying the higher costs for CSE. 

For some excellent tips on maintaining your inflatable dinghy, check out Sail Magazine’s Tender Choices article , here.

How You’ll Use The Dinghy

The last factor to consider is how you intend to use the vessel. Will you be traveling long distances from anchor? Exploring remote locations? How many people do you need to transport? Do you need special features to accommodate scuba diving and fishing? You should do as much research as you can to ensure that you’re buying a tender that suits your needs while staying within your budget. Below, we discuss the difference between each type of dinghy – and who each is best suited for.

Types of Dinghies 

Choosing the right type of dinghy for you and your boat will require some careful thought. Your dinghy is your primary source of transportation between journeys, and you’ll want to make sure that your purchase is fitting for your immediate and future needs.

The three most common types of dinghies are:

Rigid Boats

Inflatable boats, rigid inflatable boats (rib).

Hard-body (rigid) dinghies are among the simplest styles of tender, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Rigid dinghies are sufficient for those who don’t need to travel long distances or through rough conditions. However, more and more people are moving to inflatables or semi-inflatables for their wide range of abilities when needed. 

When considering if a rigid dinghy is right for you, think hard about the material each is built with. For the hull specifically, the materials will affect the price, durability, and cosmetics of the vessel, as well as the weight and ability to transport. Most rigid dinghies are constructed with fiberglass, aluminum, or wood and have a lower carrying capacity than inflatables. They also have less stability when entering, exiting, and moving through the water. 

Advantages:

• Easily Propelled
• Puncture Resistant
• Outboard Compatible
• Low-Cost Option
• UV Resistant

Disadvantages:

• Easily Scratched and Blemished
• Adequate Storage Space Required

More popular than rigid dinghies and less popular than RIB’s, inflatables offer a good middle ground for those looking to compromise between cost and functionality. The large PVC or Polyurethane tubes in the front and sides of the boat are more stable than rigid vessels and allow for a higher carrying capacity due to their buoyancy. Compare those benefits with the low costs of materials, and it’s easy to see why inflatables are so popular. 

There are numerous variations of Inflatable dinghies, with the most common being:

• Soft Bottom Roll-Up
• Rigid Floor with Soft Bottom
• Soft Bottom with Rigid Transom

Dinghies with soft bottom have the widest variance in configuration. Some have rigid transoms where an outboard motor can be mounted. Some have rigid, removable floors, and some have an inflatable keel that increases the vessel’s stability and planing abilities. Other than the lower-end inflatables, though, almost all will have stable floors and a captain’s seat. Rowing is difficult in rough conditions, so inflatables are most commonly used with a 5-10 horsepower outboard.

Roll-up inflatables are easily stored, don’t take up much space, and are the lightest of all inflatable options. They also have the least to offer in functionality, and since most don’t have a rigid transom, they must be rowed by hand. Unless you only plan to use the vessel in calm conditions, you should consider dinghies with hard floors and transoms. 

Soft bottom dinghies with rigid floors and transoms are more ideal, as they can be used efficiently in a wider variety of situations. The ability to mount an outboard allows you to use the vessel in harsher conditions and travel greater distances. The rigid floors allow you to use the vessel for fishing, diving, provisioning, and more without sacrificing stability and comfort. 

• Lightest Option
• Easily Compacted and Stored
• Easily Damaged and Punctured 
• Consistent Maintenance Required
• Low Efficiency

The RIB design is a cross between a soft bottom and rigid hull and gives you the most bang for your buck in the water. The hard-bodied hull makes for a stable and damage-resistant body, while the inflatable tubes add optimal stability. The RIB design is so efficient that it’s even used by the US Military and Coast Guard. The tradeoff you make with a RIB is portability and storage, as the hull can not be taken apart or broken down. However, this can be overlooked by carefully choosing a RIB that’s right for your boat. If you’re looking to outfit your boat for scuba diving , a RIB should be pretty much your only consideration for a tender.

Rigid Inflatable Dinghies are the most popular type of dinghy for cruising sailors, and it’s easy to see why. RIBs used as dinghies are commonly between 10 and 15-feet long, with anything larger being reserved for massive yachts with dinghy garages or excess storage space. RIBs are typically stored on davits or lashed upside down somewhere on the deck of the boat. For shorter trips near shore and in calm conditions, you can tow the RIB behind the boat.

Typically, RIBs are available with either aluminum or fiberglass hulls. Aluminum is lighter and stronger than fiberglass, although you should expect to see a price tag that matches those benefits. 

• Optimal Speed, Handling, and Stability Rugged 
• Limited Storage Options

Outboard Dinghy Motors

After choosing the dinghy that’s right for you and your vessel, you’ll need to select an outboard to fit. You’ll want something powerful enough to make the dinghy plane at full capacity but also light enough to transfer to and from the dinghy‘s transom. Before making a decision, check with the manufacturer to determine the recommended power output for your intended use. 

Generally speaking, fully inflatable dinghies that measure around 10-feet in length support a 5-8 horsepower outboard, which is sufficient for the basics. For a more capable inflatable, look for a 10-25 horsepower outboard. Just be cautious, as too much power can flip a lightweight dinghy. 

Similarly, a 10-foot RIB will support a heavier engine, such as a 10-15 horsepower outboard that provides enough power for the boat to plane while carrying more than one passenger. For more capability, look for an outboard in the 20-50 horsepower range.

Either way, you’ll need to decide your dinghy’s primary purpose and buy an outboard to support it.

If it’s simply used for trips to shore in calm conditions, a lower-powered outboard will likely be sufficient. The more power you can apply, the more capable your dinghy will become. Further, the maximum power output of the engine should always exceed the recommendations for operating the dinghy at full capacity. If you have a powerful outboard, you won’t have to worry as much about overworking the engine when the boat is full. 

When determining which motor is right for you, keep in mind the storage and transportation options you have. If you need to lift the dinghy and outboard out of the water manually, it might be safe to say that the lighter the outboard’s weight, the better. If your back can handle the extra weight, though, the 4-stroke engines are far better suited for things like water sports and rough surface conditions.

Dinghy Excursion Checklist

• Check inflation levels and make sure there is no water inside the boat. If there is, look for leaks or damage.
• Ensure the boat is free of all loose lines, flags, or anything that could get caught in the boat propeller.
• Check to make sure the outboard is appropriately and securely mounted to the transom. 
• Quickly test both the forward and reverse gears to make sure everything is working as it should. 
• Test the lights on the dinghy, even if it’s still light out. 
• Check for paddles, lifejackets, first-aid kits, and dinghy repair kits.

Operating the Dinghy

• When operating the dinghy alone, clip the emergency motor stop to your clothing. If you fall overboard, your motor will stop. 
• Be cautious when using a powerful outboard. Too much power can cause a lightweight inflatable to flip or overturn. 
• Bring the dinghy upwind when returning to your boat for a more controlled approach. 
• Always use both front and rear-facing lights when operating the dinghy after dark.
• When towing the dinghy behind your boat, experiment with the length of the tow rope to find the smoothest pull.
• If there is any surf present, do not attempt to beach your dinghy.
• Use a dinghy anchor if there are large tide changes, waves, or swells present.
• Keep a dinghy repair kit on board at all times in case of small punctures or tears.
• Dinghy covers reduce UV light exposure and prolong the life of the dinghy by up to five years.
• Cosmetically, CSE doesn’t wear down for about 10 years. PVC begins to look rough after only a few.
• Consider where you intend to use your dinghy. Will it be in locations with high swells, rocky shores, and cold water? If so, consider a more rugged and damage-resistant material.
• Before purchasing a dinghy, visit a few boat shows, and read user reviews. You want to be comfortable making a purchase, and having first-hand resources to chat with is the best way to feel confident about your decision. 
• Keep your dinghy insured separately in case of incidents that happen away from your yacht.
• Dinghies and their outboard motors are common targets of theft, so be sure to lock up both whenever possible.

When choosing a dinghy for your cruising lifestyle, it’s important to know exactly how to buy a new or used boat  and what considerations should be prioritized. 

Join the #BoatLife community and contribute to our new forum! Get a new conversation started, or use your experience to address existing posts.

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list.

For direct questions and comments, shoot me an email at [email protected]

Sharing is caring!

Reader Interactions

July 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

I have one for my canoe, my dinghy, and my power boat So, the next time you see a 5 year old boat in Seabridge marina in Ventura California, that looks brand new, it’s my boat.

July 30, 2021 at 8:17 am

It is a great article and quite intresting to read too thanks for sharing such good information with us.

August 1, 2021 at 4:15 pm

Thanks for reading, Cassey. We’re always here to help – don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

December 14, 2021 at 2:08 pm

Travis – My name is Mark and I am a member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club. We’ve been around since 1934, we have 2,500 US & Canadian members and we are a volunteer driven organization. For the last twelve years we have operated an on-line school, the GLCCSchool.com. Annually we present 35-40 webinars and have an attendance of around 900 people. We really liked your article on dinghies and are wondering if you would consider turning that into a presentation for our school. If you have the slightest interest please check us out and send me an email so we can explore this further. Thanks.

January 23, 2022 at 2:27 pm

Thank you for all of the applicable information. I appreciate how the differences of each type of boat were well defined. This article was extremely helpful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

MB #20512 PO BOX 480 Sevenoaks Kent TN13 9JY

Tel: +44 56 0386 9163

Keep In Touch

Thank you for reading.

Join our online crew and find more about the #boatlife

Sailing Website

Sailing Dinghy vs Yacht

News Published Date : Wednesday, 29 April, 2015 – 10:31

Dinghy Sailing vs Yachting: Which One Should You Try?

The obvious difference between a dinghy and a yacht is the size. While it’s true that you can get small yachts of 12 feet or less, they’re still considerably larger than some of the bigger dinghies. Deciding which one to try first can be difficult, especially if you’re keen to get out on the sea or buy yourself a beautiful new yacht. Here are some of the main things that you should consider when coming to a decision about which to introduce yourself to first.

Getting Wet Sailing

Whichever one you try, you’re likely to get a little bit wet in some form or fashion. Whether the dinghy is letting water in or you’re getting a lot of spray from outside the boat, you must remember that it is a water sport after all.

A lot of people think that sailing a yacht consists of getting behind the helm and taking to the sea. However, this is certainly not true, and you still have to wear protective gear on a yacht, especially when you’re starting out.

You are, however, less likely to get wet on a yacht than a dinghy, but remember that each experience is different.

Sailing Clothing

If you’re in a dinghy, you’ll need to wear a lifejacket. If you’re in a yacht, you will also need to wear a lifejacket.

While it’s a popular misconception that you can’t really ‘fall out’ of a yacht, this isn’t true. You’re further away from the water in a yacht than a dinghy, and dinghies are certainly lighter than yachts, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t encounter accidents in both types of boat.

The clothing is very much the same whether you’re sailing in a dinghy or a yacht. You should wear warm clothing, covered by waterproofs to keep yourself dry. When choosing footwear, be sure to select a comfortable pair of shoes which are non-marking and non-slip.

Learning important Sailing Aspects

This is the deciding factor for many people when choosing whether to sail a dinghy or a yacht first. Many people report that they are able to learn a lot more by sailing a dinghy first. Although there are differences between sailing dinghies and yachts, many of the skills are transferable.

You will be able to learn the basics of the wind and the movement on the water in a dinghy, especially since you can feel more obvious motion. You’re less likely to feel intimidated by a large vessel too, so you’ll probably feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Making Mistakes at Sea

Most sailors made lots of mistakes when they first started sailing, and if you’re going down the self-teaching route, it’s important to consider any potential errors.

Taking an RYA course or learning alongside a qualified instructor or experienced sailor can be a lot easier, but if you don’t have this luxury, you might simply have to use a good book and the help of the online sailing communities, such as forums and Facebook groups.

For those learning alone, choosing a dinghy is the best option. Typically, the worst thing that can happen in a dinghy is capsizing and getting yourself soaked. Mistakes made on a yacht while alone at sea could be fatal.  

Round The World Yacht Race 2015

Clipper race london 30th august 2015 start, you may also like.

Kebony Decks out Yarmouth Marina

Ionian Sails

Lifeboat Station Project

• Find A School
• Certifications
• North U Sail Trim
• Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
• Docking Made Easy
• Study Quizzes
• Bite-sized Lessons
• Fun Quizzes
• Sailing Challenge

Dinghy Sailing vs. Yacht Sailing

By: American Sailing Sailboats

The kind of boat you choose to sail will define your relationship with the sport as a whole. Like wind and weather conditions, the boat is one part of the entire sailing experience. So what kind of boats are there, and which type is right for you? Many sailors transition from boat to boat depending on where they are and what sailboats they have access to, but many also stick to the same kind of boat for their entire lives! Here’s a quick overview of the two most common types of sailboats: dinghies and yachts.

Dinghy Pros:

• Athletic, good for keeping in shape
• Close to the water, exhilarating
• Builds skill set that allows you to sail any boat properly and even competitively
• There are tons of dinghy regattas, and rentals are available in many places for fun day sailing!

Dinghy Cons:

• Difficult for larger people who may not be able to fit comfortably in certain boats
• Can cause soreness and injury because of athleticism required, and can be difficult for older or less active people
• Less mid-level sailing available for adults. Fun, noncompetitive sailing and high level regattas are most common.

Yacht Pros:

• Fun and social because there are multiple people on board
• Open ocean sailing and longer races
• Chartering and traveling is possible with keelboat skills
• Many yacht clubs have weekly “beer can races,” fostering a strong yachting community

Yacht Cons:

• Much more difficult to store and maneuver
• Can be difficult to fully understand sailing by doing just your job on the boat
• Expensive to own and upkeep a keelboat

Make your own list of pros and cons to figure out what kind of boat you want to sail! Don’t let that list sit on our desk forever, though. Go sailing!

Related Posts:

• Learn To Sail
• Mobile Apps
• Online Courses
• Upcoming Courses
• Sailor Resources
• ASA Log Book
• Bite Sized Lessons
• Knots Made Easy
• Catamaran Challenge
• Sailing Vacations
• Sailing Cruises
• Charter Resources
• International Proficiency Certificate
• Find A Charter
• All Articles
• Sailing Tips
• Sailing Terms
• Destinations
• Environmental
• Initiatives
• Instructor Resources
• Become An Instructor
• Become An ASA School
• Member / Instructor Login
• Affiliate Login

• Paddle Board

A Guide to Dinghy Boats

Are you looking for an affordable boat for your fishing trips or watersports? The dinghy offers you the best options for a low-cost, versatile watercraft. There are several dinghy designs to suit any watersports activity.

Typically, dinghies are the best choice for watersports like skiing and diving. However, some models are good for cruising or light sailing, with options for motors or sails. A dinghy can range in size, but most of them are suitable for carrying two to six people.

Dinghies are available in models suiting use in freshwater or saltwater, with inflatables, solid boats, and more options. Is a dinghy the right choice for your boat? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about these watercraft.

What Is a Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually and inflatable, and most models are around five to ten feet long. A dinghy is easy to transport, and it offers versatile utility for fishing and watersports. You also have options for motors, sales, or you can use oars to propel the boat.

Dinghies can feature fiberglass construction, or they may use inflatable pontoons, similar to a pontoon boat. The inflatable models typically feature design and construction with Hypalon or PVC. These polymers provide UV resistance, tough resistance against punctures, and easy repairs.

The sides on inflatables also act as seats, allowing fishing directly from all sides of the boat. Dinghies are not really built for speed; they usually come with low-powered trolling motors with a 3-hp to 5-hp output. However, they are ideal for moving through estuaries and lakes, allowing for silent movement so you don’t disturb the fish.

What are the best beginner sailing dinghies?

If you’re just getting into sailing, there are several dinghy options for enjoying your time out on the water. Whether you want to sail solo or with a friend, there is a boat for you.

Training Sailing Dinghies

These models are easy to master, giving beginners the chance to master the complexities of sailboats. They are simple to operate, safe, and offer you the best option for learning to master sailing techniques.

Doublehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models cater to two passengers for handling the sail and rigging. They are great for learners, allowing them to take an experienced sailor out on the water to learn the ropes.

Singlehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models have a design for one person. Typically, they are smaller boats, and you’ll already have to know how to sail. However, they are easy to master, and spending time out on the water will familiarize you with the aspects of sailboats.

These dinghies feature double or triple hulls. They are typically the best choice for racing, and they offer excellent stability in all water conditions.

Different Types of Dinghy Models

As mentioned, there are several models of dinghies for different watersports activities. Here are the most common options; we categorized them into sailing dinghies and inflatable dinghies.

Sailing Dinghies

A sailing dinghy is a small sailboat with no fixed keel and a shallow draft. These models are ideal for sailing in lagoons, estuaries, and lakes, navigating shallow waters. The sailing dinghy typically features a fiberglass design, with an open-plan seating area and a mast. These boats usually accommodate anywhere from one to five passengers.

High-Performance Dinghies

High-performance sailing dinghies are another sail-based model that’s ideal for racing. They are fast and cut through the water with ease. You get excellent maneuverability on the water with a low-profile design and an open-plan deck with a mast. The Fireball, International 505, and Thistle are a few examples of leading racing and high-performance dinghies.

Cruising Dinghies

A cruising dinghy is another sail-based model that’s a great choice for cruising out in calm ocean conditions or inland water bodies. They are a recreational vessel equipped with sails and rudders, and you have more passenger capacity than the other sailing models. As a result, they are the ideal choice for family’s that enjoy the sailing lifestyle.

Cruiser-Racer Dinghies

These models are hybrids that come with a focus on performance and stability. They have the ability to race or to cruise, providing excellent stability in the water. They are a great choice for someone that wants to start sailing competitively, and they also work for fun recreational sailing days on the lake with the family. The GP14 is an example of a cruiser-racer offering high-performance standards and stable cruising.

Classic Dinghies

These boats had an original design featuring wood finishes using materials like plywood and cedar. However, modern dinghies feature fiberglass construction. The classic dinghy sailboat focuses on versatility over sailing performance. The Minto is a great example of a classic dinghy.

Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatables are gaining in popularity thanks to the affordable price tag and versatility offered by the boat. Inflatables are easy to carry, and some might even fit on the back of a truck. Inflatables have side pontoons, and many of them are suitable for diving activities or spearfishing. These dinghies usually feature low-powered trolling motors; they don’t have a design for speed.

Features and Benefits of Dinghy Boat

Dinghies are versatile and affordable. There are plenty of benefits for choosing this boat beyond just the savings you make over other models.

The dinghy is one of the few boats left that offer a sailing configuration. If you’re into boating on lakes or thinking about sailing competitively, the dinghy is the best choice. Any of the sailing models listed above are a great choice. Pick the boat that offers you the best utility for your sailing needs.

Minimal Noise

Most dinghies are sailing options, so you don’t have to worry about gas fumes from the motor or noise. They offer a serene sailing experience on inland waters. Inflatable models may use a trolling engine for moving through calm, shallow waters when fishing. The low noise and churn produced by the motors won’t scare off the fish. You also have options for poling and oars for moving around without engines.

Trailerable

Dinghies are compact boats with sailing and inflatable models offering you easy trailering. Some of the smaller inflatables can fit in the back of a panel van or on the load bed of your single-cab truck. They offer you easy transport between lakes and estuaries, with a lightweight design that’s easy to launch and trailer.

Options for Inflatables or Fiberglass

As mentioned, the dinghy comes in sailing and inflatable options. Some fiberglass models also feature a wood finish on the deck for an added aesthetic that looks like a classic dinghy.

Ideal as an Excursion Boat for Yachts

Many superyachts use inflatable dinghies allowing the passengers to reach the shore. Yachts can’t enter shallow water, and the dinghy makes the ideal transfer boat for reaching the coast from open water. Most of these models feature low-powered motors.

No Need for Registration

Larger vessels require registration before you can take them out on the water. However, dinghies are small, and they don’t need any registration or licensing before you can take them out on the water. As long as the boat doesn’t have a fixed motor and is less than eight feet in length, you don’t have to worry about doing the paperwork. Regulations differ between California and Florida, so check with your local authorities before taking your boat to the lake or slip.

Lightweight

The dinghy is a lightweight boat. The fiberglass and inflatable models offer you a lightweight watercraft that’s easy to launch and pull from the water. They are also easy to repair, with basic fiberglass or polymer patching.

Easy to Maneuver

The dinghy is a super-maneuverable boat. The sailing models are easy to tack in the wind, allowing for sharp turning radiuses and easy maneuverability on the water.

Complete sailing systems

Most sailing dinghies come with options for sail systems. If you want to learn the art of sailing or teach your kids about sailboats, the dinghy is the ideal starter vessel.

Suitable for use in Shallow Waters

The dinghy usually has a high draft and a shallow keel, allowing for sailing in shallow water, such as lakes. These boats won’t run aground, and the low hull design allows for less friction on the water, increasing speed and performance.

Save on Fuel

Sailing dinghies don’t have motors, so you save on fuel costs for your boating trips. Those inflatable models with trolling motors have low-capacity engines, and they are economical with fuel consumption.

Disadvantages of Dinghy Boat

The dinghy is a great choice for your first boat, especially if you want to tackle the art of sailing. However, they do come with some drawbacks.

Minimal Power and Small Motors

Since most models are sailboats, they rely on the wind for performance. Sure, some models can reach high speeds when the winds are right, but they lack a speed boat’s torque and on-demand power. Even those dinghy models relying on trolling motors don’t move very fast.

Limited Standing Room

The sailing dinghy doesn’t offer you any standing room. Sure, you can stand on the deck, but you’ll have to duck and manage the sail, and that could mean the boat tosses you overboard. The small size of the dinghy also means that you’ll unbalance the vessel if you stand on the deck.

Limited Seating

Dinghies are small boats designed for one to five passengers. Sure, you get bigger models, but these dinghies are more like proper sailboats. The seating may also be somewhat uncomfortable, as most models rely on a cast fiberglass deck with molded seats and no cushions.

No Crossover Function

Most dinghies are for sailing, and they don’t offer you crossover functions for fishing and watersports. It’s impossible to tow a skier, and the sail gets in the way of angling. The inflatable models are okay for fishing in shallow waters or inland water bodies, but the seating setup isn’t comfortable. The low-power trolling motors available for inflatable models don’t reach high speeds, making them unsuitable for watersports.

Limited Storage Space

Most dinghy models, especially sailing types, don’t come with consoles or storage systems. Some inflatables might have storage bins in the bow of the dinghy, but they typically don’t offer much storage space.

Top Dinghy Boat Brands and Models

Intex excursion 5.

The Intex Excursion 5 is a great example of an inflatable dinghy. You can seat up to five people in this model, and it has a rubber design with all the fishing accessories you need to get out on the water and enjoy a few hour’s angling in the lake.

You get four rod-holders, a bench-style seat in the boat’s center, and two inflatable seats.

This model comes with an affordable price tag and oars included with your purchase. There’s also the option of attaching a trolling motor for effortless navigation.

However, the boat is not suitable for standing, so don’t expect to cast far with this model. The boat comes with a three-chambered design and a 1,300-lbs capacity.

The Laser is the best choice for a single-hander sailboat dinghy. This boat is ideal for cruising or competitive racing, and they hold their resale value.

You get options for three rig sizes, the 4.7, Standard, and the Radial model. These boats feature fiberglass design and low hulls for easy navigation through shallow waters.

The RS Vision

This family sailboat makes a fantastic trainer, club racer, or cruising model. This boat can accommodate up to eight sailors, and the new RS Quest model features both trapeze and spinnaker options.

Wrapping Up

Dinghies are the ideal boat for learning how to sail, and they also make inexpensive boats for recreational fishing in inland water or calm ocean conditions.

They are not the most durable boats, and they don’t accommodate many people. However, there are plenty of models to suit your sailing experience or watercraft needs. However, they offer lightweight design, user-friendly operation, and choices for inflatable or fiberglass models.

If you’re looking to learn how to sail, you won’t find a better boat available.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

A Complete Guide to Micro Skiffs: All You Need to Know!

A complete guide to narrow boats: all you need to know, a guide to aluminum fishing boats.

Comments are closed.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Dinghy Guide 101

• Dinghies 101

Dinghies, also known as sailing dinghies or dinghy sailboats, are versatile and agile boats that have gained immense popularity among sailing enthusiasts worldwide. These small watercraft offer a thrilling experience on the water, making them a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned sailors. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of dinghies, exploring different types, their benefits, and everything you need to know about sailing these charming vessels.

What are Dinghies?

Dinghies are small, open boats that are usually carried or towed by larger vessels. They serve a variety of purposes, such as transportation between a larger boat and the shore, recreation, racing, and as training boats for novice sailors. Due to their compact size, they are easy to handle and maneuver, making them ideal for navigating narrow waterways and crowded harbors.

Types of Sailing Dinghies

1. dinghy sailboats.

Dinghy sailboats are the most traditional and widely used type of dinghies. They come in various designs and materials, such as fiberglass, wood, or aluminum. Dinghy sailboats use the wind as their primary means of propulsion, with a main sail and, in some cases, a jib. These boats offer an excellent opportunity for learning to sail due to their simplicity and responsiveness to wind shifts.

2. Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies, as the name suggests, are made from inflatable materials like PVC or Hypalon. These dinghies are incredibly lightweight and easily portable, making them popular among boaters who need a dinghy that can be deflated and stowed when not in use. Inflatable dinghies are also known for their stability and durability, making them suitable for various water conditions.

3. Rigid Dinghies

Rigid dinghies, often constructed from materials like fiberglass or aluminum, offer a stable and reliable sailing experience. They are sturdy and can handle rough waters with ease. Rigid dinghies are commonly used for fishing and exploring shallow waters, making them a versatile option for those who love to venture into remote areas.

Advantages of Dinghy Sailing

1. versatility and maneuverability.

Dinghies are incredibly versatile boats that can navigate in waters where larger vessels cannot venture. Their maneuverability allows sailors to explore hidden coves, creeks, and inlets that are off-limits to bigger boats, providing an opportunity for a unique sailing experience.

2. Learning to Sail

Dinghy sailing is an excellent way to learn the art of sailing. The smaller size and direct control over sails and rudder help beginners grasp sailing techniques quickly. Aspiring sailors can gain confidence in their skills, which can be later applied to larger boats.

3. Accessibility and Portability

Dinghies are easy to transport, launch, and retrieve, making them accessible to sailing enthusiasts without access to large marinas. Inflatable dinghies, in particular, can be deflated, folded, and stored in a compact bag, enabling sailors to take their dinghies wherever they go.

Dinghies for Sale: Finding the Perfect Boat

When considering purchasing a dinghy, several factors need to be taken into account.

1. New vs. Used Dinghies

New dinghies offer the advantage of warranty and customization, while used dinghies may come at a more affordable price. Evaluate your budget and preferences before making a decision.

2. Factors to Consider Before Buying

Consider the boat's size, material, and intended use. If you plan to sail in calm waters, inflatable dinghies might be a suitable choice. For more adventurous journeys, rigid dinghies might be the better option.

3. Top Brands for Dinghy Sailboats

Some renowned brands in the dinghy sailboat market include XYZ Sailboats, ABC Marine, and QRS Boats. Researching reputable brands can help you find a high-quality dinghy that meets your requirements.

Inflatable Dinghies: The Ideal Choice for Some

Inflatable dinghies offer unique benefits that make them the ideal choice for certain boaters.

1. Benefits of Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies are lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They are also stable on the water, which is especially advantageous for anglers and divers who need a steady platform.

2. Top Features to Look for

When choosing an inflatable dinghy, consider features like reinforced hulls, multiple air chambers for safety, and convenient accessories such as oars and air pumps.

Sailing Dinghies Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your dinghy.

1. Cleaning and Storage Tips

Rinse your dinghy with fresh water after each use to remove salt and debris. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the material.

2. Common Repairs and Maintenance Tasks

Inspect your dinghy regularly for signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly. Common repairs may include patching inflatable dinghies or fixing minor cracks in rigid dinghies.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Check out our latest sailing content:

How to sail a dinghy: a beginner's guide.

Sailing a dinghy is a rewarding experience, but it requires some basic knowledge and skills.

1. Essential Sailing Techniques

Learn the fundamental sailing techniques, including tacking, jibing, and adjusting sails according to wind conditions.

2. Safety Measures and Precautions

Always wear a life jacket and familiarize yourself with safety procedures. Be aware of weather conditions and avoid sailing in rough waters or adverse weather.

Exploring the World of Dinghy Racing

Dinghy racing is a thrilling and competitive sport that attracts sailors of all ages.

1. Dinghy Racing Basics

Dinghy racing involves navigating a set course as quickly as possible, using tactical skills and wind knowledge to gain an advantage over competitors.

2. Joining Dinghy Racing Clubs

Many sailing clubs offer dinghy racing programs, providing an opportunity to socialize, improve sailing skills, and compete with like-minded individuals.

The Rising Popularity of Inflatable Sailing Catamarans

In recent years, inflatable sailing catamarans have gained popularity for their unique design and features.

1. Advantages of Inflatable Catamarans

Inflatable catamarans offer increased stability and a spacious deck, making them suitable for leisurely sailing and family outings.

2. Top Inflatable Catamaran Models

Notable inflatable catamaran models include the XYZ SailCat 2000 and ABC Marine CataraYacht. These innovative designs provide an exceptional sailing experience.

Dinghies offer a world of adventure and excitement for sailors of all skill levels. Whether you're exploring serene lakes or embarking on thrilling races, the versatility and accessibility of dinghies make them an ideal choice for water enthusiasts. With the information provided in this guide, you can confidently set sail on your journey to embrace the joy of dinghy sailing.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

I can help you choose the right boat for your holiday. Contact me.

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Faq for dinghies and sailboats, can i sail a dinghy alone, are inflatable dinghies safe for open waters, what is the average cost of a dinghy sailboat.

Dinghies - sailing fun in its purest form

Dinghies are small and light sailing boats that Regattas and sporting competitions. However, sailing dinghies and dinghy cruisers are also widely used for leisure and are known for their high fun factor. They also offer the opportunity to keep physically fit and train your stamina.

Dinghies - Small but nice

The term "dinghy" comes from Norwegian. There, small, round-bottomed boats without a keel are called "jöll". And in fact, a dinghy is not a keelboat, but a centreboard. This is also the main distinguishing feature compared to yachts, for example. These normally have a ballast keel, which increases the righting moment. A centreboard, on the other hand, is light and has no ballast.

Centreboard boats generally have their centre of gravity above the waterline and are therefore not capsize-proof. They derive their stability from their shape, also known as dimensional stability. The wider and flatter the shape, the greater the dimensional stability. Dimensional stability is created by the water pressure acting on the flat hull. It also provides a certain righting moment, although this is less than for boats with ballast. This means that most dinghies will right themselves again up to a slight inclination, known as heeling, without the help of the crew. However, this only applies in light winds and when the wind pressure on the dinghy increases after a light gust. Sail decreases.

If there are stronger winds or you have to react to stronger gusts, the body weight of the skipper and crew comes into play. To counteract the lean and possible capsize, they have to shift their body weight. Upwind to the outside. This creates a kind of counterweight to the wind pressure in the sail.

Not all dinghies are the same - the different types

Dinghies are divided into different categories and dinghy classes. This applies not only to the hull or hull shape and the number and type of sails, but also to the way in which the dinghy is used.

Classic sailing with travelling dinghies, for example, is different from racing dinghies, which are designed as a boat type for regattas and races.

Among other things, a distinction is made between

• Classic dinghies
• Modern dinghies
• Racing dinghies
• Travelling dinghies
• Dinghy cruiser
• Car roof dinghies
• Foiling dinghies

A distinction is also made according to the number of crew members. There are dinghies that are sailed alone, called one-man dinghies or single-handed dinghies, or with a helmsman and foresailor, i.e. two-man dinghies or double-handed dinghies. Rarely are dinghies designed for three or more crew members.

There are international single-handed classes such as Contender and Europe. Likewise the former Olympic Finn class. The Finn dinghy is a single-handed dinghy for adults and is often used for regattas in single-handed sailing. It is known for its physical demands and is often regarded as a challenging boat.

The am most widespread single-handed classes However, the Sunfish, mainly sailed in North America, as well as the Laser and the Optimist.

The Laser is one of the best-known single-handed dinghies and is used worldwide for competitions and leisure sailing. There are different versions such as the Laser Standard, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7, which differ in the size of the sail.

The Optimist, often called the "Opti", is a small single-handed dinghy for children and young people. It is often used as a starter boat for young sailors and is known for its stability and ease of use.

Well-known double-handed dinghy classes include the 29er and 49er, 420er and 470er, Conger, Fireball, Flying Dutchman and Flying Junior. On the one hand, the names of the dinghy classes indicate who is responsible for designing the dinghy.

Flying Junior, for example, is a racing dinghy for two sportsmen designed by the designers of the "Flying Dutchman". It is a small dinghy with an overall length of 4.03 metres and an overall width of 1.50 metres. With a draught of 1.05 metres and a ready-to-sail weight of 75 kilograms, it is ideal for regatta sailing. The sail area downwind is 9.7 square metres. The mainsail has a surface area of 7.3 square metres and the jib has a surface area of 2.4 square metres. The spinnaker has a sail area of 8.0 square metres. It is a sailing boat equipped with a mast, a mainsail and a foresail. This is why it is referred to as a slup in relation to the type of rigging.

Design and construction of dinghies

A dinghy is first and foremost handy and practical. At the same time, it is affordable, as its simple Equipment and its small size does not have any special specifications. What's more, a dinghy is easy to transport. It can be towed on a trailer so that it does not necessarily need a permanent berth in a marina. Repairs and other maintenance costs can be categorised as low.

In terms of design and construction, a distinction can be made between dinghies for racing or competition and dinghies for private use. However, there are many overlaps between these areas of use. One-man dinghies and two-man dinghies provide additional differences that can be found in the construction and design.

There are countless shapes and designs. Athletic one-man boats, which have proven themselves in competition, or wobbly little dinghies, which are sometimes difficult to control and can cause the odd capsize. Then there are the tried and tested Classics which can also be regarded as a family dinghy and are frequently used in sailing schools in particular. They are rock-solid and offer everything that a good dinghy needs to have. The same applies to travelling dinghies, which are also regarded as rock-solid and are therefore very popular with less experienced sailors.

YACHT would therefore like to concentrate on the general construction data and design aspects in order to provide a general overview and focus on the most important key data.

The key data at a glance

A dinghy is always a small boat. It can be sailed by one, two or more people. Sailing a dinghy is also known as dinghy sailing.

Dinghies are propelled by sail power, but can also be powered by a Engine as an auxiliary drive.

Weight is always an important aspect. A dinghy is very light. Modern materials are used, mostly aluminium for the mast, sometimes also carbon fibre, and lightweight plastic for the hull. Furthermore, a dinghy is always open and flat-bottomed. It has a retractable vertical plate in the bottom, the centreboard, which prevents it from drifting sideways when sailing.

Dinghies can capsize relatively easily, so they do not belong on open waters. They require sufficient buoyancy bodies or air tanks so that the boat can be kept afloat even with water inside and does not sink.

A tiller is used for steering. A steering wheel is not provided for dinghies. The tiller is connected to the rudder blade via the rudder head. In some dinghies, the rudder blade can be raised like a centreboard. In conjunction with the flat design, it is possible to sail to shore or beaches with these dinghies.

There is no cabin on a dinghy, but sometimes there is a small slip cabin, which is not usually suitable for sleeping. However, it is possible to add a tarpaulin as a retrofit, depending on the dinghy. This then acts like a tent over the cockpit so that you can spend the night in the cockpit.

A slip trolley is required to transport the dinghy. Other accessories include life jackets, a compass and weatherproof Clothing .

Sailing with dinghies - Techniques and tips for sailing with dinghies

There are different approaches to dinghy sailing. They differ according to difficulty and intensity. When starting out, every water sports enthusiast must consider which variant they would like to use.

Every sailing course usually starts with a dinghy. These small and simple boats are easy to handle and are ideal for beginners. In order to be successful on the water, beginners need to know the theoretical basics of sailing. You need a certain understanding of the wind that hits the sails and thus generates propulsion. So if you deal with the theory first, you will learn to sail more quickly in practice.

The sails must be constantly readjusted in order to make progress. This is called trimming. They must always be turned to the right angle to the wind so that the best effect of the wind can be achieved. If the angle is not right and is too large, for example, the sail starts to flap. This can be compared to a flag. However, if the angle is too small, the airflow cannot be maintained. Propulsion is lost and the dinghy slows down.

Another important aspect of sailing is the transverse force. The sailing force does not just propel the boat forwards. This would only be the case if the wind was coming exactly from behind. Rather, there is also a lateral effect that is designed to cause the boat to drift at right angles to the direction of travel.

How strong this lateral force is depends on the wind and the course. It is greatest downwind. It is lowest downwind.

The centreboard counteracts this lateral force. As the transverse force is greatest on upwind courses, the centreboard should also be lowered the furthest there. The more the wind hits the boat from the side or from behind, the less transverse force is generated and the less centreboard surface is required. The centreboard is raised further and further because this reduces the resistance in the water and makes the dinghy faster.

Regattas and races - the most important regattas and races for dinghies

The dates for the regattas vary greatly depending on the boat class. There are competitions within Germany, throughout Europe and also worldwide. The Olympics also play a role when it comes to dinghy racing. As a rule, dinghies are entered in five to seven different boat classes at the Olympic Games.

These include, among others:

• Dinghy single-handed men
• Dinghy single-handed women
• Dinghy double-handed men
• Dinghy double-handed women

There are also mixed teams that compete in single-handed and double-handed dinghies.

The most important regattas in Germany include, among others:

• Travemünde Week
• Warnemünde Week

The development of dinghies - a historical overview

The history of the dinghy is as varied as the dinghies themselves. The history of the O dinghy (Olympic dinghy) is therefore considered in more detail here as an example.

It was first introduced as a regatta boat at the 1936 Olympic Games. It is marked with a red circle in the sail, which represents the letter "O" for Olympia. The O dinghy was designed as a one-man boat. It has a cat rig and the hull is built using the round bilge method. As it is traditionally a solid construction with excellent sailing characteristics, many old boats in this category are still in use today.

Despite the positive characteristics, the materials and equipment of the O dinghy were adapted over time. It was launched in 1936 with a wooden hull. Today, dinghies are made almost exclusively from GRP. In many cases, the deck is made of mahogany plywood. However, this is more about looks than practicality.

In addition to the changed materials, there were also changes to the rudder blade. The rudder blade is now made of plastic, whereas it was originally also made of wood. The rig - initially also made of wood - is now made of aluminium.

Due to the large number of boats built, the O dinghy is one of the largest national boat classes in Germany. The class association has around 400 members in Germany. There are also associations in countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. O dinghies are even occasionally sailed in Brazil and Poland.

Dinghies today: The popularity of dinghies is impressive

Dinghy sailing is still a very popular sport today. With a good wind in the sail, it is possible to have a lot of fun on the water in this boat class.

The small, light, easily transportable and inexpensive boats inspire young and old alike. They are ideal for beginners, but also offer challenges for experienced sailors.

Photo essay Classic racing dinghies for the eye and for the podium

Created for regatta victories, these fragile lightweight constructions were often only given a short life. But some examples have withstood war and Easter fires

International Canoe Up to 25 knots fast - slippery racers for everyone

Interview Boat building in a fortnight with DIY store plywood

Dinghy cruising Roger Barnes - one man, one boat, many adventures

Creizic Retro daysailer to build yourself

Melges 625C Sailboat shipyard builds motorboat especially for sail training

Shipbuilding of the future Students from Kiel build sustainable skiff

Volcat 16 Sustainable beach cat made from volcanic fibre for cruising

Flourishing class The fascination of OK dinghies - whether made of wood or GRP

Anniversary 50 years of the Optimist - a wooden trough makes a career

Test Take off with the Gerys 4.7 - easy foiling for everyone

Preste 18 A wild mix - half skiff, half keelboat. The keel dinghy in the test

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Dinghy sailing: why it’s great for beginners and keelboat sailors

• Toby Heppell
• June 30, 2022

Dinghy sailing helps improve your understanding of a wide variety of skills, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned keelboat sailor, sailing a dinghy is a hugely rewarding pastime

Dinghy sailing – whether racing or as a leisure activity – is one of the best ways to improve your skill level whether you’ve no experience of sailing, race 50ft yachts offshore or cruise the coast in a 30ft bilge-keeler.

It is no coincidence that some of the world’s top sailors either started out dinghy sailing or continue to dinghy sail as a pastime. But many sailors, particularly those who come to the sport of sailing as an adult will only have limited dinghy sailing experience.

Though keelboat sailing and dinghy sailing are ostensibly the same sport, the two have a number of small differences, which transfer from one to the other to make you a better sailor generally.

However, this does also mean that no matter how good a keelboat sailor you are, jumping straight into a dinghy may come as something of a shock and vice versa.

What is a dinghy?

The difference between a dinghy and a keelboat can be difficult to define simply. Typically a sailing dinghy does not have a weighted keel in order to keep it upright.

However, there are boats many would consider to be a dinghy that do have a weighted keel, so this is not a strict definition.

Dinghies are also typically under 20ft and are not designed to sail in ocean going conditions. This, alongside the lack of a keel, typically means dinghies are much more manoeuvrable, faster to accelerate and more responsive to body position.

It’s these traits that make dinghy sailing such a boon in terms of improving your understanding of sailing when on a keelboat.

Sit in the wrong place on a dinghy at the wrong time and you might well capsize. Do the same on a keelboat and the effect will be negative but not in quite so stark a manner – in fact, it can often be an almost imperceptible reduction in performance.

The same is true of sail trim, accelerating and slowing down and a whole raft of other boat handling and sail handling skills that are vital to understanding how best to control a boat.

Finally, in terms of the difference between the two, dinghies usually only have one or two sailors onboard, meaning that all the jobs need to be either undertaken by one person or shared equally between two. This, in turn, means that a day out sailing a dinghy provides more opportunity to practise a wider variety of skills as compared to being one of a wider number of crew on a keelboat.

Laser/ILCA dinghies in Antigua racing as part of Bart’s Bash, the worldwide sailing charity race, raising funds for sailing communities affected by the 2017 hurricanes

Where to go dinghy sailing

In theory you can sail a dinghy on almost any publicly accessible piece of water, but publicly owned launching facilities tend to be few and far between.

Given their lack of communication equipment and their relative lack of self-sufficiency as compared to a keelboat, it’s advisable to have some sort of safety cover available should you get into trouble.

For this reason, the traditional way to go dinghy sailing is to join your nearest sailing club on an annual or trial membership and borrow a club boat (if they are available) to start sailing regularly.

Article continues below…

RS Aero – A Game Changer?

Lighter than most people’s launching trolleys, RS’ new single hander could prove to be a game changer – I found…

Learn to sail: What to expect from the RYA Dinghy Level 1 Start Sailing course

There can be few more forgiving places to learn to sail than Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre in Berkshire. This inland…

It’s not the most flexible system in the world and, increasingly, clubs are offering memberships on a pay-to-play basis.

Queen Mary Sailing Club in the UK based just west of London is one such club, which offers a gym-style membership of a monthly subscription which allows you to sail a wide variety of boats as often as you like (subject to booking etc.).

This can be a great way to go dinghy sailing or to try out dinghy sailing before making the commitment to an annual membership at a sailing club, or committing to the purchase of a boat.

A typical dinghy sailing club in the UK. Photo: David George / Getty Images

Although this is a growing area and there are plenty of sailing clubs offering a gym-style membership, it’s a long way from ubiquity, so the annual membership model is likely to be the best option for most.

It’s worth looking around you and seeing what options are available in the local area. In the UK, you will usually be living within easy access of a number of clubs, so you will be able to pick the club that is right for you.

If you are dinghy sailing in the USA, then your options will be limited, with sailing clubs being relatively fewer and further between.

What dinghy to buy

The first and easiest question to ask yourself is whether you plan on sailing alone or with another person and thus whether you are looking for a single or doublehanded boat (or something that can do both).

Ideally before taking the plunge and buying a dinghy you will have the chance to sail a variety of types of dinghy at a club you have joined, which should help you make your choice.

Most dinghies have an optimum weight so your size is a factor, but this is less of an issue if you are not planning on racing your dinghy.

Construction of the boat is a key consideration. Wood was the traditional dinghy material but this requires significant maintenance and is susceptible to rot if not well-kept – but it does look nice and is repairable with some simple wood-working skills.

Fibreglass and foam sandwich builds offer stiffness and are great for racing, but can become easily scratched or damaged and require a working knowledge of resin and glass fibre work to fix damage – or get a local boat builder to do it for you.

In the last 20 years, many beginner dinghies have been built from polyurethane or polyethylene and are rotomoulded. This process involves pouring liquid ‘plastic’ into a mould and rotating it while it sets to get an even distribution of the material, which forms the boats hull once cooled and released from the mould.

The Laser Pico is a rotomoulded boat, popular with sailing schools and beginners

Rotomoulding is not exactly new, so there are plenty of second hand examples on the market. These boats are very resistant to damage and are typically seen as ideal for the rental or beginner market.

Globally speaking, the Laser (recently being sold under the name ILCA) and the Sunfish are two of the most popular singlehanded dinghies. Both are fibreglass, but crucially wherever you are in the world there are likely to be plenty on the market at a variety of price points – the Sunfish being much more popular in the USA than Europe and the Laser/ILCA having a slightly more global presence.

Both these boats will also hold their second hand value reasonably well, so are good options for taking the plunge.

Catamarans are faster and more inherently stable than monohull dinghies, so can often be a good option for the starter sailor. It should be noted, however, that multihull sailing is, a slightly different skill to monohull sailing, so if you are looking to improve your skills on a monohull it might not be the very best option.

Catamarans lined up on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Australia. Photo: lkonya / Getty Images

If you are considering racing, then the best advice would be to see what boats are being sailed at your local club. It might be that a slightly obscure boat is popular near where you live and sailing alongside others in the same type of boat is usually more fun than sailing around alone.

Sailing alongside others in the same type of boat can be more rewarding than sailing alone. Photo: Tim Platt / Getty Images

Dinghy Sailing Kit

Dinghy sailing is a pretty wet sport, with launching and retrieval usually seeing sailors in the water, regular soaking from waves and the possibility of capsizing all factors.

As such, particularly for those not blessed with warm warters and balmy breezes, buying a wetsuit is a pretty important thing to do.

You can go dinghy sailing in old trainers and a pair of trousers that you don’t mind getting wet, but these will be uncomfortable over an extended period of time on the water and will not keep you warm.

A buoyancy aid is also absolutely essential to help you float in the water should you fall out or capsize. Buoyancy aids are better than lifejackets for dinghy sailing as it’s entirely possible that you will be in the water more than once in a dinghy sailing session, so a manually inflating lifejacket will get in the wat after it has been set off once, and an automatically inflating one is likely to go off while you are in the boat itself if there is enough spray.

While a wetsuit and lifejackets are, in my opinion, must have items, trainers will be fine for a while – though you will probably want to invest in a pair of wetboots after not too long, which will be comfort and much warmer.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

8 Differences Between Yachting and Sailing

Unless you are very involved in the sailing community or own a boat of your own, you may think of yachting and sailing as similar.

In a lot of ways they are, after all, both are boats and both spend their time at sea. But, that’s about the end of the direct comparison.

Sailboats and yachts are very different, each with their pros and cons. Whether you are just curious about what the differences are, or are wondering because you plan to buy a boat yourself you’re in the right place. This article lists 8 distinct differences between yachting and sailing.

Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will have a much better idea about which might be better for you. After all, yachting/sailing isn’t for everyone.

Table of contents

One of the biggest differences between a yacht and a sailboat is its size. A sailboat is likely to be much smaller than a yacht. Of course, some sailboats can be bigger than some yachts but if we are working on average sizes a yacht is going to be bigger. The reason that size matters so much when it comes to picking which boat you are going to purchase (sailboat or yacht) is space. The bigger your boat, the more space you are going to have. This may sound obvious but is one of the most important factors about your boat that people often fail to give their full consideration.

Size matters (when it comes to boats). Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The size of your boat will factor into almost every single thing you do, every day. The smaller your boat the less room you have for storage, the less room you have for emergency supplies, the less room you have for storing even yourself. Your sleeping quarters are not likely going to be very big, regardless of how big your boat is. Depending on how tall you are every inch of space could matter. If you are 6 feet tall and your sleeping quarters are only just big enough, or worse, too small. You are in trouble. It may not immediately bother you. You may even be able to trick yourself into thinking that you are fine curled up into a ball whenever you are trying to sleep. You won’t feel this way for long.

Size matters most when there are more people on your boat than just yourself. If you are planning on living on your boat solo you have a huge advantage space-wise. Whether you have 1 person or multiple you will still need the same kit. A watermaker , water storage, food storage, a first aid kit, a fishing rod, etc. You won’t need 3 first aid kits if you have 3 people on board. All of this means the biggest difference between living solo and living with others is the sleeping room. If you are living solo on a boat that can in theory sleep 4, congrats, you now have a whole lot more storage.

Conversely, if you are planning on living on your boat with someone (perhaps your spouse) then space matters even more. Two people need to be able to move about comfortably. Just because your little sailboat can sleep two doesn’t mean two people will be able to live on it comfortably. If there is more than one of you, you may be better off with a yacht.

For the most part, the yachts are going to be more expensive. Sometimes a whole lot more. For a few reasons, mostly material and technology. The more modern a boat is the more expensive it is likely to be. This isn’t always the case, it is for the majority of the time though. If the price is going to play a big part in which boat you choose to buy here is something you may want to consider; just because a yacht can cost more doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. If you are on the fence, it is almost always to spend the extra money on something bigger and better.

When you buy a house, it is not uncommon to buy one to fix it up. Making little repairs and upgrades here and there, in some cases even building an extension. This doesn’t work with boats. The boat you buy is the boat you get. Sure, it can be improved. Repainted, renovated, modernized, but for the most part, it will stay the same size. You need to treat buying the boat the same as you would buying a car in this way. You wouldn’t buy a small hatchback and then build another story on it. The size boat you buy is the size boat you are stuck with. If you need more room, you will need another boat. It will work out much cheaper in the long run if you buy one expensive boat than having to buy a second slightly cheaper one because the first wasn’t up to scratch.

How much the crew will factor into your choice largely depends on budget and the size of the vessel you have your eye on. If you are planning on buying a sailboat, you aren’t going to need (or want) any kind of crew. You are the whole crew, except maybe your family/friends if they happen to live on your boat with you. If you have a yacht, however, its a completely different story. If you are planning on living aboard your yacht you may need one or two crew members to help you out. Even if you are fulfilling the most important role (captain), there will still be lots to do. Navigation, maintenance, and engineering may not be your forte.

If you are planning on buying a sailboat, you can handle everything yourself. There are relatively few computer components that will need working on and chances are you won’t have an engine. Repairs to a sailboat are not easy per se, they are just more manageable for one person. Changing a sail is much easier than repairing an engine. In severe conditions, a small sailboat is simply easier to keep an eye on than a huge yacht. A yacht may require, at the very least, another pair of eyes.

4. Whether or not there is a sail

This difference is purely aesthetic for the most part. Whether or not there is a sail. A sailboat, unsurprisingly, will always have a sail. The nail is how the boat harnesses the wind and what drives it forward. Sailing can be done anywhere, anytime, so long as the weather permits it. Yachting, on the other hand, can be far more limiting. A yacht typically won’t have a sail, which can be seen as either a positive or a negative depending on your outlook. Heres why.

If you are looking for a vessel that is easier to handle, you could argue that a yacht would fit those criteria better. Sure, the computer components are a little more complex and there is more to handle, but sailing itself will be easier. If you have to manage a sail, it can be pretty difficult in stormy conditions. You cant control your sails from inside the cabin. You can, however, steer your yacht from the comfort of the inside.

The advantage of having a sail, as opposed to just an engine, is that you don’t need to worry about fuel. Fuel is not only expensive but a real hassle. You must always keep an eye on your fuel levels when making long voyages or else you risk breaking down at sea. A sailboat can sail so long as there is wind. If you have an extra sail onboard, chances are you will be fine no matter what happens. You are much less likely to get stuck at sea.

5. Engine size

Some sailboats do have motors, albeit small ones. It could just be a trolling motor or as big as a 2 stroke. Regardless of what engine size you have, it is never going to be your primary power source. If you have sails you get your power from harnassing the wind. This, again, can be seen as either good or bad. If you have a small engine you have less to worry about. If you only have the most basic mechanical skills and knowhow you will probably be fine.

A yacht, on the other hand, is a whole different beast. If you don’t know how to work on your yacht in the engine room and you break down you are in real trouble. Owning a yacht can be far more complex than owning a sailboat in this regard. If you don’t anticipate learning how to make these repairs yourself, you are going to need to hire someone who will. Its no good just relying on the marina workshop or a local mechanic, if you are at sea there will be no way for them to get to you. Hiring a crew member with good mechanical abilities isn’t going to be cheap. It is a recurring cost you may want to factor into your budget when deciding whether or not a yacht is right for you.

6. Where they can sail

Big yachts cannot sail in shallow waters. If you are planning on sailing in places with shallow, shale filled, waters then a sailboat is the way to go. The Caribbean, for example, can be hard to navigate in a yacht. At least, harder than it would be with a sailing boat. On the other hand, a yacht can go to many more places than a sailboat.

You could, in theory, sail across the Atlantic in a small sailboat . But, would you want to? It is very dangerous and your boat might not hold up to the intense wind and waves. Additionally, if you are on a sailboat you might be the only crew member. This means there will be no one around to help you should the worst come to fruition, far out at sea. It can be done, you can sail across the Atlantic. But you probably shouldn’t.

7. Technology

In regards to technology, not just whether you are choosing a sailboat or a yacht must be given consideration. How old the individual vessel is, is equally important. An older yacht may not be as technologically advanced as a brand new sailboat . If you do choose to buy a yacht, better technology can open a lot of doors for you. First of all, it can make working on your boat a lot easier. If you have the capability of setting up a fully functioning office with wifi there is no reason you couldn’t just work remotely from your boat.

Technology also opens many new routes for you to take regarding the act of sailing itself. You could sail across the Atlantic with a sailboat, but it would be very risky and very difficult. With a yacht, on the other hand, it can be far easier. Your yacht will come equipped with advanced navigational systems, warning and guidance systems, and much more safety features than a sailboat would. A yacht will be able to plot your route from point to point. On a sailboat, you may not have that luxury.

8. Material

Material matters, whether it is affecting the cost or the sturdiness, it is something to consider. A yacht will be made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and metals such as titanium. A sailboat, on the other hand, will likely be made from wood or fiberglass. If you are looking for safety and sturdiness above all, and the price is no problem, a yacht will be far safer for you. On the other hand, a sailboat might have the aesthetic you are looking for. You may want a wooden sailboat specifically because you think it looks better.

The material can also factor into how easy it is for you to make repairs. It is a lot easier to patch up a wooden boat than a metal one. With wood, you can make some cowboy fixes on the fly and they will likely hold up until you make it to port. With a yacht, you will need many special tools and training to make big repairs. Again, you may need to hire a crew member to handle that for you on a yacht.

Hopefully, you now have a pretty good idea about the differences between yachts and sailboats. They each have their pros and cons, and can both offer you a world of excitement and adventure. Which boat would be best for you depends solely on your needs. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which boat to choose, just go with your gut instinct. Hopefully, this article has made the decision a little easier. At the very least.

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Click on the button to load the content from www.googletagmanager.com.

Load content

• Tailored Vacation Planner
• Cabin Yacht Charter
• Family Sailing Holidays
• Romantic Sailing Vacations For Couples
• Sailing with friends
• Greece all inclusive yacht charter
• Croatia all inclusive yacht charter
• Food & Wine Routes
• Yacht search
• Luxury sailing

Boat vs. Ship vs Yacht: What’s the Difference?

Language is a tricky thing, and picking out the differences between similar terms can be confusing. This is especially true when some of the definitions overlap. This is the case with the case of boat vs. ship vs. yacht . What’s the difference? We know in our gut that there are differences between these three seafaring vessels, but unless you’re a harbor master do you really know what counts as what?

Let’s get into some definitions, and we’re going to start with the easiest to explain: What is a yacht? What is a ship? And what is a boat?

Yacht vs. Ship vs. Boat

What is a yacht.

A yacht, I think everyone would agree, is fancier than a ship or a boat. “Yacht” infers some amount of luxury , and definitely recreation. There’s also something to be said about size. A yacht tends to be anywhere between 35 feet up to 160 feet. And some yachts, known as superyachts, go even beyond that. (Jeff Bezos just built a 417 foot yacht, but that’s really breaking yacht records.)

Because of the size, yachts tend to operate in larger bodies of water–generally the ocean. Yachts are able to handle rougher ocean waves, and they are also equipped with more advanced navigation and guidance instruments than smaller boats. Likewise, a yacht tends to have a full crew to help with the navigation, engineering, repairs, as well as having stewards that serve the yacht’s guests. This can be anywhere from a crew of four or five up to a crew of a few dozen on large yachts. 

One interesting thing to note is that outside of the United States, a yacht refers to a sailboat , and a motorized yacht is called a “motor yacht”. 

So, is a yacht a boat? Yes, technically a yacht is a boat. But a yacht is a very specific kind of boat.

Want to hop aboard?

Book your dream sailing vacation in top sailing destinations!

• Explore your charter options

What is a Ship?

The term ship is most commonly associated with a very large boat, and something that is not as fancy as a yacht (one exception is that cruise ships can still be very fancy, but are referred to as ships because of their size and power.)

Ships are generally so large that they would never be found in a lake, with some exceptions for the Great Lakes, and are made for navigating the high seas of the open ocean. An ship can refer to a cruise ship, a naval ship, a tanker, a container ship, and many other commercial vessels.

Ships tend to have advanced navigation and technology, but much more advanced than that of a yacht due to the size, the speed, and the routes that a ship will take. They are meant to be traversing the open ocean for very long periods of time, from one continent to the next, while a yacht may only rarely set across the ocean and most often stays somewhat near land. 

A ship will also have a much larger crew than a yacht or a boat. Ships are typically so large that they need not only one trained navigator but a set of navigators, plus an entire engineering team, and includes many more positions. 

Finally, a ship is meant to carry things. This may be passengers, yes (in reference to cruise ships and some navy ships) but most ships are for carrying cargo–or even carrying equipment to do work on other ships including repair work or refueling. 

What is a Boat?

Well, a boat is harder to define, because a yacht is technically a boat, and a ship is technically a boat. But when people refer to boats, they are almost always referring to something smaller than either a yacht or a ship. Boats may be motorized, like a speed boat, or they may sail, or they may be man-powered, like a rowboat or a kayak. Really, anything up to and including a liferaft, can be called a boat.

(As a side note that will just muddy the waters even further, submarine captains are adamant that their subs are boats. They are not ships.)

So, Boat vs. Ship Vs. Yacht?

Ultimately it comes down to this: all three of them are boats, but yachts are fancier, larger, and used for recreation, and ships are even larger, used commercially or by the navy, and are meant to cross oceans. The dividing line is sometimes thin, but generally speaking, when it comes to boats vs. ships.vs. yachts you can go by the adage “ I know it when I see it .”

Share article:

Have a question.

We have answers to your questions. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today!

• GET MORE INFO

Feel free to ask us anything. All hands on deck. Let's sail

Thank you for sending us an inquiry, thank you so much for your enquiry.

NYK & Oono Development Partner To Commercialize Ship Recycling In Japan

Watch: U.S. Coast Guard Releases First Public Video Of Titan Submersible Wreckage

Baltic Sea’s First Green Freight Corridor Reduces Transport Emissions By 90%

LR & Orbital Marine Power To Begin Certification Of World’s Most Powerful Tidal Energy Converter

• 7 Differences Between a Ship and a Boat

Although most people know the difference between a ship and a boat, some can get confused between the two.

While talking about the difference between a ship and a boat, the first thing that comes to mind is their sizes. Usually, people consider ships to be massive whereas boats are smaller.

However, there are other aspects too, apart from size, which are discussed in this article.

1.  Size of Ship and Boat

The most important aspect while stating the difference between a ship and a boat is the size. It is said that the best way to differentiate between a ship and a boat is to remember that “A ship can carry a boat, but a boat cannot carry a ship.”

Technically speaking, a mode of water transport that weighs at least 500 tonnes or above is categorised as a ship. In comparison, boats are small in their structural size and displacement.

2. Operational Areas

Ships ply in deep waters, oceans and high seas. They are of various types like cruise vessels , naval ships, tankers , container ships , RoRo ships , and offshore vessels . They are mainly built for cargo/ passenger transportation across oceans.

Boats, in contrast, operate in restricted waters, near the coast and include ferrying and towing vessels, sail vessels, paddle vessels, kayaks , canoes , patrolling boats etc.

 3 . Navigation and Technology

Boats are simple vessels with less complicated equipment, systems and operational maintenance requirements.  Since ships are huge and carry large volumes of cargo over large distances, they feature advanced engineering, heavy machinery, and sophisticated navigational systems .

4. Crew Size

This is one of the major differences between a ship and a boat.

Ships have a large crew which consists of the Captain who commands the vessel, Second and Third Officers, Engineers, Cooks etc.

On the other hand, a smaller boat does not need many people.

5. Cargo Capacity

A boat is hardly used for carrying cargo. It is mostly used for recreational purposes like boating, fishing or ferrying people across short distances. Ships are built to be seaworthy since they carry thousands of tonnes across different ends of the planet.

Ships can also accommodate passengers or boats, whereas boat is a generic term used for a variety of watercraft.

6. Construction and Design

When it comes to construction and design, ships are complicated structures with various onboard machinery systems and equipment to ensure they are safe and stable to cross the rough seas.

A boat has a simple design and almost no machinery, though sophisticated ones have navigation systems, however they do not take up much space.

7. Propulsion

A boat can be powered by sails, motor, or human force, whereas a ship has dedicated engines. (Ships can also be propelled by sails or other advanced propulsion technologies)

Even though all vessels on the high seas are referred to as ships, submersible vessels are categorically termed as ‘boats.’

This is mainly because earlier, submersible vessels could be hoisted on ships till they were used in naval operations.

However, while talking about differences between a ship and a boat, only the vessels floating on the water surface are taken into consideration.

The use of the term ‘ship’ or ‘boat’ also depends on the region it is being used in. People often refer to a medium-sized fishing vessel as a boat, a medium-sized ferry or a recreational boat as a ship. As can be seen, people tend to generalise a vessel based on its size.

However, it is to be noted that the difference between a ship and a boat depends on many factors as discussed above.

You might also like to read:

• Types of Sailboats: A Comprehensive Classification
• A Guide to Different Types of Boats
• A Guide To Types of Ships
• Types of Fishing Vessels

Disclaimer : The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.

Read More Articles By This Author >

Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox

Sign Up To Get Daily Newsletters

Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters

By subscribing, you agree to our  Privacy Policy  and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

46 comments.

Please i am a National Diploma student of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron studying nautical science, i want to know more about the course

Hi.thank its so good and sufficient

As a profesional mariner of over 25 years I would like to “weigh in” on this subject. What I will say is not about the currently accepted distinction between ship and boats, but rather historical. When ships (powered by sails) began to start losing trade to vessels powered by engines (boats) they as an industry attempted to associate these vessels with unplesant attributes like noise, soot, vibration, and in some cases slower speed. The sailoing industry (both cargo and passanger) would say that you could SAIL on a quiet, clean, calm, fast ship or go one of those dirty loud vibrating slow BOATS with an engine. The concept a ship being superior and a boat being inferior was sucessfully instituted. The engine powered vessels simply side stepped the ridicule bestowed on the term “boat” and made bigger, faster, clean, quiet vessels and took the market from the sail powered vessels along with the defination of SHIP for themselves. i wont step into the curret debate of what constitutes a boat or a ship but the origins of the debate stem from new technology (steam engines) fighting over market share.

A large freighter (1000′ x 85′, think of the Edmund Fitzgerald) hauling iron ore on the great lakes is referred to by her crew and company as a boat, never as a ship!

“Boats in contrast, are operable in smaller/ restricted water areas and include ferrying and towing vessels, sail vessels, paddle vessels, kayaks, canoe, patrolling vessels etc. Boats are mainly used for smaller purposes and mainly ply in areas near to the coast.” “Technologically, boats are simple vessels with less complicated equipment, systems and operational maintenance requirements.”

Correct me if I am wrong but, isn’t a submarine classed as a boat? That kind of contradicts what you have stated above.

comment:the any where abroad/indian officers you can any time call me on 30 year’s on merchant officers

You can put a boat on a ship but not visa versa eg life boats…

What is the difference between a boat and a ship?

1. The boat leans to the right when turning right

2. The ship leans to the left when turning right.

This is what I have been told by a old (90 Year old boat capt)

Great reply’s. some years ago while on the QE 2 a passenger asked one of the officers when does this boat dock? The young officer replied. “Madam, this is a Ship not a boat, a boat is those you get into when this ship is sinking!

Hello. May I please ask for some assistance from the forum?

I am writing a blog/journal on the differences between ships and yachts. What has prompted this conversation is the plethora of ‘superyachts’ now plying the international oceans and performing well on deep water passages.

Surely some of these can come under the category of ‘ship’, and not yacht, since many are being built on a larger scale than anything we’ve seen in past years. My understanding of the determination of a ‘ship’ is : Length, Tonnage, Draft and Displacement.

I have read your forum discussion regarding use, but I am still unclear as to where the line is drawn for this category. Many of the ‘superyachts’ carry cars, helicopters, pools, and require very advanced equipment, captain and crew. Perhaps we will soon see this as a real conversation in the industry.

Appreciatively, Rosanne Allen-Hewlett For ‘The LUXE Report’ ( Sailor, racer of only boats and yachts )

I was told that the difference between a ship and a boat is that a ship has a funnel and a boat doesn’t, no matter it’s size….

David Musselwhwite’s comment is the best way to determine a boat of a ship. This holds true for submarines (boats). If it leans into the turn, it is a boat. If it leans out on a turn, it is a ship.

In response to comments about the Edmund Fitzgerald, when you spend your life on one you can call it whatever you want. I am sure they all knew it was a ship, I served 20 years in the Navy and always said I was heading back to the boat even though I knew it was a ship.

While in Boot camp in 1964, US Coast Guard, we were told that a ship is 95 feet or longer and a boat is 94 feet and under. That makes it pretty simple.

With over 30 years in the marine industry including working at sea, ship building and ship repair, I would offer my comments.

Yes all above is true. My understanding is that the bottom line is ” a Ship carries boats ie Lifeboats”. If it doesn’t have a proper lifeboat, it is not a ship.

The best a boat has is dinghies or liferafts etc. Consequently a submarine does NOT carry life boats. There are many broader requirements Size and the ability to navigate very heavy seas, such as those whipped up by a tropical Revolving storm (TRS). It must be designed to travel in the open sea in all weather conditions and have lifeboats that can do the same. They carry cargo or passengers and have a substantial crew to operate it including engineers.

As far as the Edmund Fitzgerald is concerned, these vessels are an enigma. They were large and qualify in most areas, but – was it capable of going to sea and did it have sea-going lifeboats? Ironically it suffered probably as bad a storm as it would have done at sea. The problem is that in fresh water the waters are more treacherous than salt water as they rise up far more quickly.

But then again it sank meaning that it couldn’t handle it. Yes it was a large vessel but was it a Ship – ?

What is difference among?

Marine Boat Marine Ship Marine Craft Ship Boat

What is difference between Marina and Marine?

Being the son of a WW II submariner. My dad cruised the Atlantic of the east coast of US and in many conversations about the war he always called his boat a boat never a ship.Thats it!!

The simplest and most accurate definition I stay with is that a ship can carry a boat but a boat cannot carry a ship . SIZE MATTERS !

Captain chalga: try to form a coherent sentence.

I asked a friend of mine, “What is the difference between a boat and a ship?” He said, “About 100 feet . . .”

Thank you for the information. My husband won this discussion. God Bless all who are bravely floating on/in one. I am terrified of the ocean or even a small lake. You have my utmost respect for your sacrifice. I love seafood but would never know the pleasure of eating it without you brave souls. Thank you.

As a proud Submariner I have to disagree and will always say that I serve on a boat.

There is the Boat of Millions of years,which is a very advanced spacecraft able to.travel the millions of light years betwen Galaxies.

And you have vessels such as the Motor Vessel Arlene out of Port Arthur.

I was once told that a ship had multiple decks and a boat had only one.

When I queried sailing yachts that had berths under part of the deck, it was modified to the deck on a yacht is as much structural as deck, but if a vessel has 2 or more non structural “floors” it is a ship.

Then I mentioned tug boats and fishing boats and it all got confused.

It’s a bit like the difference between horse and pony. Despite every one saying it’s size, the falabella is a horse and polo ponies are ponies.

A naval architect (constructors) view is that to be a ‘ship’ a vessel must have at least one continuous internal deck running the length of the vessel. Large Submarines may have complete decks forward however, going aft, it is normal to have to descend a ladder onto a lower ‘engine room’ deck-level or platform. Some large freighters have a similar construction with internal split deck levels and that is why they are correctly known as boats, although in some cases the term ‘ship’ feels more appropriate because of their large displacement. The argument regarding leaning into or out of a turn is an interesting idea, however this may have more to do with hull and propulsion characteristics than vessel construction. In reality, as with most nautical expressions, whatever feels best to use is probably best and relying on the opinion of a sailor, with regards to an explanation of nautical expressions, puts you at the mercy of a sharp sense of humour.

It might be worth mentioning that some might refer to a ship as “boat” as a diminutive term of endearment, similar to the personification of a car or a pet by assigning the human pronouns to them.

I was once told a SHIP sails the oceans, a BOAT sails on rivers and lakes.

IT SEEMS WE HAVE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE SEA MEN IN THE HOUSE . BUT I AGREE TOTALLY WITH JEREMY MEYER

It’s always been my info is that a boat can be up to 197’ whereas a ship is over that length. As with anything, I’m sure there are exceptions.

some of the people got it spot on. Tilt away from direction of turn = ship. Tilt towards the direction of turn = boat.

There are two points on every vessel. Center of buoyancy and center of gravity. A ship’s center of gravity is above its center of buoyancy. A boat’s center of gravity is below its center of gravity.

Anyone can answer me why we only know the bareboat charter for any size of the ship? It never mentions bareship charter?

“some of the people got it spot on. Tilt away from direction of turn = ship. Tilt towards the direction of turn = boat. There are two points on every vessel. Center of buoyancy and center of gravity. A ship’s center of gravity is above its center of buoyancy. A boat’s center of gravity is below its center of gravity.”

Except a kayak (or canoe) is like a ship – cg is above cb. If you get a ruddered kayak up to speed and hit the rudder hard it will heel outward like a ship. Since the paddler can easily influence heel, if you want to make a hard turn you heel the ‘boat” outward (to lessen the ends in the water) and sweep stroke on the outward side to spin the “boat”. Is a kayak then a “ship”? Hardly. This is exactly the problem with trying to make one pithy statement to define a ship or boat. It is far more complex than that.

I completely agree with you that the difference between a ship and a boat is the size. One of my friends have a boat, she bought it from Boat Lagoon Yachting. Thanks for sharing!

If you can haul it on the back of truck (even trailered), it’s likely a boat…but if the anchor weighs in like a truck it’s definitely a ship. Obviously, some subs are one or the other regardless of whether you can stuff a (non-inflatable) life boat inside. [Army logic from qualified ex-boat commander, combat support boats, bridge section, Corps of Engineers.]

I grew up near the Welland Canal, and it’s true: vessels which plied the Great Lakes were called “lake boats”, or more commonly, “Lakers”. Oceangoing vessels a were always and reflexively called “ships”..

I am wondering if the naval architect”s comment about internal decks makes the difference, as even a non-engineer can see that a deck extending stem to stern would provide more stability to a vessel’s structure.

The lake boats are always longer than the ocean-going ships, so it’s not size.And we occasionally get a visit from “tall ships”, which are oceangoing sailing vessels, but relatively short.

That’s really informative post. I appreciate your skills, Thanks for sharing.

I will take a shot at this. The word marine is redundant before ship and boat. The word “marine” relates to the sea and one of the conditions of being a ship is that it is ocean going. This does leave the possibility of not being a river boat but a marine boat. I would use the expression sea-going boat.

Marine craft is a useful expression when there is a need to make it cleat that you are not referring an aircraft, space craft etc.

On a general note there are no absolute rules or definition. All we can do is give examples of how the words are used. Companies, governments, navies and anyone else are free to make gheir own definitions but nobody else is bound by them.

I served on the U.S.S. CG-19 ‘THE DZLE & U.S.S. CV-63 KITTY HAWK FOR THE US NAVY in the 80’s. So what about the placement of the helm being center of Bridge on a ship & on starboard side usually on a boat?

With many years of sailing lakes to blue water sailing and large power yachts I can offer this for abot of levity. Afterall,the SeaView had the ‘Flying Sub” flown or driven undersea,on the surface and flown by Captain,Admirals and sadly Polititians and insane quasi research criminals. The Flying Sub also had an inflatable Zodiac,so both could be considered Life saving vessels. Plus,it was really cool!

Can be as difficult as we want. My training was as a NCO (enlisted man in the USN. As others have stated, A ship will lean away from its turn. A boat will lean into the turn. This is naturally due to there the center line of gravity is located. Cargo ships mass above that line. A boat can be loaded onto a ship (lifeboats). Regarding Submarines, they are affectionately referee to , by the crew, as boats and that goes back to WWI /II, the ELB. Electric Boat Div of General Dynamics, located Groton Connecticut .

This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

More importantly… are they all “She’s” ?

I’ve been wondering about this since I was younger and saw The Hunt for Red October. The COB (Chief of the Boat) was an interesting character, and I wondered by a Sub Chief was called Chief of the Boat, if a sub was a naval ship. Some very interesting and fascinating answers in here! I like the one about how a ship turns, leaning into it or not. That makes sense to me. As for the tiny kayak/canoe exceptions to this, I’d guess that if a human weighs more than the ‘vessel’ and can manipulate it’s attributes of buoyancy or center of gravity whichever, with their own body, then it doesn’t really count as either a boat or a ship. It really has no deck, nor propulsion other than human muscle, no anchor, etc. I don’t see it as much more than a modern design for what used to be termed a ‘raft.’ But I am just spit-balling here, don’t blast me! lol

That’s really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.

All the information that you shared with us is very useful for us. Thank you for sharing with us.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Marine Insight Daily Newsletter

" * " indicates required fields

Marine Engineering

Marine Engine Air Compressor Marine Boiler Oily Water Separator Marine Electrical Ship Generator Ship Stabilizer

Nautical Science

Mooring Bridge Watchkeeping Ship Manoeuvring Nautical Charts  Anchoring Nautical Equipment Shipboard Guidelines

Explore 

Free Maritime eBooks Premium Maritime eBooks Marine Safety Financial Planning Marine Careers Maritime Law Ship Dry Dock

Shipping News Maritime Reports Videos Maritime Piracy Offshore Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) MARPOL

WAIT! Did You Download 13 FREE Maritime eBooks?

Sign-up and download instantly!

We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously. No spam!

My Cruiser Life Magazine

Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat

It is often said that a boater’s dinghy is like their car. When traveling between ports, you will often only have a land vehicle if you rent one. But your dinghy comes with you, and it’s an essential link to shore. Unless you dock your boat every night, your dinghy gives you the ability to go out to dinner, go to the store, or find a secluded beach to call your own.

Dinghy boats come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. So how do you choose between a hard dinghy that rows well or a fast dinghy with motor? Let’s look at the options and see if we can’t find the best dinghy for your and your crew.

Table of Contents

Sailing dinghy, dinghies as tenders, dingy dinghies – what is a dingy, what are some uses for a dinghy, basic types of boat dinghy, lifting ability and storage when underway, hard dinghies, inflatable dinghy boat options, what’s the best dinghy for your cruising boat, dinghy boat faqs, what is a dinghy.

A dinghy is a small boat. But there are two primary dinghy meaning uses that you should be aware of. 

• Sailing dinghies
• Dinghy boats as yacht tenders

Firstly, a dinghy is a small sailboat usually used for racing. So you might hear about “dinghy races” or “dinghy sailors.” These are the sorts of little boats that kids would learn to sail, but they’re also raced in the Summer Olympics. 

Optics are the classic sailing dinghy. Its purpose is to sail and have fun. They usually carry one or two people and nothing else.

Secondly, a dinghy serves as a tender to a larger boat. In cruising and living aboard, this is the most commonly used definition. Your dinghy is like your car. Your boat is like your house or RV, and you park it somewhere comfortable. Maybe a scenic, quiet, and protected anchorage. Then you hop in the dinghy to explore the area or go into town for supplies. 

A dinghy allows you not to have to pull up to a dock. Anchoring is usually free, and mooring fields are cheaper than taking a slip. Plus, living “on the hook” is more fun–there are fresh breezes, and your neighbors aren’t right next to you. You have more privacy and your own little slice of the ocean.

But to live like this, a good dinghy is important. It has to be safe in most conditions and be able to haul you and your gear. In addition, it should be able to handle the occasional provisioning run–meaning it needs room for lots of groceries. 

Many cruisers affectionate call their dinghy “the dink” or some other fun name. In the US, a motorized dinghy will need to be state-registered.

Fun fact–RV owners who tow small cars refer to them as “dinghies.” They are cheaper to operate and easier to maneuver once they get where they’re going, so they’re used in the same way that boaters use dinghy boats.

Dinghies as tenders come in many forms. 

• Kayaks or canoes
• Hard boats with small motors
• Inflatable boats that row
• RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) with motors — these can be slow or very fast

Dingy (adjective) – dirty, unclean, shabby, or squalid Dinghy (noun) – a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or lifeboat… Definitions from Marriam-Webster Dictonary

So if your dinghy is a dingy boat, you should invest in some good boat soap and clean it. 

Related reading: What Is the Main Function of a Boat Trailer’s Safety Chains?

Why is a Dinghy Important?

The dinghy is your primary method for getting ashore for cruisers traveling far from home or for liveaboards who aren’t tied to a dock. Having a good dinghy means you don’t have to get a dock every night. It means you can anchor in quiet coves in between towns. If you have a dog, it means they can get to shore morning and night for “shore leave.” And if you want to explore shallow creeks or go fishing, it’ll do that too.

The importance of a dinghy depends entirely on your cruising style. Some people don’t want to anchor–they’ll be at a dock every night no matter what. Those rare evenings between destinations when they do anchor for an evening, they don’t go ashore. A dinghy isn’t very important for them and won’t get used much.

On the other hand, some people live via their dinghy. The big boat gets them between destinations, but the dinghy is their “daily driver.” 

The easiest way to explain how cruisers use their dinghy is by example. So here is a look at how boaters visiting the Bahamas usually use their dinghies. 

You find a cozy island where you want to hang out and drop the hook in a protected cove. Then, you launch your dinghy and go to town, find secluded beaches, or just go exploring. Maybe you’ll want to find some coral reefs for fishing or snorkeling or see the tiny islets and rocks that protect the anchorage. Some islands have hiking trails or miles and miles of beaches.

Marinas are few and far between the islands, and the best and quietest spots are far from them. Most towns don’t have big docks–just small dinghy docks where you can tie up for free and walk to the store. In the Abacos, several of the most popular towns have harbors full of mooring balls and several small dinghy docks that make it easy to visit the town.

In these instances, everything you need for your boat will get there by way of the dinghy. You’ll take your trash to shore in the morning and bring home groceries. You might also take your propane tanks in for a refill or get some jerry cans filled with freshwater or diesel. 

Finding the Right Dinghy For Your Boat

With so many choices, finding the dinghy for you can be a daunting task. Make it easier by learning about your choices, understanding how you will use it and what you will carry, and planning for where you will keep it on your boat.

Dinghies come in as many different designs as big boats do. You can pick between hard, inflatable, or RIB for the hull. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) has a hard hull surrounded by inflatable tubes – so it’s kind of a hybrid.

For locomotion, you can have oars, a sail, a motor, or any combination of those. Motors used on dinghies are usually small and portable, although go-fast RIBs can have larger 15 to 25 horsepower motors installed.

It should also be noted here that dinghies are relative to the size of the “mothership.” For a 100-plus-foot motor yacht, the dinghy might be a 40-foot center console with triple 300 horsepower engines. So in dollars, their “dinghy tender” might cost quadruple what the rest of us spent on our “big boats.”

Dinghies should be suited to their purpose. For example, cruise ship dinghies ferry passengers to and from shore at destinations without cruise terminals. They’re passenger ferries and hold 30 or 50 passengers for the journey. For cruisers, a suitable dinghy usually means something that will get them to shore and back–the distance will vary. It must carry two to four people and a week’s worth of groceries.

Your choice of dinghy depends radically on the boat that will be carrying it. How will you deal with your dinghy when you’re underway? If it’s an inflatable that can roll up and store in a locker, life is easy.

But what if you want a hard dinghy or a RIB? Below are the most common options for lifting a bigger boat aboard. No matter how you get your dinghy aboard, once it’s on deck it must be lashed upside down to ensure it remains secure even in heavy seas.

Towing is often done but never recommended. Towing a dinghy limits the maneuverability of your big boat, making docking in tight spaces tricky. Plus, it opens up your dinghy to a world of possible disasters, including coming loose and being lost, or flooding and capsizing due to high winds or waves (or other boater’s wakes). Keeping your dinghy in the water also means more maintenance since you’ll have to scrape its bottom regularly. Most dinghies do not have bilge pumps, so bailing after every rainstorm will become a thing.

Underway, the load on the tow lines is high, and if you must tow, make sure to do so with a proper towing harness and bridle. Also, always remove your outboard before towing–it’s safer on the big boat.

If there is one advantage of towing, it is that your dinghy will be ready to go–it is already launched when you get where you’re going.

Also, note that a towed dinghy makes an easy target for theft in the anchorage–an important consideration in some parts of the world. It’s an easy thing for a thief to come along and cut the line while you sleep. The dinghy will drift away silently, and you won’t be any the wiser until morning. 

Many cruising boats install davits on the transom. These provide lifting points that hoist the dinghy out of the water. Davits are an excellent upgrade because they allow you to keep the dinghy out of the water while traveling and hoist it up every night. Your dinghy will be cleaner, and you can take the plug out to let rainwater drain out. It’s safer too since you can easily lock it to the boat for long-term storage.

As handy as davits are, they can also be a pain. Getting the lifting harness and equipment just right can be a hassle. Dinghies on davits are prone to swinging in wind and waves, which can quickly chafe lines or even an inflatable’s PVC or Hypalon. If the dinghy is heavy or has a large outboard, the swinging can quickly get out of control to the point that it will damage the davits. Strap your dinghy down so that it doesn’t move at all, even when you’re in quiet anchorages. You never know when a ferry boat will throw a big wake your way!

Finally, the location of davits on the stern is less than ideal. Most boats don’t balance well with too much weight that far aft. Furthermore, should you take a wave over the stern during an overly boisterous passage, you can probably kiss your dinghy–and maybe even your davits–goodbye. Most salty sailors store their boats on the foredeck when at sea, even if they do have davits.

Foredeck or Rooftop Hoists

Powerboats usually have motorized hoists that lift their dinghies onto the high deck. Traditional trawlers can use their mini mast and block and tackle to do the same job. Sailboats use their mast and rigging to hoist a dinghy onto the deck. This can be a good way to get inflatables up to deflate them for storage, or to move a hard boat into position to be strapped down.

Once aboard, the dinghy can be sat on the deck in cradles or flipped over and sat upside down. How it stores will depend entirely on your boat and how much space you have–and where you have it. 

Hard dinghies have rigid hulls, just like regular boats. Many are made of fiberglass, but there are also molded plastic ones. There are also a handful of classic or homebuilt wood dinghies out there. 

Hard dinghies come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some are beautifully designed by the world’s best yacht designers, like Lyle Hess’s Fatty Knees. Others are functional, floating, plastic bathtubs, like the Walkers Bay 8. 

Rowing Dinghy

Rowing dinghies are paddled with oars and a center-mounted seat. This limits the space on the boat considerably. The rower sits facing aft, which is awkward to maneuver the boat from but provides lots of power into each stroke. 

Nearly all dinghies are made to be paddled, to some extent. But if rowing is a big part of your plan, you need to research carefully. Many dinghies row poorly. Flat and wide boats are difficult to control and hard to get to track straight in any wind or chop. 

On the other hand, proper rowing dinghies are a pleasure. Look for classic designs that have a dominant keel line and soft chines. 

Some cruisers and solo sailers use plastic kayaks as rowing dinghies. So long as it holds enough supplies and gets you where you need to go, it’s a great idea. Best of all, kayaks are much easier to maneuver in strong winds than rowboats, and faster too. In the world of dinghies, a kayak is like riding a bicycle.

Some cruisers want to know about the functionality of using standup paddleboards (SUPs) as a solo sailor’s dinghy. The truth is, SUPs make terrible dinghies. They have no gear carrying capacity, and they are impossible to lock up once you get to the dinghy dock. To make matters worse, they’re difficult–if not impossible–to paddle into strong winds or choppy conditions.

Sailboat Dinghy

Adding the ability to sail your dinghy moves it from the tool category into the toy category. We all like to have water toys, and if you can practically turn your dinghy car into a water toy, too, that’s pretty cool.

But, sailing a dinghy comes with an entirely new set of problems. It will need a sail rig, a keel of some sort, and a rudder to sail well. This will not work on any dinghy–it will need to have been designed from the get-go to sail.

Nice dinghies don’t come cheap, and adding a sail kit usually makes it substantially more expensive. But for purists who love the freedom and peace of real sailing, there are not many things that are more fun than skirting around the harbor silently in your sailing dinghy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAILING • AVOCET ⛵️ (@svavocet)

Hard Dinghy with Motor

You can add a motor to most dinghy designs as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do not overpower or overload it. Engines are heavy, and adding all of that weight to a tiny boat’s transom can quickly cause trouble.

Hard dinghies that are a suitable size for cruising boats seldom plane. A planing dinghy goes fast–so you can expect that most dinghies in the 8 to 12-foot range are going to be slow. The exception to this is the RIB–a hybrid hard-inflatable dinghy. For more details on RIBs, see below.

What’s left is the fiberglass or plastic dinghies that can’t get on plane–they have displacement hulls. They are usually rated for between two and five horsepower. Adding more horsepower does not necessarily make the dinghy go faster. The engines can be gas, propane, or electric. 

Once you get into slightly larger boats, in the 15 to 18-foot range, there are a few that will get on plane. But these boats are so large and heavy that you cannot lift them on most cruising boats. For example, Boston Whaler has made a series of tenders and small tenders, like their 130 Super Sport . But, with an engine and fuel, this little boat weighs over 1,000 pounds.

Pros and Cons of Rigid Hard Dinghies

• Indestructible–much more robust than inflatable options
• Can be very good looking
• Always ready to go
• Options for rowing or sailing
• Tippy–much less stable than inflatable boats
• No way to store in a small space–can’t roll up or deflate
• Low weight carrying capacity
• Generally limited to low-horsepower motors
• Cannot plane (go fast)
• Can be very heavy and bulky

Best Hard Dinghy Brands

West marine dinghy.

West Marine sells a few models of rigid dinghy. They are made of molded plastic, extremely tough, and can be oared or powered by a small outboard. Unfortunately, none of the West Marine models come with a sail kit. 

The West Marine Classic Dinghy is similar to a popular model known as the Walkers Bay 8. These can often be found on the used market and have many great options. They have a sail kit and a tube kit that converts them almost into a RIB. 

Porta-Boat makes a unique, folding, rigid boat design. The boat panels fold together into a flat case that looks a little like a surfboard. You can unfold the Porta-Boat on your foredeck and launch it. When lightly loaded and given a big enough outboard, Porta-Boats are fast enough to plane–a rare find in rigid dinghies.

Portland Pudgy

The unique looks of the plastic Portland Pudgy betray its biggest plus–it is designed to serve as a lifeboat. For a cruiser outfitting their boat for crossing oceans, liferafts are expensive and take up a lot of space. So having a dinghy that could potentially serve that purpose could save you several thousand dollars–plus the liferaft packing service cost every one to three years.

The Pudgy is a cute dinghy, virtually indestructible, and equipped however you like. It’s made of roto molded polyethylene, just like a plastic kayak. You can row it, motor it, or sail it. The survival kit adds liferaft supplies and a canopy for emergencies. Best of all, the various pieces fit inside compartments built in the hull. 

Fatty Knees, Trinka, Sam Morse Cherub, etc.

There are a handful of really classy classic dinghies out there, but you have to do a little research to find them. Usually, they result from a professional yacht designer answering a cruiser’s problem. For example, when Lin and Larry Pardey were sailing around the world on their Lyle Hess-designed Serafynn, Hess designed them a dinghy that fit perfectly on their boat. That little dinghy eventually became the well-loved Fatty Knees. 

Dinghies of this class look great, and they usually row and sail beautifully. Most will accept a tiny outboard for power. None will get on plane, and space and hauling capacity are not as much as with a RIB. Some of these dinghies are still made, while others are rare finds on the used market.

Chesapeake Light Craft CLC Kits

The selection of small rigid boats that make good tenders is surprisingly limited. If you’re a hand person, you might consider building one from a plywood kit. Several suppliers of such kits, but Chesapeake Light Craft in Annapolis is the biggest. Their boats range from tiny rowing prams to motor and sailing yachts. 

This type of boat building is known as stitch and glue. Panels of marine-grade plywood are stitched together and then glued together with epoxy. The result is a robust design that is lightweight and can last decades with proper care.

A nesting dinghy is one particularly interesting design that you can make from plywood. These are built in two or three sections, each stacking neatly in the other. So on your deck, the dinghy is small–only five or six feet long. However, when assembled, they can be 12 or more feet long.

Inflatable boats also come in a variety of types. The only universal feature is the inflatable tubes surrounding the boat, but the interiors and floors vary. Besides the cost of the boat, the deciding factor usually comes down to storage space and setup. 

Roll-up floors are made of the same rubber as the hull but with wood slats that make it sturdier. Some are entirely flat and made of plywood or aluminum panels–these are generally called solid-floor boats. Next, there are inflatable floor boats with a high-pressure floor that you can stand on, like a paddleboard. And finally, RIBs have fiberglass or aluminum hulls surrounded by the inflatable tube.

Inflatables are probably the most popular dinghy option because they are easy to come by and easy to store. Once inflated and on the water, they are very stable and difficult to capsize. In addition, they hold an insane amount of weight, so you never have to worry about overloading it with your groceries or supplies. 

Inflatables are sold with oars for rowing, but they make terrible rowboats. They blow around on the water and are difficult to control. With no keel, they don’t track and make terrible leeway in wind or chop. Some do have an inflatable keel, which gives the hull and little shape and greatly improves handling.

RIBs are easier to paddle since they have a keel and do track better.

Most inflatable or RIB owners will opt for engine power eventually, even if they like rowing. Inflatables can be quite fast, and some are designed to get on plane. In my personal experience, you need a minimum of 8 horsepower to plane a RIB, although 9.9-horsepower motors are even better. If you carry more than two people aboard or have a lot of gear, consider a 15-horsepower engine as the minimum.

Rigid Inflatable Boats

Making hybrids tends to not work out very well with many things in life. The results often take on all the disadvantages of each thing and few of the advantages. But with rigid inflatable boats, this isn’t the case. Luckily, these boats really are the best of both worlds. 

The advantages are that RIBs are lightweight yet supremely stable for their size. Large inflatable tubes all around the hull provide a dry ride and are very difficult to capsize. They can be loaded for bear and carry lots of people and supplies. 

The hard bottom of the boat gives it a solid keel and good handling characteristics on the water. If you want to get on plane, a RIB is your best bet. All you have to do is buy one that will safely handle a large enough outboard motor.

The complexity of a RIB’s design is proportional to its cost. The simplest boats are small, with a single floor. In other words, the floor you stand on is also the outer hull. It slopes down to the keel, making it harder to stand on than a flat floor. They have no built-in storage options. They’ll have seating on the outer tubes or a simple bench seat.

One step up is the double-floor RIB. These have a flat floor attached to the hull, so there is space below. These boats usually have some storage under the floor, near the bow. They’re easier to stand in, but they are also much heavier and more expensive. 

Larger RIBs may have built-in seats and possibly a wheel-style helm. This looks comfortable, but it takes up a lot of space and weight that might be handier for extra people or more groceries. 

The first rule is that if you have the space and budget for a RIB, you should get the RIB. You might be able to fit an air floor roll-up boat, but you’ll never like it as much. Some of them are very nice–but they aren’t RIBs, and they never will be. 

If you absolutely, positively can’t fit or afford a RIB, then there are still plenty of options. But the remaining types of inflatables will always feel like a rubber toy boat more than a solidly built vessel.

Material – PVC vs Hypalon Dinghies

The vinyl material that makes up the tubes of an inflatable comes in either PVC or Hypalon. PVC is cheaper and the most common. Unfortunately, PVC is broken down the quickest from the sun’s UV rays.

Hypalon is the solution for areas with intense sun exposure. Hypalon will last twice as long as PVC boats. But, of course, it does come at a cost–it’s much more expensive than PVC. It’s also important to note that you cannot use PVC patches and repair kits on Hypalon boats–so repairs and even the glue for a Hypalon craft will cost more. Hypalon is also called CSM, or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber.

You also need to consider the size of the tubes and how many air chambers they are dived into. The larger the tube, the greater the boat’s reserve buoyancy and the better its handling and carrying capacity is. The more air chambers it has, the safer it will be should one chamber spring a leak or get punctured. A cruising sailors dinghy should have a minimum of three air chambers, but four is even better.

Rigid Hull Construction Material – Fiberglass or Aluminum

The rigid hard bottom of a RIB can be made of fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum is an attractive option since this type of robust design was popularized by AB and now Highfield. Aluminum is strong and lightweight. It can still be dented and scratched, but the chances of it getting holed are very low. 

Fiberglass boats are less expensive and heavier. But, just like any fiberglass vessel, they can be chipped and cracked by impacts with rocks or docks. Luckily, fiberglass is extremely easy to fix, whereas aluminum would require welding. It’s also easy to modify a fiberglass dinghy. If, for example, you wanted to add a cleat to the transom for towing, you could do so easily. That sort of modification is harder to do correctly with aluminum.

Small Dinghy Seating Capacity, Storage Space, and Load Limits

No matter whether you’re looking for a RIB dinghy boat with motor, a sailing dinghy, or a kayak, your choice always comes back to what exactly it is you need to carry. Small boats like these don’t have a lot of extra buoyance to spare when you overload them. If you sometimes need to carry an extra person or two, but your dinghy is too small, that could pose a big problem. If you need to ferry new house batteries out to your boat, but all you have is a kayak with 50 pounds for cargo–that’s not going to happen. 

Whatever boat you like, take a look at its maximum loading capabilities. Thanks to the official US Coast Guard capacity plate, most dinghies will have this marked on them. This will rate the vessel for a maximum number of people, a maximum amount of weight, and maximum engine horsepower. 

Pros and Cons of Inflatable Dinghies

• Can roll up or deflate for smaller storage
• Lighter than hard boats
• Enormous weight carrying capability
• Extremely stable–won’t flip even if you stand on one side
• Can carry more horsepower and go faster than hard dinghies
• Since they store smaller, you can usually fit a larger inflatable on your boat than you can a rigid boat
• Material degrades in the sun from UV damage
• Tubes can be punctured by rocks or chaffed bylines in extreme circumstances
• Best Inflatable and RIB Brands

West Marine earns a place on the list for simple ubiquity. West Marine dinghies are rebranded versions of those built by other companies – usually Zodiacs. Most, if not all, are made in China. 

But the advantage is in their availability – most coastal areas of the US are near a West Marine store, and most stores have a few dinghy models in stock. You can go and see them in person, and you can pick them up and take them home on the same day. Pretty much every other option on the list will have to be ordered sight-unseen.

West Marine sells a selection of inflatable dinghies, from roll-ups and slat-floor models to top-of-the-line RIBs. They keep parts in stock at most stores, and the better boats are available in either PVC or Hypalon. 

Highfield Boats

Highfield is best known for its hard-wearing Hypalon aluminum-hulled RIBs. These sharp and sturdy boats are found on most charter boats since they last the longest. The company also makes PVC roll-up models. Highfields are pretty much the hottest ticket in RIBs right now–their boats look and perform marvelously.

Their boats range from the tiny 6’7″ RU 200 roll-up to the SP900–a 30-foot, 900-horsepower center console powerhouse. The most popular dinghy tender is the Classic 310. If you need something lighter, the Ultralight line is excellent as well.

Zodiac Nautic

Zodiac is a French maker of inflatable boats. They have a full line, from small roll-ups to large professional rescue RIBs. Their boats are divided among different product lines. Cruisers will want to look into the Cadet line of dinghies, which come in roll-up and RIB versions. 

If you’re looking for a boat with a helm, the Yachtline has four size options. These boats have built-in seating for up to nine people and engines up to 90 horsepower.

AB Inflatables

AB started as Antilles Boatworks–as you might imagine, their target market is the Caribbean. They make hardy Hypalon RIBs with aluminum hulls built for life in the tropics, plus jet boat yacht tenders and professional SAR and law enforcement RIBs.

Achilles makes roll-up, slat-floor, and RIB dinghies in various sizes. 

Like the mothership you call home, your dinghy is uniquely yours. No two boaters will make the same choices – everyone has different priorities. For the couple driving a classic wooden boat, nothing will do but an equally classic wooden dinghy. On the other hand, speed and comfort requirements dictate a go-fast RIB for the ultra-modern motor trawler. There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer to boating, so research carefully and think about how you’re going to use your dink. The good news is, there’s an active used market for dinghies out there–so upgrading and trading until you get it right is an option.

Is it dinghy or dingy?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually used by a bigger boat to carry supplies and people to shore and back. For example, “The yacht’s dinghy brought the crew to shore, where they went shopping.”

Dingy is an adjective meaning dirty, unclean, or squalid. For example, “After two weeks at sea, the dingy sailor desperately needed a shave and a long, hot shower.”

Why is a boat called a dinghy?

The English word “dinghy” comes from a similar Hindi word that describes small rowing boats used on the rivers in India. According to Merriam-Webster, it first appeared in English around 1810. It likely became a loanword during the times of British India.

What is a dinghy for a boat?

The most common type of dinghy is a small boat used as a tender. It runs back and forth to shore, tending the needs of the larger vessel. For example, it might take passengers ashore, pick them up, or just pick up and move supplies.

Sailing dinghies are small racing sailboats, like those used by sailing clubs to teach sailing and racing skills.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Tender vs Dinghy: Understanding the Key Differences

by Emma Sullivan | Aug 18, 2023 | Sailboat Gear and Equipment

Short answer: Tender vs Dinghy

A tender is a small boat used primarily for transport between a larger vessel and the shore, whereas a dinghy is a small boat typically used for recreational purposes or as a lifeboat. Tenders are usually designed with greater stability and carrying capacity for passengers and supplies, while dinghies prioritize maneuverability and ease of use.

Understanding the Tender vs Dinghy: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to boating or yachting, having a vessel that allows for easy transportation between the shore and your main boat is essential. This is where the tender and dinghy come into play. Both serve as vessels used to transport people, supplies, or equipment from one point to another, but they each have their own unique characteristics and purposes. In this comprehensive comparison, we dive deep into understanding the differences between a tender and a dinghy.

1. Definition and Purpose: A tender refers to a small boat used to ferry passengers or goods from a larger vessel, such as a yacht, to land or vice versa. It is designed with comfort in mind, often equipped with plush seating and amenities that mirror those on the main boat. Tenders are primarily used for transporting people in style while maintaining an element of luxury.

On the other hand, a dinghy is typically known as a small utility boat that serves several purposes beyond passenger transportation. While it can certainly act as transport between larger boats and land, it is also commonly used for water sports activities like sailing, rowing, or fishing due to its lightweight construction and maneuverability.

2. Size Matters:

In terms of size, tenders are generally larger than dinghies because their purpose revolves around providing comfortable transfers for both passengers and crew members. They often range from 8 feet up to 40 feet in length (or even bigger), depending on the size of the main vessel they accompany.

Dinghies, on the other hand, tend to be smaller in size since their primary role is centered around utility rather than luxury. Ranging from 6 to 16 feet long (sometimes more), they are compact enough to be easily transported alongside a larger vessel without causing inconvenience.

3. Construction:

Tenders often feature a rigid hull made of materials like fiberglass or aluminum which provides stability during transportation. Some higher-end tenders may even have inflatable collars to enhance buoyancy and shock absorption.

Dinghies, conversely, come in two main types: rigid-hulled and inflatable. Rigid-hulled dinghies (RIBs) consist of a solid material like fiberglass or aluminum for the hull with inflatable tubes providing added buoyancy. Inflatable dinghies, as the name suggests, are entirely inflatable and can be easily folded or deflated for convenient storage.

4. Propulsion:

Tenders typically employ more powerful engines since they may need to transport larger groups of people or heavier equipment. These engines could range from inboard motors to outboard motors, ensuring smooth and efficient transfers regardless of weather conditions.

Dinghies traditionally use smaller engines due to their lightweight nature and versatility in water sports activities. Their propulsion systems often consist of outboard motors attached to the transom for easy maneuverability and quick acceleration.

5. Pricing:

As expected with their added luxury features, tenders usually come at a higher price point compared to dinghies. The cost is influenced by factors such as size, materials used, engine power, and additional amenities provided onboard.

Dinghies score economically here as their primary purpose revolves around utility rather than opulence. The price tags on these compact vessels are generally lower compared to tenders but can still vary depending on features such as hull materials, propulsion systems, and any added accessories.

In conclusion, understanding the tender vs dinghy comparison is crucial when deciding which vessel best suits your boating needs. If you prioritize comfort, style, and seamless transportation between your main boat and land destinations with an extra touch of luxury; a tender would undoubtedly be your ideal choice. However, if you seek versatility for water sports activities along with basic transport capabilities – accompanied by a more budget-friendly option – then a dinghy should definitely be on your radar!

How to Differentiate Between a Tender and a Dinghy: Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to boating, there are many terms that can often be confusing – especially if you’re new to the scene. One question that frequently pops up is: What is the difference between a tender and a dinghy? Well, fear not! We’re here to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to differentiate between these two nautical terms.

First things first, let’s clarify what each term actually means. A tender refers to a small boat used for transportation between a larger vessel and the shore or other boats. On the other hand, a dinghy is simply a small open boat that is often used as either a recreational craft or as transport for short distances.

Now that we’ve got some basic definitions under our belt, let’s dive deeper into distinguishing features:

1. Size Matters: One of the most fundamental differences between tenders and dinghies lies in their size. Tenders generally tend to be larger than dinghies and are specifically designed to accommodate multiple people comfortably, along with additional equipment such as oars or an outboard motor . Dinghies, on the contrary, are usually smaller in size and generally intended for solo use or carrying only one or two passengers.

2. Construction: While both tenders and dinghies can be made from various materials like fiberglass or aluminum, traditional dinghies often have inflatable tubes (known as pontoons) enabling them to float even when filled with water. This design feature makes them incredibly stable in choppy waters compared to non-inflatable tenders.

3. Purpose: Another key factor separating these two vessels is their intended purpose. Tenders primarily serve as auxiliary boats for larger vessels – think of them as floating shuttles that ferry people, supplies, or even equipment back and forth from land or other boats anchored nearby. Dinghies, however, are more focused on recreational activities such as fishing trips, exploring shallow waters, or simply joyriding. They are not exclusively tied to a parent vessel and can be used independently.

4. Seating and Accessories: When comparing tenders to dinghies, it’s essential to consider the available seating options and additional accessories they offer. Tenders usually come equipped with multiple seats, often padded for better comfort during longer journeys. Additionally, they may feature storage compartments for stowing gear or even built-in fixtures like oar locks or towing rings for easy maneuvering. Dinghies typically have less seating space since they are designed to accommodate fewer passengers and generally lack additional features found in larger tenders.

5. Nomenclature: Interestingly enough, sometimes the difference between a tender and a dinghy could simply be a matter of semantics within certain boating circles. Some people might use both terms interchangeably depending on their specific context or personal preference – so always remember that context matters!

In conclusion, differentiating between tenders and dinghies boils down to various factors such as size, construction, purpose, seating arrangements, and individual definitions employed by boaters themselves. By considering these elements carefully, you’ll be able to navigate the sometimes murky waters of boat terminology with ease.

So there you have it – our step-by-step guide on how to differentiate between a tender and a dinghy! Armed with this knowledge, you’ll impress your fellow boaters with your newfound ability to identify each vessel correctly. Now go forth (or should we say float forth?) confidently into the world of boats !

Tender vs Dinghy: Unveiling the Key Differences and Similarities

When it comes to boating, choosing the right vessel is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice on the water, understanding the differences and similarities between tenders and dinghies is essential. In this blog post, we will dive deep into these two types of boats, unraveling their key distinctions and highlighting their commonalities.

Firstly, let’s address what precisely tender and dinghy mean in the context of boating terminology . A tender is a smaller boat employed primarily to transport people or goods between a larger vessel (such as a yacht) and shore. On the other hand, a dinghy is an open boat typically used for recreational purposes like rowing or sailing.

One of the primary differences between tenders and dinghies lies in their intended purpose. While both vessels serve as means of transportation in some form or another, tenders are specifically designed to cater to larger boats . Tenders enable passengers or necessities to shuttle back and forth from the main vessel to land. They often feature more advanced features like comfortable seating arrangements and weather protection measures.

In contrast, dinghies are primarily focused on individual enjoyment rather than practicality for larger vessels. Dinghies are commonly found in sizes ranging from 6ft up to around 14ft long. They can be rowed, sailed with minimal equipment (such as a small sail), or powered by an outboard engine. These agile little boats offer riders an exciting experience exploring waterways close to shorelines.

Another significant distinction lies in their build characteristics . Tenders are usually sturdier than dinghies due to their typical use on open waters away from land for longer durations. Their construction materials may include durable components such as fiberglass hulls that withstand rough conditions encountered while transporting passengers or items.

Dinghies come in various forms depending on their intended purpose; however, many are built using lighter materials like aluminum or inflatable tubes. Choosing the right material for a dinghy largely depends on factors such as portability, ease of storage, and recreational activities planned.

Despite these key differences, there are also noteworthy similarities between tenders and dinghies. One common aspect is their versatility. Both can adapt to different water situations, whether it’s calm lakes or more challenging sea conditions . This adaptability allows users to explore various waterscapes with confidence.

Moreover, both tenders and dinghies possess excellent maneuverability capabilities. Whether you’re using oars to row a dinghy or utilizing an outboard engine on a tender, navigating through tight spaces or congested harbors becomes hassle-free with these agile boats.

Finally, both vessels offer ample opportunities for customization and personalization . From adding comfortable seating options to equipping them with navigation systems or even fishing accessories, boat owners have the freedom to tailor their tender or dinghy to suit their individual needs and preferences.

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between tenders and dinghies helps boating enthusiasts make informed decisions when embarking on water adventures. Tenders serve as practical transportation solutions for larger vessels while offering enhanced features for passenger comfort. On the other hand, dinghies provide individual enjoyment through rowing or sailing experiences closer to shorelines. Despite their differences, both boats exhibit versatility, maneuverability, and customizability that add value to any boating experience. Choose wisely and set sail with confidence!

Your Burning Questions Answered: FAQs about Tender vs Dinghy

Welcome to our blog series where we aim to address your burning questions about various boating topics. In this edition, we delve into the frequently asked questions regarding a tender versus a dinghy, two common vessels used for different purposes. So let’s dive straight in and satisfy your curiosity with detailed, professional yet witty and clever explanations.

1. What is the difference between a tender and a dinghy? – A tender refers to a vessel primarily used for transportation between a larger boat or yacht and the shore. It often has a more refined appearance, resembling its parent vessel in design and style. On the other hand, a dinghy is typically an open small boat that can be used independently from the main vessel for various activities such as fishing, exploring shallow waters or water sports.

2. Why would I need a tender? – Ahoy! Having a tender provides great convenience when you want to go ashore from your larger boat without having to maneuver it through potentially tricky waters or crowded marinas. It grants you access to shoreside amenities, restaurants, and attractions with ease.

3. Can’t I just use my dinghy as a tender? – While you could technically use your dinghy as a means of getting ashore, using it solely for that purpose might limit its potential uses. Dinghies are versatile boats that can accommodate several recreational activities like fishing or frolicking around in shallow coves independently without relying on your main vessel.

4. Are tenders only for luxurious yachts ? – Not at all! Though commonly associated with high-end yachts due to their matching appearance and style, tenders come in various sizes suitable for different types of boats and budgets. Even if you have a modest-sized sailboat or motor cruiser , investing in an appropriately sized tender can greatly enhance your boating experience.

5. Are dinghies inferior to tenders ? – Absolutely not! Both tenders and dinghies serve different purposes, and neither is superior to the other. Dinghies excel in their versatility and independence, making them perfect for adventurers seeking a range of recreational activities. Tenders, on the other hand, prioritize comfort and convenience when moving between the large vessel and shore.

6. Can I customize my tender or dinghy? – Certainly! One of the great joys of owning either type of boat is that you can personalize it to your heart’s content. Whether you want to add plush seating and elegant finishes to your tender or outfit your dinghy with fishing accessories or water sports equipment, there are endless possibilities for customization.

7. How do I choose between a tender and a dinghy? – The choice ultimately depends on your boating preferences and needs. Consider factors such as intended use, budget, storage space on your main vessel, number of passengers you intend to transport, and desired level of comfort versus versatility. Assessing these aspects will help guide you towards selecting the ideal boat for your specific requirements .

We hope these answers have shed some light on the frequently asked questions regarding tenders versus dinghies. Remember, both vessels offer unique advantages based on their individual strengths. So whether you’re cruising in luxury aboard a yacht or embarking on thrilling adventures with a smaller boat by your side, happy boating!

Exploring the Purpose and Usage of Tenders and Dinghies: What Sets Them Apart?

When it comes to boats, most people tend to think of grand vessels cruising through the open waters. However, not every boating experience requires such extravagance. Sometimes, a smaller and more versatile option is needed for various purposes. This is where tenders and dinghies come into play.

Tenders and dinghies are both small boats that serve different purposes on the water. While they may share some similarities in appearance, it’s important to understand their distinctions in order to make an informed choice for your boating adventures . So, let’s dive in and explore the purpose and usage of tenders and dinghies while unraveling what truly sets them apart.

Firstly, let’s take a closer look at tenders. These are specially designed inflatable or rigid-hulled boats that act as a companion boat to larger vessels like yachts or superyachts. Tenders function as transportation between the shore and the main vessel when anchoring offshore or when navigating shallow waters inaccessible by larger crafts. They typically have ample space for passengers, equipment, supplies, or even water sports activities like wakeboarding or snorkeling gear.

Tenders are incredibly versatile due to their ability to be easily stowed on board larger vessels without taking up much space. Their inflatable nature allows them to be deflated when not in use, making them compact enough for storage in lockers or other dedicated spaces on a yacht. Additionally, their maneuverability enables easy access to confined spaces, giving owners the freedom to explore secluded coves or access marinas with limited docking facilities.

On the other hand, dinghies differ from tenders primarily in terms of functionality and usage. Dinghies are small rowing boats that can either be powered by oars alone or equipped with small outboard engines for added convenience. Unlike tenders that are specifically designed as companions for larger vessels, dinghies often serve as stand-alone craft suitable for various leisure activities.

Dinghies are commonly used for fishing, recreational rowing, or simply as a means of transportation when anchored close to shore. They offer an affordable and easily transportable option for those who wish to explore nearby waters independently. Their lightweight and compact nature make them ideal for individuals or small groups looking for an intimate boating experience without the need for additional amenities or accommodations.

Although tenders and dinghies have their distinctive uses, there may be some overlap in functionality depending on individual preferences and the specific design of each boat. Some larger tenders may incorporate rowing capabilities similar to dinghies, while certain dinghies may provide space for limited equipment like coolers or small outboard engines. It’s essential to consider your intended purpose before making a decision.

To sum it up, tenders and dinghies play vital roles in the boating world by offering versatile options that suit various needs. While tenders are primarily companions to larger vessels, providing transportation and access to remote locations, dinghies serve as stand-alone craft for leisure activities such as fishing or exploration of nearby waters . Owning either one can enhance your boating experience significantly by expanding your opportunities on the water.

So whether you’re cruising through coastal destinations aboard a luxurious yacht or prefer a more independent adventure closer to shore with a trusty dinghy, both tenders and dinghies have their unique advantages that set them apart in their purpose and usage – giving all boaters the perfect vessel tailored to their specific preferences.

Choosing Between Tender or Dinghy: Factors to Consider for Boating Enthusiasts

When it comes to boating, having the right vessel is crucial. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice boater, one important decision you will have to make is choosing between a tender and a dinghy. While both options serve as auxiliary boats, each has its own set of factors that should be carefully considered before making a decision.

Firstly, let’s clarify what exactly a tender and a dinghy are. A tender is typically larger in size and is designed to transport people or supplies from shore to a larger boat (like a yacht). On the other hand, a dinghy is smaller and more versatile, often used for recreational purposes such as fishing or exploring shallow waters .

Size Matters: One of the key factors to consider when choosing between these two options is the size of your main vessel. If you have a larger boat that requires transportation for numerous people or heavy equipment, a tender would be the practical choice due to its increased carrying capacity. However, if your main boat is smaller and space efficiency is important, then opting for a compact dinghy would be more suitable.

Versatility vs. Practicality: Another aspect worth contemplating is how you plan on using your auxiliary boat. If your primary goal involves leisurely activities like fishing or cruising around secluded coves, then a dinghy might just fulfill all your dreams. They are nimbler in nature and can navigate through tight spaces with ease while providing an intimate and adventurous experience.

On the contrary, if you envision using your secondary vessel solely for transportation purposes or frequently traveling long distances from shore to your main ship – practicality takes precedence over versatility. This makes the tender an ideal choice as its spaciousness allows for comfortable seating arrangements while still accommodating essential supplies needed during longer journeys.

Power Preferences: It’s vital not to overlook power requirements when debating between these two vessel types. Tenders generally offer more horsepower options thanks to their bigger engines which can deliver greater speed and carry substantial loads. If you have a need for speed or venture into choppy waters, then the tender’s power advantage might be hard to resist.

However, if fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance are important factors for you, opting for a dinghy with a smaller motor might be the prudent decision. Their lightweight construction allows them to glide gracefully across calm waters while being more economically friendly.

Storage and Transport: As any experienced boater knows, storage space is valuable real estate onboard. When contemplating between a tender or dinghy, you must consider how much space you are willing to sacrifice when stowing it away on your main vessel. Tenders often require designated davits or cranes for secure lifting and storage due to their larger size. If you have limited storage capacity available, this could prove challenging.

On the other hand, dinghies shine in terms of compactness and portability. Many can be easily deflated and rolled up into small packages that can fit snugly into lockers or even carried ashore if necessary. Their lightweight design makes it hassle-free to transport them from land to sea without requiring additional equipment.

Overall Aesthetics: Lastly but significantly, aesthetics play an important role in boating as well. The choice between a tender and dinghy can greatly impact the overall aesthetic appeal of your boat setup. Tenders tend to have sleeker designs with luxurious finishes that seamlessly match larger vessels’ profiles – enhancing the overall visual appeal.

In contrast, dinghies may come in more varied designs suited towards specific activities such as fishing or water sports enthusiasts . They offer the opportunity to add some personal flair through customization options like vibrant colors or artwork – reflecting your own unique style on the open waters .

In conclusion, choosing between a tender or a dinghy boils down to carefully considering several factors including size compatibility with your main vessel, intended usage (versatility versus practicality), preferred power requirements, storage limitations, and desired aesthetics. Weighing these aspects against your personal boating preferences and needs will allow you to make an informed decision that ensures years of enjoyable experiences out on the water.

Recent Posts

• Sailboat Gear and Equipment
• Sailboat Lifestyle
• Sailboat Maintenance
• Sailboat Racing
• Sailboat Tips and Tricks
• Sailboat Types
• Sailing Adventures
• Sailing Destinations
• Sailing Safety
• Sailing Techniques

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

What's that sail for? Generally, I don't know. So I've come up with a system. I'll explain you everything there is to know about sails and rigs in this article.

What are the different types of sails? Most sailboats have one mainsail and one headsail. Typically, the mainsail is a fore-and-aft bermuda rig (triangular shaped). A jib or genoa is used for the headsail. Most sailors use additional sails for different conditions: the spinnaker (a common downwind sail), gennaker, code zero (for upwind use), and stormsail.

Each sail has its own use. Want to go downwind fast? Use a spinnaker. But you can't just raise any sail and go for it. It's important to understand when (and how) to use each sail. Your rigging also impacts what sails you can use.

On this page:

Different sail types, the sail plan of a bermuda sloop, mainsail designs, headsail options, specialty sails, complete overview of sail uses, mast configurations and rig types.

This article is part 1 of my series on sails and rig types. Part 2 is all about the different types of rigging. If you want to learn to identify every boat you see quickly, make sure to read it. It really explains the different sail plans and types of rigging clearly.

Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

First I'll give you a quick and dirty overview of sails in this list below. Then, I'll walk you through the details of each sail type, and the sail plan, which is the godfather of sail type selection so to speak.

Click here if you just want to scroll through a bunch of pictures .

Here's a list of different models of sails: (Don't worry if you don't yet understand some of the words, I'll explain all of them in a bit)

• Jib - triangular staysail
• Genoa - large jib that overlaps the mainsail
• Spinnaker - large balloon-shaped downwind sail for light airs
• Gennaker - crossover between a Genoa and Spinnaker
• Code Zero or Screecher - upwind spinnaker
• Drifter or reacher - a large, powerful, hanked on genoa, but made from lightweight fabric
• Windseeker - tall, narrow, high-clewed, and lightweight jib
• Trysail - smaller front-and-aft mainsail for heavy weather
• Storm jib - small jib for heavy weather

I have a big table below that explains the sail types and uses in detail .

I know, I know ... this list is kind of messy, so to understand each sail, let's place them in a system.

The first important distinction between sail types is the placement . The mainsail is placed aft of the mast, which simply means behind. The headsail is in front of the mast.

Generally, we have three sorts of sails on our boat:

• Mainsail: The large sail behind the mast which is attached to the mast and boom
• Headsail: The small sail in front of the mast, attached to the mast and forestay (ie. jib or genoa)
• Specialty sails: Any special utility sails, like spinnakers - large, balloon-shaped sails for downwind use

The second important distinction we need to make is the functionality . Specialty sails (just a name I came up with) each have different functionalities and are used for very specific conditions. So they're not always up, but most sailors carry one or more of these sails.

They are mostly attached in front of the headsail, or used as a headsail replacement.

The specialty sails can be divided into three different categories:

• downwind sails - like a spinnaker
• light air or reacher sails - like a code zero
• storm sails

The parts of any sail

Whether large or small, each sail consists roughly of the same elements. For clarity's sake I've took an image of a sail from the world wide webs and added the different part names to it:

• Head: Top of the sail
• Tack: Lower front corner of the sail
• Foot: Bottom of the sail
• Luff: Forward edge of the sail
• Leech: Back edge of the sail
• Clew: Bottom back corner of the sail

So now we speak the same language, let's dive into the real nitty gritty.

Basic sail shapes

Roughly speaking, there are actually just two sail shapes, so that's easy enough. You get to choose from:

• square rigged sails
• fore-and-aft rigged sails

I would definitely recommend fore-and-aft rigged sails. Square shaped sails are pretty outdated. The fore-and-aft rig offers unbeatable maneuverability, so that's what most sailing yachts use nowadays.

Square sails were used on Viking longships and are good at sailing downwind. They run from side to side. However, they're pretty useless upwind.

A fore-and-aft sail runs from the front of the mast to the stern. Fore-and-aft literally means 'in front and behind'. Boats with fore-and-aft rigged sails are better at sailing upwind and maneuvering in general. This type of sail was first used on Arabic boats.

As a beginner sailor I confuse the type of sail with rigging all the time. But I should cut myself some slack, because the rigging and sails on a boat are very closely related. They are all part of the sail plan .

A sail plan is made up of:

• Mast configuration - refers to the number of masts and where they are placed
• Sail type - refers to the sail shape and functionality
• Rig type - refers to the way these sails are set up on your boat

There are dozens of sails and hundreds of possible configurations (or sail plans).

For example, depending on your mast configuration, you can have extra headsails (which then are called staysails).

The shape of the sails depends on the rigging, so they overlap a bit. To keep it simple I'll first go over the different sail types based on the most common rig. I'll go over the other rig types later in the article.

Bermuda Sloop: the most common rig

Most modern small and mid-sized sailboats have a Bermuda sloop configuration . The sloop is one-masted and has two sails, which are front-and-aft rigged. This type of rig is also called a Marconi Rig. The Bermuda rig uses a triangular sail, with just one side of the sail attached to the mast.

The mainsail is in use most of the time. It can be reefed down, making it smaller depending on the wind conditions. It can be reefed down completely, which is more common in heavy weather. (If you didn't know already: reefing is skipper terms for rolling or folding down a sail.)

In very strong winds (above 30 knots), most sailors only use the headsail or switch to a trysail.

The headsail powers your bow, the mainsail powers your stern (rear). By having two sails, you can steer by using only your sails (in theory - it requires experience). In any case, two sails gives you better handling than one, but is still easy to operate.

Let's get to the actual sails. The mainsail is attached behind the mast and to the boom, running to the stern. There are multiple designs, but they actually don't differ that much. So the following list is a bit boring. Feel free to skip it or quickly glance over it.

• Square Top racing mainsail - has a high performance profile thanks to the square top, optional reef points
• Racing mainsail - made for speed, optional reef points
• Cruising mainsail - low-maintenance, easy to use, made to last. Generally have one or multiple reef points.
• Full-Batten Cruising mainsail - cruising mainsail with better shape control. Eliminates flogging. Full-length battens means the sail is reinforced over the entire length. Generally have one or multiple reef points.
• High Roach mainsail - crossover between square top racing and cruising mainsail, used mostly on cats and multihulls. Generally have one or multiple reef points.
• Mast Furling mainsail - sails specially made to roll up inside the mast - very convenient but less control; of sail shape. Have no reef points
• Boom Furling mainsail - sails specially made to roll up inside the boom. Have no reef points.

The headsail is the front sail in a front-and-aft rig. The sail is fixed on a stay (rope, wire or rod) which runs forward to the deck or bowsprit. It's almost always triangular (Dutch fishermen are known to use rectangular headsail). A triangular headsail is also called a jib .

Headsails can be attached in two ways:

• using roller furlings - the sail rolls around the headstay
• hank on - fixed attachment

Types of jibs:

Typically a sloop carries a regular jib as its headsail. It can also use a genoa.

• A jib is a triangular staysail set in front of the mast. It's the same size as the fore-triangle.
• A genoa is a large jib that overlaps the mainsail.

What's the purpose of a jib sail? A jib is used to improve handling and to increase sail area on a sailboat. This helps to increase speed. The jib gives control over the bow (front) of the ship, making it easier to maneuver the ship. The mainsail gives control over the stern of the ship. The jib is the headsail (frontsail) on a front-and-aft rig.

The size of the jib is generally indicated by a number - J1, 2, 3, and so on. The number tells us the attachment point. The order of attachment points may differ per sailmaker, so sometimes J1 is the largest jib (on the longest stay) and sometimes it's the smallest (on the shortest stay). Typically the J1 jib is the largest - and the J3 jib the smallest.

Most jibs are roller furling jibs: this means they are attached to a stay and can be reefed down single-handedly. If you have a roller furling you can reef down the jib to all three positions and don't need to carry different sizes.

Originally called the 'overlapping jib', the leech of the genoa extends aft of the mast. This increases speed in light and moderate winds. A genoa is larger than the total size of the fore-triangle. How large exactly is indicated by a percentage.

• A number 1 genoa is typically 155% (it used to be 180%)
• A number 2 genoa is typically 125-140%

Genoas are typically made from 1.5US/oz polyester spinnaker cloth, or very light laminate.

This is where it gets pretty interesting. You can use all kinds of sails to increase speed, handling, and performance for different weather conditions.

Some rules of thumb:

• Large sails are typically good for downwind use, small sails are good for upwind use.
• Large sails are good for weak winds (light air), small sails are good for strong winds (storms).

Downwind sails

Thanks to the front-and-aft rig sailboats are easier to maneuver, but they catch less wind as well. Downwind sails are used to offset this by using a large sail surface, pulling a sailboat downwind. They can be hanked on when needed and are typically balloon shaped.

Here are the most common downwind sails:

• Big gennaker
• Small gennaker

A free-flying sail that fills up with air, giving it a balloon shape. Spinnakers are generally colorful, which is why they look like kites. This downwind sail has the largest sail area, and it's capable of moving a boat with very light wind. They are amazing to use on trade wind routes, where they can help you make quick progress.

Spinnakers require special rigging. You need a special pole and track on your mast. You attach the sail at three points: in the mast head using a halyard, on a pole, and on a sheet.

The spinnaker is symmetrical, meaning the luff is as long as its leech. It's designed for broad reaching.

Gennaker or cruising spinnaker

The Gennaker is a cross between the genoa and the spinnaker. It has less downwind performance than the spinnaker. It is a bit smaller, making it slower, but also easier to handle - while it remains very capable. The cruising spinnaker is designed for broad reaching.

The gennaker is a smaller, asymmetric spinnaker that's doesn't require a pole or track on the mast. Like the spinnaker, and unlike the genoa, the gennaker is set flying. Asymmetric means its luff is longer than its leech.

You can get big and small gennakers (roughly 75% and 50% the size of a true spinnaker).

Also called ...

• the cruising spinnaker
• cruising chute
• pole-less spinnaker
• SpinDrifter

... it's all the same sail.

Light air sails

There's a bit of overlap between the downwind sails and light air sails. Downwind sails can be used as light air sails, but not all light air sails can be used downwind.

Here are the most common light air sails:

• Spinnaker and gennaker

Drifter reacher

Code zero reacher.

A drifter (also called a reacher) is a lightweight, larger genoa for use in light winds. It's roughly 150-170% the size of a genoa. It's made from very lightweight laminated spinnaker fabric (1.5US/oz).

Thanks to the extra sail area the sail offers better downwind performance than a genoa. It's generally made from lightweight nylon. Thanks to it's genoa characteristics the sail is easier to use than a cruising spinnaker.

The code zero reacher is officially a type of spinnaker, but it looks a lot like a large genoa. And that's exactly what it is: a hybrid cross between the genoa and the asymmetrical spinnaker (gennaker). The code zero however is designed for close reaching, making it much flatter than the spinnaker. It's about twice the size of a non-overlapping jib.

A windseeker is a small, free-flying staysail for super light air. It's tall and thin. It's freestanding, so it's not attached to the headstay. The tack attaches to a deck pad-eye. Use your spinnakers' halyard to raise it and tension the luff.

It's made from nylon or polyester spinnaker cloth (0.75 to 1.5US/oz).

It's designed to guide light air onto the lee side of the main sail, ensuring a more even, smooth flow of air.

Stormsails are stronger than regular sails, and are designed to handle winds of over 45 knots. You carry them to spare the mainsail. Sails

A storm jib is a small triangular staysail for use in heavy weather. If you participate in offshore racing you need a mandatory orange storm jib. It's part of ISAF's requirements.

A trysail is a storm replacement for the mainsail. It's small, triangular, and it uses a permanently attached pennant. This allows it to be set above the gooseneck. It's recommended to have a separate track on your mast for it - you don't want to fiddle around when you actually really need it to be raised ... now.

Why Use Different Sails At All?

You could just get the largest furling genoa and use it on all positions. So why would you actually use different types of sails?

The main answer to that is efficiency . Some situations require other characteristics.

Having a deeply reefed genoa isn't as efficient as having a small J3. The reef creates too much draft in the sail, which increases heeling. A reefed down mainsail in strong winds also increases heeling. So having dedicated (storm) sails is probably a good thing, especially if you're planning more demanding passages or crossings.

But it's not just strong winds, but also light winds that can cause problems. Heavy sails will just flap around like laundry in very light air. So you need more lightweight fabrics to get you moving.

What Are Sails Made Of?

The most used materials for sails nowadays are:

• Dacron - woven polyester
• woven nylon
• laminated fabrics - increasingly popular

Sails used to be made of linen. As you can imagine, this is terrible material on open seas. Sails were rotting due to UV and saltwater. In the 19th century linen was replaced by cotton.

It was only in the 20th century that sails were made from synthetic fibers, which were much stronger and durable. Up until the 1980s most sails were made from Dacron. Nowadays, laminates using yellow aramids, Black Technora, carbon fiber and Spectra yarns are more and more used.

Laminates are as strong as Dacron, but a lot lighter - which matters with sails weighing up to 100 kg (220 pounds).

By the way: we think that Viking sails were made from wool and leather, which is quite impressive if you ask me.

In this section of the article I give you a quick and dirty summary of different sail plans or rig types which will help you to identify boats quickly. But if you want to really understand it clearly, I really recommend you read part 2 of this series, which is all about different rig types.

You can't simply count the number of masts to identify rig type But you can identify any rig type if you know what to look for. We've created an entire system for recognizing rig types. Let us walk you through it. Read all about sail rig types

As I've said earlier, there are two major rig types: square rigged and fore-and-aft. We can divide the fore-and-aft rigs into three groups:

• Bermuda rig (we have talked about this one the whole time) - has a three-sided mainsail
• Gaff rig - has a four-sided mainsail, the head of the mainsail is guided by a gaff
• Lateen rig - has a three-sided mainsail on a long yard

There are roughly four types of boats:

• one masted boats - sloop, cutter
• two masted boats - ketch, schooner, brig
• three masted - barque
• fully rigged or ship rigged - tall ship

Everything with four masts is called a (tall) ship. I think it's outside the scope of this article, but I have written a comprehensive guide to rigging. I'll leave the three and four-masted rigs for now. If you want to know more, I encourage you to read part 2 of this series.

One-masted rigs

Boats with one mast can have either one sail, two sails, or three or more sails.

The 3 most common one-masted rigs are:

• Cat - one mast, one sail
• Sloop - one mast, two sails
• Cutter - one mast, three or more sails

1. Gaff Cat

2. Gaff Sloop

Two-masted rigs

Two-masted boats can have an extra mast in front or behind the main mast. Behind (aft of) the main mast is called a mizzen mast . In front of the main mast is called a foremast .

The 5 most common two-masted rigs are:

• Lugger - two masts (mizzen), with lugsail (cross between gaff rig and lateen rig) on both masts
• Yawl - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast much taller than mizzen. Mizzen without mainsail.
• Ketch - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller mizzen. Mizzen has mainsail.
• Schooner - two masts (foremast), generally gaff rig on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller foremast. Sometimes build with three masts, up to seven in the age of sail.
• Brig - two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. Main mast carries small lateen rigged sail.

4. Schooner

5. Brigantine

This article is part 1 of a series about sails and rig types If you want to read on and learn to identify any sail plans and rig type, we've found a series of questions that will help you do that quickly. Read all about recognizing rig types

Related Questions

What is the difference between a gennaker & spinnaker? Typically, a gennaker is smaller than a spinnaker. Unlike a spinnaker, a gennaker isn't symmetric. It's asymmetric like a genoa. It is however rigged like a spinnaker; it's not attached to the forestay (like a jib or a genoa). It's a downwind sail, and a cross between the genoa and the spinnaker (hence the name).

What is a Yankee sail? A Yankee sail is a jib with a high-cut clew of about 3' above the boom. A higher-clewed jib is good for reaching and is better in high waves, preventing the waves crash into the jibs foot. Yankee jibs are mostly used on traditional sailboats.

How much does a sail weigh? Sails weigh anywhere between 4.5-155 lbs (2-70 kg). The reason is that weight goes up exponentially with size. Small boats carry smaller sails (100 sq. ft.) made from thinner cloth (3.5 oz). Large racing yachts can carry sails of up to 400 sq. ft., made from heavy fabric (14 oz), totaling at 155 lbs (70 kg).

What's the difference between a headsail and a staysail? The headsail is the most forward of the staysails. A boat can only have one headsail, but it can have multiple staysails. Every staysail is attached to a forward running stay. However, not every staysail is located at the bow. A stay can run from the mizzen mast to the main mast as well.

What is a mizzenmast? A mizzenmast is the mast aft of the main mast (behind; at the stern) in a two or three-masted sailing rig. The mizzenmast is shorter than the main mast. It may carry a mainsail, for example with a ketch or lugger. It sometimes doesn't carry a mainsail, for example with a yawl, allowing it to be much shorter.

Special thanks to the following people for letting me use their quality photos: Bill Abbott - True Spinnaker with pole - CC BY-SA 2.0 lotsemann - Volvo Ocean Race Alvimedica and the Code Zero versus SCA and the J1 - CC BY-SA 2.0 Lisa Bat - US Naval Academy Trysail and Storm Jib dry fit - CC BY-SA 2.0 Mike Powell - White gaff cat - CC BY-SA 2.0 Anne Burgess - Lugger The Reaper at Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Hi, I stumbled upon your page and couldn’t help but notice some mistakes in your description of spinnakers and gennakers. First of all, in the main photo on top of this page the small yacht is sailing a spinnaker, not a gennaker. If you look closely you can see the spinnaker pole standing on the mast, visible between the main and headsail. Further down, the discription of the picture with the two German dinghies is incorrect. They are sailing spinnakers, on a spinnaker pole. In the farthest boat, you can see a small piece of the pole. If needed I can give you the details on the difference between gennakers and spinnakers correctly?

Hi Shawn, I am living in Utrecht I have an old gulf 32 and I am sailing in merkmeer I find your articles very helpful Thanks

Thank you for helping me under stand all the sails there names and what there functions were and how to use them. I am planning to build a trimaran 30’ what would be the best sails to have I plan to be coastal sailing with it. Thank you

Hey Comrade!

Well done with your master piece blogging. Just a small feedback. “The jib gives control over the bow of the ship, making it easier to maneuver the ship. The mainsail gives control over the stern of the ship.” Can you please first tell the different part of a sail boat earlier and then talk about bow and stern later in the paragraph. A reader has no clue on the newly introduced terms. It helps to keep laser focused and not forget main concepts.

Shawn, I am currently reading How to sail around the World” by Hal Roth. Yes, I want to sail around the world. His book is truly grounded in real world experience but like a lot of very knowledgable people discussing their area of expertise, Hal uses a lot of terms that I probably should have known but didn’t, until now. I am now off to read your second article. Thank You for this very enlightening article on Sail types and their uses.

Shawn Buckles

HI CVB, that’s a cool plan. Thanks, I really love to hear that. I’m happy that it was helpful to you and I hope you are of to a great start for your new adventure!

Hi GOWTHAM, thanks for the tip, I sometimes forget I haven’t specified the new term. I’ve added it to the article.

Nice article and video; however, you’re mixing up the spinnaker and the gennaker.

A started out with a question. What distinguishes a brig from a schooner? Which in turn led to follow-up questions: I know there are Bermuda rigs and Latin rig, are there more? Which in turn led to further questions, and further, and further… This site answers them all. Wonderful work. Thank you.

Great post and video! One thing was I was surprised how little you mentioned the Ketch here and not at all in the video or chart, and your sample image is a large ship with many sails. Some may think Ketch’s are uncommon, old fashioned or only for large boats. Actually Ketch’s are quite common for cruisers and live-aboards, especially since they often result in a center cockpit layout which makes for a very nice aft stateroom inside. These are almost exclusively the boats we are looking at, so I was surprised you glossed over them.

Love the article and am finding it quite informative.

While I know it may seem obvious to 99% of your readers, I wish you had defined the terms “upwind” and “downwind.” I’m in the 1% that isn’t sure which one means “with the wind” (or in the direction the wind is blowing) and which one means “against the wind” (or opposite to the way the wind is blowing.)

paul adriaan kleimeer

like in all fields of syntax and terminology the terms are colouual meaning local and then spead as the technology spread so an history lesson gives a floral bouque its colour and in the case of notical terms span culture and history adds an detail that bring reverence to the study simply more memorable.

Hi, I have a small yacht sail which was left in my lock-up over 30 years ago I basically know nothing about sails and wondered if you could spread any light as to the make and use of said sail. Someone said it was probably originally from a Wayfayer wooden yacht but wasn’t sure. Any info would be must appreciated and indeed if would be of any use to your followers? I can provide pics but don’t see how to include them at present

kind regards

Leave a comment

You may also like, 17 sailboat types explained: how to recognize them.

Ever wondered what type of sailboat you're looking at? Identifying sailboats isn't hard, you just have to know what to look for. In this article, I'll help you.

How Much Sailboats Cost On Average (380+ Prices Compared)

“Boat” vs. “Ship”: Chart A Course To Understand The Difference

• Boat Vs. Ship
• Yacht Vs. Boat

Ahoy, me hearties! A true seadog worth their salt would never let aboard a landlubber who calls their ship a boat . That kind of mixup is the talk that gets you walking the plank!

In this article, we’ll sail the seven seas of nautical knowledge to define the difference between the words ship and boat , explain what they refer to in technical and casual use, provide examples of different kinds of both ships and boats , and we’ll even clear up the meaning of the word yacht .

🚢 Quick summary

In casual use, the word boat is often used to refer to any watergoing vessel, regardless of its size or how it’s powered. However, large oceanfaring watercraft—those that use multiple sails or engines—are more properly called ships . In contrast, the word ship isn’t commonly applied to smaller craft. The word yacht is typically used to refer to any larger noncommercial vessel—one used for sailing or other recreation, as opposed to business.

What’s the difference between a boat and a ship ?

By definition, a boat is “a vessel for transport by water,” “a small ship,” or “a vessel of any size built for navigation of rivers or inland bodies of water.” In casual use, the word boat is used to refer to any vehicle used to travel on the water—anything from a canoe to an ocean liner.

In this kind of casual and general usage, the word boat is often used to refer to watercraft of all sizes and types, as you can see in the variety of terms that include the word, such as sailboat , motorboat , fishing boat , rowboat , tugboat , paddleboat , and lifeboat .

In contrast, the word ship is typically reserved to refer to a large, ocean-faring vessel propelled by multiple sails or engines.

(Of course, the word ship is also used to refer to large, nonwater craft, such as airship and spaceship .)

In technical, nautical contexts, the word ship sometimes specifically refers to a sailing vessel that has three or more square masts. As is the case with boat , though, the word ship is applied in the name of a variety of large watercrafts, including cruise ship , cargo ship , pirate ship , battleship , longship , and steamship .

Go Behind The Words!

• By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

In contexts where it’s important to distinguish the difference, the distinction made between ship and boat is typically based on the size of the craft being discussed and if it is used only for ocean or sea travel. Additionally, the word boat can refer to vessels that don’t have any sails or engines, such as a kayak or a rowboat, whereas the word ship usually refers to vessels with many sails or large engines. Even in casual usage, it’s very uncommon for someone to call a small craft a ship , unless they’re doing so jokingly.

One distinction made in nautical contexts is that the word ship often refers to vessels too large to fit inside other vessels. By contrast, the word boat is often used to refer to smaller craft that can fit inside larger ones. For example, a massive cruise ship may have a large number of lifeboats inside it.

What are you sailing? An ocean or a sea ? Learn the difference here.

Yacht vs. boat

The word yacht typically refers to a vessel used for private, noncommercial reasons (those other than business), such as sailing or racing. As a general term, the word yacht can refer to any watercraft that isn’t intended to be used to make money, which includes anything from racing sailboats to billionaires’ floating ultra-luxury mansions.

The word yacht is not used to refer to small vessels, such as row boats or canoes. In casual usage, a yacht may be referred to with the more general terms boat or ship , but certainly not all ships and boats are yachts .

What's the difference between "uncharted" and "unchartered" territory?

Commonly Confused

Hobbies & Passions

Word Origins

Current Events

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

MORE SECTIONS

• Dear Deidre

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters

We’ve been living between van & canal boat for 12 YEARS… we don’t pay heating or groceries but there’s a huge downside

• Sophie Warburton , News Reporter
• Published : 23:38, 18 Sep 2024
• Updated : 18:12, 19 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

A MARRIED couple have been living in a van and a canal boat for the past 12 years - they don't pay for heating or groceries but admit there is a huge downside.

Emma, Reese, and their little dog Daisy live in a self-converted van named Romany and have been sharing their van-life adventures via YouTube.

The trio live in a 2019 Ford Transit van which they say costs £100 in fuel to fill up.

The couple explained that their objective is straightforward: to embrace a life of travel, and their van empowers them to do just that.

Reece emphasised this point: "Van life means something quite simple"

"The van is just somewhere to sleep while you're travelling. So, it's travels first, and then the van."

read more in money

I woke up to find 'stinky' portable loo outside door - now my home is unsellable

My house is falling off a cliff but I won't move out - it's JUST staying upright

The couple are also renovating a 57ft canal boat.

In addition, they own a cottage, which they use as an Airbnb while travelling.

A question the couple constantly get asked is how much does van life cost.

Emma believes this is an impossible question to answer because it really depends on how much you have to spend.

Most read in Money

New social welfare warning over hike to key €46 & €54 weekly cash in Budget 2025

Workers €1k 'better off', €750 rent cash hike & €250 for ALL before Christmas

The stunning 'Bel Air' cottage in seaside town on Irish market for €1.19m

Govt to confirm how €14 billion Apple tax money will be spent during Budget 2025

However, she recommends buying as newer vehicle as possible with as little mileage as possible.

The mum added; "You can put an absolute fortune into doing the back of your van up and it looks absolutely gorgeous - but if the engine goes then that's it."

The couple explained that the most important factors in terms of cost are:

• Cost of the van itself
• Kitting out the van i.e. furnishings
• Where you want to go and what you want to do

Emma, who is mostly in control of managing their expenditures warned as a start-up, you'll need around £4,000 to buy a van.

Once you've got the van, it could cost anywhere between a couple of hundred to £15,000 to furnish.

However, Emma advises looking on Facebook Marketplace, and eBay to find second-hand features such as rock and roll beds.

Also, making your own furniture will help reduce costs.

Emma also explained that a great way to save on electrical costs is to use a general relay rather than a smart alternator.

This is because a smart alternator requires a DC charger which can be costly.

The couple also revealed that they don't have a shower, heating, or gas.

Emma warned: "When you start thinking about getting heaters in and piping all that stuff in unless you really know what you're doing I don't think you should be messing about with gas."

The same goes for diesel heaters, she adds.

Instead, the couple use a transportable shower and use natural heat sources such as candles for warmth.

The couple also admitted they don't spend much on food as going for out treats like coffees can add up.

The downside being that they will have to "share that slice of cake" from time to time, however, they understand their priorities.

Reece on the other hand has some simple advice and that is not to stay at a campsite.

The couple claims campsites in the UK cost around £15 - £40 per night and it's "not what van life is about".

Reece believes: "Campsites restrict you as there's no freedom of movement.

"Van life means something quite simple. Nothing too spectacular, just a van with your stuff in and the open road."

Emma added: "It's about being as simple as possible."

The Rise Of Van Life

The rise of van life began during the pandemic in 2020. With no one able to leave the country, staycations became popular for many say camping blog  venturecampers .

On top of that, the rising cost of renting a house has put many off doing so, especially when wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living crisis.

Although it has gained popularity again, many people opted for van life in the 60s and 70s.

• Cost of living
• Energy bills
• Money saving
• Tips tricks and life hacks

63 presumed dead after boat carrying migrants sinks near Cabo Verde off the coast of Senegal

Sixty-three people are presumed dead after a boat carrying about 100 people from Senegal sank near Cabo Verde, an island about 600 kilometers west of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean, the U.N. International Organization of Migration told ABC News in a statement Wednesday.

Seven people were confirmed dead, and 56 people were missing, UN IOM spokesperson Safa Msehli told ABC News in a statement. People missing at sea are presumed dead.

There were 38 survivors from the sinking, including four children aged 12 to 16, Msehli said.

Related Articles

MORE: 'They're all dead': Horror stories emerge from migrant smuggling boat crash

This sinking follows an increased trend in migrant deaths and disappearances in 2023 compared to previous years.

At least 1,449 people have died or disappeared on migration routes in the Middle East North Africa region between January and July, a 7% increase compared to the same time period last year, UN IOM Regional Director for the Middle East North Africa region Othman Belbeisi said on social media on Wednesday.

The highest number of deaths and disappearances in 2023 have been in Tunisia and Libya, with 619 people dead or missing from Tunisia followed by 508 people dead or missing from Libya, according to data from the UN IOM's Missing Migrants Project.

MORE: 1,200 aboard 2 migrant boats rescued in Mediterranean

"One death is one too many. This alarming death toll demands concerted efforts to ensure the safety and protection of migrants," Belbeisi said in a statement. "We are all responsible."

The landing of migrant boats in Italy more than doubled compared to the same time period in 2023, the Italian Interior Ministry said this month. The main country of departure for migrants landing in Italy was Tunisia, the Interior Ministry said.

Up Next in News—

Sheriff's deputies hailed as heroes for daring highway rescue

Instagram introduces mandatory 'Teen Accounts' with built-in limits, parental controls

Text messages between parents, kids tell story of fear and chaos during Georgia school shooting

'Grandmother' of Juneteenth Opal Lee attends her 1st DNC at age 97

Shop editors picks, sponsored content by taboola.

• Privacy Policy — 
• Your US State Privacy Rights — 
• Children's Online Privacy Policy — 
• Interest-Based Ads — 
• Terms of Use — 
• Do Not Sell My Info — 
• Contact Us — 

© 2024 ABC News