The Family “Car”
A dinghy, or as we like to call it, our family "car" on the water, comes to the rescue when we're anchored or tied to a mooring ball and can't reach the land directly. It's our trusty companion that helps us bridge the gap between our boat and the shore.
Ewan takes a turn trying to row. This is an excellent skill to have in case we run out of battery for our electric motor!
Our dinghy, "Cuppa," is not just any ordinary dinghy—it's a bright orange LX Series Takacat. With its vibrant color, it's impossible to miss in a sea of boats. Equipped with built-in oars, Cuppa gives us the option for some good old-fashioned rowing when we're in the mood. But most of the time, we rely on our trusty electric Torqeedo motor to glide through the water. It's a game-changer when we want to get around with ease and enjoy the scenic views. Cuppa is not just a dinghy—it's our reliable companion that adds a splash of color and convenience to our adventures on the water.
Grocery runs may seem pretty straightforward for short trips, but things can get a bit tricky. Carrying our purchases back to the dinghy becomes a strategic game of balance (do we really want that heavy 24-pack of soda?). Of course, if there's a car ride available back to the dock, we gladly take it. Once we've gathered our bags and everyone is aboard, we head back to Fika, making sure we have all our essentials for the journey.
Gwynnie scrubs off the dinghy, cleaning up duck poop. This was a daily chore when we were moored in Spa Creek by Annapolis!
Our dinghy also comes in handy when it's time to deal with trash. We use it to transport full trash bags from the boat to the proper dumpsters whenever we stumble upon them. It's our way of keeping things clean and environmentally responsible during our travels.
But a dinghy isn't just a means of transportation. It's a gateway to adventure! Picture this: fishing, swimming, and exploring the local area. The dinghy allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty and tranquil waters surrounding us.
Gwynnie enjoyed some close encounters with ducks!
So, what exactly is a dinghy? Besides being called a dinghy or a tender, other names are floating around the boating community. You might come across terms like "skiff," which refers to a small, flat-bottomed boat perfect for shallow waters. And let's not forget the good ol' "rowboat," emphasizing the art of rowing to get around. If you see an inflatable boat made of flexible materials, it could go by the name "inflatable" or "RIBs" (Rigid Inflatable Boats) due to their inflatable collars and sturdy hulls.
No matter what you call it, these boats serve a common purpose—to provide a reliable way to travel between the bigger vessel and the shore. They're like your ticket to access nearby attractions such as restaurants, shops, and tourist spots that are oh-so-tempting.
Ewan (and Gwynnie) enjoy lots of dinghy-driving, chauffeuring us around.
To wrap it up, a dinghy, tender, skiff, rowboat, or whatever you want to call it, is an essential companion for boaters exploring America's Great Loop. With its help, we navigate over 6,000 miles of waterways, making it easier to embark on exciting adventures, run errands, and experience the essence of this magnificent journey.
