Sailboat owners need a way to get to and from shore when they anchor at their destination. Usually this is done in a small rowboat that is either stored on deck or towed while sailing. On smaller sailboats, deck space is limited, and it’s a real hassle to lift and lower a heavy tender – but towing something slows you down, so neither approach is a great option – and either way, when you leave your dinghy on the beach and walk into town you worry about it being stolen.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was an inflatable boat that was big enough to carry two people, but also packed up small and was light enough to carry in a backpack? Several people have made or are making Voyaguer DIY Packrafts for this purpose.
Modifications you might consider making to a DIY Packraft if its primary use will be as a tender include extending the length to accommodate more people and gear, and adding wear patches along the outside of the tubes if you will be rubbing up against barnacle-encrusted rocks and piers.
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