[falkenberg]

We tried it with a Mercury 2.3 hp outboard, which was adequate to push it fully loaded, or at almost planing speeds one-up. I suspect at non-planing speeds the WB would be far more fuel-efficient than a standard rigid inflatable – you are only pushing a nicely-shaped hull, not a set of flotation tubes. From my experience towing the WB at seven knots, which it didn’t like*, I suspect it would not make a great planing dinghy – it’s just not that shape of hull. Maximum engine size for the ten footer is 3hp (2hp/8′), so it is clearly not intended as a planing dinghy. here

[UnWar]

The first thing we noticed was that the new collar on our example didn’t fit the boat all that well, and seemed to hang from its attachment tags. It may not have been fitted perfectly, but was vulnerable to being caught under the boarding platform of the mother ship. We also noticed how it’s a big step from boat to the inside of the dinghy because of the width of the collar. On the more common type of rigid inflatable, the hull is tiny and the buoyancy tubes are an integral part of the boat rather than an addition. When boarding, you can step on the tubes if necessary – something you can’t do on a Walker Bay. But even if entered clumsily, by stepping into the outer part of the hull rather than the centre, the WB is stable with its collar on. Try this without the collar (or with any normal rigid dinghy) and you will most likely end up swimming.

[BitterTea]

Since you’ve asked, here are my impressions after a week with the WB 10. It’s a refreshingly different take on the rigid inflatable concept. You get a tough, injection-moulded polypropylene hull, with an inflatable stability collar that turns an ordinary dinghy into a very stable platform.The overall impression is of an extremely robust dinghy, except for the flotation tubes, which, like any inflatable are vulnerable to damage.

[0x0]

The advantage of this type of rigid inflatable, where the buoyancy collar is an addition to a nicely shaped hull, is that it can be rowed. Many of us still row for pleasure, which is impossible with the standard inflatable. It’s also a major safety factor, as outboards have been known to break down or run out of fuel. The oars supplied were about a foot too short for effective rowing, which is a shame as they come apart (by removing the blades) for storage, so could easily be longer without the length being a problem. I was not impressed with the plastic clip-on oar blades. They work fine, but when the oars are in the boat, there is no place to put them other than on top of the thwarts – they don’t fit underneath. So when balancing the boat there is a tendency to sit on the oars. If you sat on the oar at the blade/loom junction, while the oar is supported by the blade (as it sits on the thwarts) I think it would be likely to snap. The ten footer also lacks a foot brace, unless the rower is tall and can reach the aft thwart for support. Because the skeg/heel is hollow, which is great for containing the inevitable few cups of water a dinghy accumulates as people board with wet feet, it may be possible to fit a foot brace with its base fixed in this handy fore-and-aft hollow. With a decent foot brace and proper oars the boat would be quite good to row.

[sudeyaa]

For the outboard we had, the transom angle was not ideal, with the rake meaning the engine leg went beyond vertical, wasting power. Other outboards may have provision to alter the leg angle, allowing it to sit correctly. Alternatively, a wedge could be fitted to ensure the motor operates efficiently. We also found the Mercury couldn’t be tilted clear of the water – annoying at a beach where the leg kept grinding on the sand, but that is no reflection on the boat.

[MrFlibble]

Conclusions

The Walker Bay 10 is a well built, nicely designed dinghy. It carries quite a bit and it rows well. It is much less impressive as a sailboat. I would make a few changes to make it a much friendlier and comfortable sailing dinghy. I would trim the main from the end of the boom which would open up the cockpit. I would add a foot to the mast and raise the boom a foot to also clear the cockpit of obstacles - the boom. I would place some hiking straps in the boat for high winds. I would make the tiller go up and down for easier movement. This boat does several things that it is supposed to do very well: row, tow, carry. It could be more fun as a sailing dinghy with a few changes. It is a great value in boating if you play to its strong suite.

[meldavies88]

The Walker Bay 10 rowed very well. Walker Bay sent along an outstanding pair of 7-1/2' wooden oars with rubber collars. They set neatly in plastic oarlocks. The oarlocks fit fore and aft in the gunwale sockets, as they are turned outboard they lock.

[Differance]

The Walker Bay 8 was first out of the molds in 1998. The 10-footer was introduced this spring. Both dinghies were designed by Paolo Rista. more

[17ujzChRb6VPQGyANVyktc1du2Hrjfwhsz]

Both boats have a full-length molded keel from the transom to the bow. This adds stiffness and helps the boats track straight when rowed or towed. It also houses the rolling wheel aft. here

[Cruzz]

Rista has used a good versatile form with ersatz lapstrake construction. This gives the injection-molded hulls considerable rigidity fore and aft. Strength is gained in plastic hulls by molded angles, curves and ridges. What could be better than fake lapstrake boards? The seats support the boats gunwale to gunwale. more

[stakhanov]

Performance

Three of us sailed the Walker Bay 10. All are Small Boat Certified sailing instructors. Mike Bastin, is the former director of Camp St. Croix sailing. In heavy air, all of us had trouble balancing the boat. If I sat in the back, the boat sailed down by the stern and dragged. It also had sluggish steering. If I moved forward, the bow was down slightly. If I moved to the middle and placed some body weight forward, it would pretty much balance but it was noticeably uncomfortable. If I kneeled or laid in the boat, it was better balanced, but no reasonable adult would do that for very long. The boom also sheets in the middle and to the middle seat which makes it difficult to move around this arrangement. It would be far better to sheet it from the end of the boom to the stern. This would open up the cockpit. When you are trying to flatten the boat in high winds, there is nothing to hook your feet on such as hiking straps. This leaves you jamming your feet under the seats and hoping you don't slip out of this position. When tacking, even in light air, the tiller does not go up. You must slide it back or climb over it. This by now must feel like a litany of problems. Let me assure you that I'm not a real big guy at 5'9" 170 lbs and reasonably fit. Many of the problem areas could be easily fixed. The rest are compromises in a boat designed to do everything: sail, tow and row. If the middle seat were moved to make it easier to balance and sail the boat, it would no longer be perfect for rowing. This boat rows very well. [links]

[talkinrock]

• One piece HIMC hull
• Non-slip cockpit floor
• Integrated motor/tiller mount
• Adjustable rowing footrest
• Insulated cup holders
• Wheel in the Keel™
• Stainless steel bow eye
• One way drain plug
• Add-a™ Tube ready
• Sail kit ready

[gorschal]

The lapstrake hull of the Rigid Dinghy is designed to cut through water producing less displacement and drag, resulting in a dinghy boat that rows easier and straighter. What’s more, the Hydro Curve Oar blades are super light to reduce swing weight and rower fatigue and are curved to maximize rowing efficiency. [links]

[Art Gallery]

For over ten years, Walker Bay has combined functional innovation and advanced engineering to create a line of award-winning dinghy boats. With our hands-on fine finishing, diligent attention to detail and 10-year hull warranty, you can be assured of the finest quality. here

[grrrl]

Designed to motor at harbor speeds, the traditional hull design cuts through the water producing a smaller wake, resulting in higher controlled speeds for “no wake” zones. The beamy Rigid Dinghy boat also offers lots of space for cargo and crew.

[Sidewalker]

One piece heavy duty HIMC hull
• Non-slip cockpit floor
• Integrated motor/tiller mount
• Adjustable rowing footrest
• Insulated cup holders
• Wheel in the Keel™
• Stainless steel bow eye
• One way drain plug
• Add-a™ Tube ready
• Sail kit ready

[throughput]

Comes with white hull and grey seats. Oars and oarlocks are currently sold separately. [links]

[boombox]

Max Capacity 3 adults or 204 kg. Adding the Rid or Breeze tube increases load capacity to 255kg. here

[todu]

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