Storing Optimist Dinghy on Sailboat for Ocean Crossings - Making a Cradle/Stand for Curved Foredeck

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#optimist #sailingdinghy #dinghystand #optimiststand #optimiststore #dinghystore #dinghystorage

Our optimist dinghy travels everywhere with us, but it's bulky - so how do we do it? Carrying on the davits is unsafe on ocean crossings and our RIB is stored on the aftdeck when on the open sea, so that space is spoken for. The foredeck is the only practical place to store it, but it prevents the hatches from opening.

What we needed was a cradle/stand that keeps it stable and secure on deck, but also allows for the hatches to open. The optimist also needed to be stored upside down, to prevent it filling with rain water or sea water when the foredeck gets swamped. We also wanted the cradle/stand to be stored out of the way with a minimum of fuss when not in use - like when we're at anchor and the optimist is in the water - which meant a minimalist/collapsable design.

The solution was to create two cross brace supports moulded top the shape of the deck.

While we've travelled thousands of miles like this, the foredeck does look a little 'cluttered' and the lines holding the optimist down can be a bit of a trip hazard. The kids have also outgrown the optimist a bit now so it's getting less use. So the next upgrade on our long 'wish list' is an inflatable catamaran like the 'Grabner Happy Cat' or 'Smart Cat' which we tried in Spain.. and are super fun as well as seemingly practical to store.

If you're a professional, expert or even an old salty sea dog with some good advice, hints or tips on making dinghy stands and cradles for sailboats, or have experience of infallible dinghies/catamarans then please leave any constructive criticism, insight and advice in the comments below the videos.

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