I built a Passagemaker Dinghy primarily as a mess-around sailboat about 4 years ago, in the back of my mind I thought that if I ever had a boat large enough it would also make a great tender based on its design.  Well this year in Feb we purchased a 1995 Catalina 40’ sailboat so I finally got to give it a try.

Admittedly an 11.5’ rigid dinghy is a lot of tender for a 40’ monohull and after measuring and re-measuring I finally gave it a try this past weekend.  Couple quick reflections;

-It’s to large to secure on the foredeck as a regular place of stowage

-It tows very nicely, exactly as promised

-Some photo’s to go along w/ the discussion below

Over the course of July and August I made a couple modifications to the PMD along with some much needed TLC as I hadn’t done much to it since finishing construction in 2018;

1.       Re-varnished outer hull bits up to 4-5 coats, including some epoxy work and spot sanded, epoxied and painted the green bottom paint

2.       Installed 2 low point hull drains that CLC sells as vents. I overdrilled, filled w/ thickened epoxy then bedded with marine silicon sealant.

3.       I removed and re-applied the epoxy filet around the daggerboard  trunk that had leaked a bit when I first was using the boat. I spot repaired by drilling holes and applying more epoxy but wanted a clean start.

4.       2 coats of varnish on the inner bottom and sides before applying SeaDeck non skid – that stuff is awesome!

5.       Installed a bow eye for a tow point

Towing impressions

1.       Here is a video of the PMD under tow at about 6.5kts in about 12kts bow seas and 1-2’ waves

2.       I need to refine my towing line and bridle, particularly for entering and leaving port when my aft cleats are already in use.  I also want to be able to quickly lengthen or shorten the two w/o having to tie knots so I’m thinking a stainless caribeaner that rides the bridle and bowlines tied at different spots along the towing line

3.       On the fly I cut a pool noodle to length then slit it open, it worked admirably to keep water from porpoising up through the slot.  Doesn’t look fantastic but works.

Foredeck handling and storage;

1.       The lifting of the PMD via a bunch of dock line’s rigged as a bridle was easier than I had expected with a spinnaker halyard, snatch block and winch.  However doing it solo I did have trouble keeping it from banging on the big boat’s rub rail and lifeline stanchions.

2.       My forepeak is 12.5’ mast to forestay… I knew the anchor locker would be blocked but I was hopefull that the taper of the PMD bow would make it possible to work around.  I come away saying it is ‘possible’ but not something I want to do on a regular basis. Also the blocking of the anchor locker means that I’d always have to do this operation while underway which seems like a hassle.

Other notes;

1.       The bow of the PMD, near the towing eye kept banging into the transom of the big boat, the gunnel guard  was essentially to high and not the first part of the dinghy to make contact.  I think I can rig a small fender on the bow almost like a mustache that will address.

2.       Getting from the big boat swim platform to the PMD dinghy was easy, the PMD was very stable and predictable in its motion and the Seadeck provided firm footing

3.       Rowing close to the big boat, and around docks for that matter at the marina, is very awkward with the big oars. I ended up standing in the boat using one oar like a SUP paddle when I got close most of the time

Whats next;

As we are cruising with a dog and a 6 year old and really want to do a fair bit of anchoring I really want a dinghy and the PMD does a great job and looks awesome. I’ll look into davit options… I don’t like getting that ‘square’ at the stern as it makes backing into tight slips more risky but I think having the dinghy is worth it. 

I’ll update this post as I learn more and if I change anything else.