At 9 feet long overall, the Dyer Dhow is a good-looking and versatile tender that’s easily rowed and lovely under sail, reports CW’s managing editor, Eleanor Merrill.
The Dhow features three seats and has a centerboard that can be lowered when sailing. The two-piece spruce mast takes just minutes to put together and step, and it’s held in place by three stays.
At 106 pounds, the Dhow is a little heavy to lift on deck, though it’s certainly doable with a halyard and winch. For coastal cruising, it’s a boat that will most likely be towed if davits aren’t available. Ashore, the dinghy’s easily moved around on a dolly.
In sailing mode, the boat is perfect for one adult, though two would still find it comfortable. As a tender, it can carry four, or up to 650 pounds. Kids? Pile them in and they’ll have a ball.
Dyer also makes the 10-foot Dyer Dink, also a centerboard boat, and the Midget, a 7-foot-11-inch dinghy that weighs in at right around 90 pounds. The Midget is outfitted with a daggerboard and a two-piece, unstayed spruce mast that is quickly stepped by lowering it from the deck of a sailboat. All three models should row quite well and can carry a small outboard.
LOA: 8'9"
Weight: 106 lbs.
Price: $2,464 boat; $1424 sail kit
Contact: www.dyerboats.com
