The origami dinghy featured here looks like it could provide bucketloads of fun under calm, glassy conditions. I don’t know that I would be confident taking it too far from shore, as it looks like it would be pretty easy to get the thing swamped if there were to be any kind of sudden weather changes. Seriously, I have been at sea on a big boat when a storm started to kick and it was nerve wracking, I can only imagine what it would be like in a boat that folds.
There are two models to choose from a 6-foot model and an 8-foot model. Each model is available in kit form or as a plan. The word is that it will take about a week to assemble a kit, so there is no telling how long it will take to build from scratch. With a weight of about 15kg, the 6-foot origami dinghy is about as portable as homemade boating solutions get, in kit form, it will set you back about $1,000.
The plans are available from WoodenWidget for $50 for the 6-foot model and $60 for the 8-foot model.
Source: Inventor Spot
Related Posts :
Tags: DIY, watersports
7 responses
Feb 20, 2008 at 2:34 pm
It’s a six foot dinghy! Not an offshore yacht! For it’s size you will not find a more seaworthy little craft. How many folding dinghies do you know that can do 15 knots! Watch this video: http://www.woodenwidget.com/flyingalongvideo.html
Anyone can build one in less than 40 hours from scratch. That includes paint or varnish. You might laugh but try and find a better value and more practical craft. It can even sail.
The Origami is a surprisingly tough and stable, and yes, seaworthy little craft.
Feb 20, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’ve built one… sure, it’s not going to handle heavy weather, but it’s an open dinghy. Most small open craft aren’t going to be going offshore much.
I did find it amazingly stable. Since the hull gives it tends to absorb a lot of the smaller wave action without “rocking the boat”.
It’s a fun project, and can be built quite cheaply if you wish.
Bruce
Feb 20, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Back in the 60s I owned two similar folding dinghies made by Prouts. They were perfect as tenders for my yacht, as they were light to carry, easy and quick to erect, rowed extemely easily, and because of the low centre of ballast, i.e., the crew sat low down, they were very stable. Yes, they do not have inbuilt buoyancy, but if the precaution is taken to wear a lifejacket and one is careful not to use an Origami dinghy during a howling gale, all should be fine. Incidentally, when folded they only take up minimal space and they fit on a roof rack well.
Feb 20, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I have to admit, they do look like a lot of fun. They would not be much good to me where I am now, but when I do finally make my way back home to Australia…
Feb 21, 2008 at 4:30 am
Because you go offshore in a dinghy?
Seriously, a dinghy is used for:
- getting from the moored ship to the shore
- messing about on protected waters
This one folds up small enough to be stowed on smaller sailing boats. Is a lot easier to use than an inflatable as a ships dinghy. Oh and you can make it unsinkable by lashing in a couple of inflatable cushions as used in kayaks and canoes.
Feb 21, 2008 at 8:03 am
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts. This dinghy is a great little dinghy. It is not meant for sea trials. It stows easily on board and gets you to shore, no problem. Give it a try, then you have the facts.
Feb 24, 2008 at 10:09 am
I have one for my Flicka Caraway and was slightly irritated to read the above assessment but felt better when I read the other comments.
The things I was about to write have been said.
But I will add a small story.
I use my Origami as a dinghy only. Yes, it’s a dinghy.
One night in Fornells bay in Minorca I was ashore with friends and my partner and we came back to see the wind had got up to a lively force 7. Our boat, Caraway was on a mooring about 200 meters from where we were on the shore. She was bucking about like mad.
We carried the dinghy along the shore some way up wind and got aboard in the shelter of the harbour.
I then rowed us downwind in what turned out to be frightful conditions. At no point did I really fear for our safety. We remained dry and reached the boat without trouble despite some waves at least 1m high.
My Origami is the 6 foot version and amazingly stable it is too. But no, I would not go to sea in it eaither. It’s for getting ashore and back on calm days.
check out my dinghy and flicka pages here:
http://www.angusbeare.com/Sailing/Flicka/Dinghies/tabid/461/Default.aspx
Leave a Comment