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Ultralight Dinghy · new build

Launched

-Ripple- Ultralight dinghy from scratch build

by Mark Elwell · Jensen Beach, Florida · Message Mark Elwell

I have been thinking about a dinghy for my boat. After looking around for a commercial built dinghy under 50 pounds, found that I may have to build it. So I ordered the PDF files from Chesapeake light craft to build the ultralight 6 foot dinghy. I am going to build it from scratch with no kit, maybe save a little bit of money in the process. Hopefully I can keep the weight under 45 pounds.

Make a book Feed The whole log, 1 entry and every photo, laid out as a book to print, bind and keep.
14
Entries
260
Hours
n/a
Written up afterwards
51
Photos
$977
Spent
Oct 2025
Started
All steps Plans & Lofting Stitch & Assembly Fillets & Taping Glassing & Epoxy Hull Exterior Interior & Cockpit Hardware & Fit-Out Launch Day Sea Trials & Shakedown
Oldest first
Sea Trials & Shakedown 18 h Link

Towing and Payload Testing.

"Ripple" testing the new dinghy. I wanted to see how it towed behind my bigger boat at 12 kts. and at 6 kts.. Next, tested the max persons, comfort, weight capacity, and stability of the boat. We were able to get 3 of us comfortably in the boat (380 lbs. total weight of crew aboard). Spent 45 minutes rowing around, switching positions without feeling like we are going to capsize anytime. This design is absolutely exceeds my expectations for a 6 foot dinghy. The finish weight is 55 pounds, 10 pounds over than the goal I was expecting. It could be the extra weight of the gel coat and accessories aboard. Totally acceptable for how I'm going to use this boat. I hope this log helps anyone that wants to take on this project.

Best wishes.

1 Ultralight Dinghy: Towing and Payload Testing.
2 Ultralight Dinghy: Towing and Payload Testing.
3 Ultralight Dinghy: Towing and Payload Testing.

Nobody else here is logging a Ultralight Dinghy yet. See the boat.

What it cost

$976.67
$662.70
Into the boat
$313.97
Tools & gear
ItemQtySupplierCost
Chesapeake light craft digital plans One PDF file download Chesapeake light craft $89.00
Router bits 3 Amazon $58.56
Harbor freight, Palm router 1 router Harbor freight $90.94
3mm door skin plywood 2 sheets Home Depot $30.00
1/4 " sheets of birch plywood 2 sheets Home Depot $160.03
16 gauge wire steel 1 roll Home Depot $13.47
4 ounce fiberglass cloth 3 yards Amazon $21.39
Slow cure high UV resistant epoxy resin 1.5 gallon kit Fiberglass supply depot, Fort Pierce, Fl. $217.54
2" x 8" x 8' Western Cedar Plank 1 (picked up in damaged bin) half price Lowes $21.39
6 ounce fiberglass cloth 3 yards Family donation to project (free) $0.01
Sea Dog Line Oar Sockets (bronze) 2 sets Amazon $72.34
Non-waxed white gel coat 1 gallon Fiberglass supply depot $76.49
Rust-Oleum gloss almond enamel paint 1 quart Home Depot $18.62
Rust-Oleum gloss hunter green. 1 Quart Home Depot $18.62
Tape, paint brushes, rollers, misc. 24 Home Depot $32.00
Rubber Oar Sleeve 1 Pair Amazon (Oar-Deal brand) $23.21
3/4" Manila Rope 20 foot Sailorman, Ft. Lauderdale Fl. $16.05
#6 x 1 1/4" SS Screws, Leather 100 screws Amazon $17.01