You are on our: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page
Here are some of the questions our potential customers ask before purchasing. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need to know something else.
Q. Won't it leak at the centre joint?
A. No. The tops of the joining bulkheads are always above the loaded waterline, so long as you don't exceed the designed capacity. The only possible leak (which would at most be a slow drip) is from the centre bolt in the aft section; we fit a rubber washer to prevent this.
Q. Does having a split in the middle make it weaker?
A. No. If anything it makes the whole boat stronger, as there are two solid bulkheads where you would normally only have a thwart. The split thwart and knees are bonded to the hull and gunwhales, spreading the load through the boat.
Q. Can you fit an outboard?
A. Yes... if you've seen a Nestaway without an outboard bracket, it's only because the customer asked us not to fit one, to avoid temptation! They row very nicely, and if you do want an outboard you will only need the smallest size to drive her at hull speed.
Q. I love the idea, but how would I get it on and off my yacht?
A. Well it's really no different to, or more difficult than, any other hard-bottomed dinghy, such as a RIB, but we think there are three main options:
(1) You can rig (or we can supply) a sling, to hoist your Nestaway on and off the yacht (using a halyard). The stern section is slightly heavier than the bow, so if deck space is really tight it's even possible to arrange it so that you can remove the bow section whilst the stern is still on the halyard.
(2) You can hoist the boat bow first, on its painter. It doesn't look very dignified, but is actually pretty effective. Because the transoms are sloped it works for launching too, although you may scoop a little water into the aft section.
(3) You can modify your lifelines with quick release hooks, so that the relevant section can be released where you want to launch/pull your Nestaway on deck. This way you just reach down and lift the Nestaway's bow onto the gunnel/rail, and slide it over.
We think (3) is probably the best long term option, especially if you sail single, or shorthanded - the other two really require one person on the halyard and another to control the dinghy's movement.
Q. Can I tow it?
A. Yes, and it will behave better and cause less drag than an inflatable. Being realistic, it's probably what most people will do around the harbour or on short coastal hops. But like an inflatable you really should get it on board before conditions get serious, or there is a danger it will become waterlogged, causing massive drag and making it very difficult to retrieve from the water.
Q. How do I get back on board after swimming/snorkelling?
A. It depends on the boat. Starting with our Pram Dinghy, you can get back in over either end, with the bow being slightly easier. If you put your weight on the bow gunwhale, it comes down to just above the waterline, making it easy to haul yourself back in (the mast step, or mast step blank, makes a convenient handhold). Any water that comes in with you stays in the bow section, so can be sponged or bailed out quickly. The Trio can be boarded in a similar fashion, although the bow is not as comfortable (it's pointed!) and the stern may require a bit more wriggling if an outboard is fitted (the transom is narrower). The Stem Dinghy can be boarded from the stern (but only really if there isn't an outboard on it).
Q. What about the maintenance?
A. The standard finish for our Pram and Trio models is oiled Iroko, which is much easier to maintain than varnish - a new coat of oil can be applied with a rag, and doesn't need any masking. It's also much less prone to damage, and in northern European climates you only really need to reapply it at the beginning and end of the season (perhaps every six weeks in the Tropics). Alternatively, all three boats can be ordered with a teak upgrade, which can be left entirely to itself if you wish (weathering to a silver grey), or oiled as Iroko. If you do choose a varnished finish, it's much better than it used to be, and if you generally store your Nestaway upside down or under a cover when not using it you will probably only need to re-coat every second year (unless you're in the Tropics or damage the surface).
Q. Can I put a Nestaway in davits?
A. Of course. And if you nest it, davits become practical on yachts with relatively narrow sterns. One client was intending to keep his Nestaway assembled on davits most of the time, then nest it on the foredeck in marinas to save on berthing costs (they charge length overall, including overhangs!).