Microcruising

Microcruising,
Dinghy Cruising

There is much on the 'net for microcruising. Most is for boats 10 feet or larger. I have attempted to collect files, links and info for smaller "picocruising" sources that might be useful for the Flapdoodle and other 8 foot boats, plus some of my own ideas.

Flapdoole with birdwatcher style cabin. Rear will have canvas that seals with a "drawstring". Bridge at rear of the cabin pops out. The notch can be covered with fiberglass window screen mesh or canvas.

It is not a rule or law by any means, but it is generally thought that you are dinghy cruising if you can spent a night sleeping on your dinghy without undue discomfort.

Building a cabin for the Flapdoodle Follow along as it is constucted.

Air mattress

Cheap air mattress on flat false floor. I have seen these for as little as $1.
They deflate to about 10" x 12" and 1/4" thick.

I began by fitting a rib to the center frame.
First rib

Spacing is 5.25 inches. I have forgotten why that figure was chosen.

More ribs

More ribs, each a smaller size are added until you reach the length of flat floor you need. You end up with two lightweight drop-in sections.

The false floor is hinged down the center, such that one side at a time can be lifted to access storage below. Items like tools or canned goods would add ballast to the dinghy that would aid in righting the boat in case of a capsize if the sides of the floor are latched. The floor ribs provide plenty of support, so high quality plywood is not needed for the floor itself or the ribs. (this is the third boat I have done this on)

Groups
Dinghy Cruising Yahoo Group
Mostly seems to be for larger boats, but has lots of useful ideas and info.

I belong to these two groups as well. Ultralight backpacking is similar to dinghy cruising except we are less concerned about weight. Contents include water purification, map waterproofing, cooking requirements, freeze drying, and dehydrating foods, weather protection, more.

BackpackingLight
Ultralightbackpacking

Resources
Folding solar still (my work)
Freezer Bag Cooking™ Outdoor Food Simplified Some very useful ideas, recipes. Cheap too!
Tips for car camping or bushwalking Food safety and storage
Source of Tyvek™ Also has Custom Tyvek Boat Covers for Kayaks and Rowing Sculls. Tyvek for $.30 ft/sq
Another Tyvek™ Source, very reasonable prices. Follow the link.
All about Dinghy Cruising LOTS of info.
Microcruising Equipment Guide For slightly large vessels. Sea anchors, drogues, lighting, stoves.
Dinghy Cruising with Philips By Alan Philips, 1981 (1.5 meg, pdf)
Cruising Websites cruisenews.net Be sure to look at the LED resources for lighting ideas.