When sailors talk about “the best dinghy,” they usually focus on convenience — something light, cheap, and easy to haul on deck. But ask anyone who has spent years cruising offshore, anchoring in tight harbors, or exploring remote islands, and you’ll hear a different set of priorities: Safety. Longevity. Stability. Real capacity. Clean materials. Reliability […]
Why the Portland Pudgy Is the Best Dinghy on the Planet Read More »
Do Inflatable Dinghies Shed Microplastics? A Cruiser’s Guide to What’s Really in the Water
20 years and counting…. For over two decades, the Portland Pudgy has been quietly building a reputation as something unusual in the dinghy world: a tough little boat that works hard every day as a tender, and can step up as a true self-rescue lifeboat when it counts. Magazines, professional sailors, and liveaboard cruisers have
What the Sailing World Has Been Saying About the Portland Pudgy for over 20 Years! Read More »
The Portland Pudgy lasts for decades, stays unsinkable even when swamped or punctured, and eliminates most of the recurring costs that make inflatables far more expensive in the long run. Introduction Inflatable dinghies dominate many marinas because they’re inexpensive at first glance — but the real long-term cost of ownership tells a different story. Cruisers
Portland Pudgy vs. Inflatable Dinghies: The True Cost of Long-Term Value Read More »
For decades, inflatables have been the default tender on cruising boats. They were light, easy to stow, and seemed affordable. But after years of patch kits, soft tubes, and UV-rotted seams, many sailors are quietly asking the same question: Is there a better way? There is — and it’s built to last. Inflatables Haven’t Aged
The End of the Inflatable Era: Why Cruisers Are Going Solid Read More »
Come See the Portland Pudgy at the Maine Boat & Home Show!We’re excited to announce that Portland Pudgy will be at the Maine Boat & Home Show in Rockland, Maine, August 9–11! You’ll find us both on land and in the water—so you can check out the Pudgy up close and even see it in
Come See the Portland Pudgy at the Maine Boat & Home Show Read More »
We’re excited to announce that we are transitioning to in-house sail production at Portland Pudgy! Over the years, we’ve faced supply chain challenges, difficulties with consistency and design control, and the reality that most sail manufacturing has moved overseas—even when working with U.S.-based lofts. To solve these issues, we are developing our own sailmaking process
Portland Pudgy Sails – Soon to Be Made In-House in Maine! Read More »
When it comes to safety at sea, the choice of a lifeboat or liferaft is one of the most important decisions a mariner will make. Traditional inflatable liferafts are a common choice, but they come with significant drawbacks, including recurring maintenance costs, limited functionality, and vulnerability to failure. The Portland Pudgy, equipped with its exposure
Portland Pudgy with Exposure Canopy: A Reliable Alternative to Inflatable Liferafts Read More »
When it comes to choosing the right dinghy for your boating adventures, there are a variety of options on the market. However, not all dinghies are created equal. The Portland Pudgy stands out as a multi-functional, durable, and safety-focused choice that offers unparalleled value compared to its competitors. Portland Pudgy: More Than Just a Dinghy
Why Portland Pudgy Stands Out Among Small Rigid Dinghies Read More »
By Mike Metcalfe This past week has been a nonstop balance of work—both on the boat and on my businesses. Between managing Triangle Design Group (TDG) and Portland Pudgy (PP) and tackling major restoration projects on the last remaining cowhorn schooner, there hasn’t been much downtime. Only six of these schooners were ever built in
Reviving the Last Cowhorn Schooner: A Journey Through History and Restoration Read More »