Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

Now that I'm a lot more experienced in sailing and boating I have a different perspective on the WB8 and WB10 than I had going in. I owned both the 8 and the 10. The WB8 is inferior to many pram designs in terms of stability and performance. The WB10 is much better in terms of stability, but not great compared to other dinghies in its class. I sold my WB8 soon after getting it as I was dissatisfied with it. The tube kit is an overpriced plaster to mask the inherent design problems of the WB and I refused to sink more money into that mistake. The 10 was a fun sailing trainer and an adequate recreational dinghy, but I'm replacing it with a sailing dinghy I'm building from plans. I'd suggest against the WB8 and rate the WB10 as adequate. I think there are a lot of Kevlar/fiberglass dinghy designs and nice plywood/fiberglass kits you will be more satisfied with in the long run. I quickly outgrew the WB as I was exposed to other designs and options!

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

I bought my Walker Bay 8' in 2007. I have used it exclusively as a rowboat.

The boat is heavy (75lbs); however, the wheel in the keel makes it fairly easy to move.

The boat is quite stable. My dock is about 3' above the water; stability is important. I like the boat; I will consider buying a Walker Bay 10' next.

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

this boat is unstable, junk construction, and way to expensive! kl industries has built a way better boat for a way better price! kl industries boat wont sink it has foam inside of it!

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

I've owned a lot of small boats, and the Walker Bay stands out for light weight, toughness, and good rowing (at least for an 8' tender). Tippy? Well, perhaps if your used to an unrowable inflatable, but the Walker Bay is safe and seaworthy and utilitarian. An excellent shore boat.

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

had to drive 200 miles to pick it up to find the closest dealer. got it home no oars as advertised that come with it. west marine posted on their web site that they quit coming with them this year. they should change their ad and until they do they need to furnish the oars they say come with them. on the description and order page

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

I bought the WB 10 without the tube collar here in the UK... very excited to get it out but boy what a let down, so like everyone else i had to pay another 750 pounds (about 1,000 dollars) for the tube. What makes me laugh ironically is that it's approved by US coastguard?? Of course with the tube its perfect but soooooooooooooo overpriced, but as we say, they have you by the short and curlys!!

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

I've been using the 10-ft version for a year. It's much better than the 8-ft. This boat is attractively styled and durable, but it does not row as easily as I hoped and its oarlocks wear out too quickly. The center of gravity is too far aft. My biggest gripe is it's overpriced for a thermally molded boat -- a rip-off actually. There are better options out there.

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

Not a great product. It's main attribute is that it's light. It doesn't have much carrying capacity (it's best with one or two people, a little unhappy with three people) and doesn't row well because it jumps around so easily. My inflatable tubes rotted from sun exposure in about a year and had to be replaced (which to their credit they did under warranty), but not before getting sticky slime all over anyone who touched them. I'd take the advice of another reviewer and either go for a real inflatable or a wood/epoxy model for a tender.

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

Walker bay has NO CUSTOMER SERVICE. You can send them an e-mail but nobody will talk to you. Its not an option!!!

Comments about Walker Bay 8 & 10 Dinghies:

We used the 8 foot version for years as a tender for our sailboat. With one person it was very easy to row and almost as stable as much heaver boats. It has a flat bottom so it resists tipping when someone steps on one side.
With two people, it is slow. The balance point is too far aft and it only rows well if a heavy weight is put in the bow.
It has the advantage (also the reason we purchased it) that it is fairly easy for one person to pick up and get into the water.