Editing Dinghy (section)

==Propulsion==

===Oars===
[[File:Rowboat with oars.jpg|thumb|Operating a dinghy with oars]]
Small dinghies under {{convert|12|ft|m|2|abbr=on|order=flip}} are usually powered by [[rowing]] with one set of [[oar]]s. Beyond {{convert|16|ft|m|2|abbr=on|order=flip}} it is feasible to have two or even three rowers, normally using a pair of oars. In some models, sliding thwarts allow far more powerful rowing while in others, a removable thwart can permit standing rowing. Some self-rescue dinghy/yacht tender dinghies have two sets of oarlocks (rowlocks) and an adjustable middle seat to allow for ergonomically efficient rowing positions. A single sculling [[oar]] with an oarlock on the rear transom can be a compact emergency oar. Inflatable dinghies without a rigid bottom are difficult to row more than a short distance, and are usually powered with an [[outboard motor]], or, if necessary, paddled.

===Motor===
[[File:Motorized Dinghy.JPG|thumb|A motorized dinghy with seats and a console]]
Another option is an outboard motor. Two horsepower per meter can reach hull speed. {{convert|10|hp/m|kW/m|spell=In}} will put a flat-bottomed dinghy on [[Planing (sailing)|plane]]. A {{convert|10|ft|m|2|abbr=out|order=flip|adj=mid}} dinghy with a hard V-bottom hull and a {{convert|15|hp|kW|spell=in|adj=on}} [[Outboard motor|outboard]] can reach speeds of {{convert|25|mi/h|km/h kn|abbr=on}}. The [[gas tank]] is usually placed under the rear thwart. Engines always swing up so the dinghy can be grounded without damage. Since the transom may need to be cut down for the engine to fit properly, an engine well should be used to prevent low waves from splashing over the transom and flooding the boat.

===Sail===
[[File:White Horse Dinghy 1.jpg|thumb|Sailing dinghies racing]]
[[File:Sailing dinghy at Maine State Museum, Augusta IMG 2025.JPG|thumb|Sailing dinghy built by J. O. Brown Shipyard in [[North Haven, Maine|North Haven]], [[Maine]], displayed at the [[Maine State Museum]] in [[Augusta, Maine|Augusta]]; used in the 1880s, participated in sailing races]]

A typical sail choice for a dinghy is [[gunter rig]] with a shorter mast that fits within the hull when unstepped. Sprit rigs have no boom, and the advantage that the sail can be brailed up out of the way against the mast when rowing or motoring. [[Lug sail|Lug rigs]] are another common single sail type used in small dinghies, both standing and balanced (with some area forward of the mast), and usable with or without a boom.

Traditional working dinghies have a lee board that can be hooked over the side.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} This does not split the cargo space. A sailing rudder is usually tied or clipped to a simple pair of pintles (hinge pins) on the transom with the bottom pintle being longer so that the rudder can be mounted one pintle at a time. The rope keeps the rudder from floating off in a wave. Both rudders and lee boards have swiveling tips so the dinghy can be landed. Rudders are often arranged so the tiller folds against the rudder to make a compact package.

[[Dinghy sailing|Racing dinghies]] usually have a daggerboard or centreboard to better sail upwind. The trunk is in the middle of what would otherwise be cargo area. A self-rescue dinghy intended to be used as a proactive lifeboat has leeboards on either side, to allow for maximum open cockpit area.
[[File:Portland Pudgy lifeboat sailing.jpg|thumb|Self-rescue dinghy lifeboat, sailing. Note unzipped middle section of lifeboat canopy and reefed sail.]]

===Solar===
[[File:Green Machine SPL.jpg|thumb|This solar dinghy was created by Leonard Holmberg. Based on Freedom Electric's X10 hull. One of the only tri-power small boats in the world, Solar, Propane, Lithium "SPL"]]
[[Solar propulsion]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/solar-boat-shines-light-on-suns-power/|title=Solar boat shines light on sun's power|website=cbsnews.com|access-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203131553/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/solar-boat-shines-light-on-suns-power/|archive-date=3 February 2018}}</ref> uses hybrid flexible [[solar panel]]s integrated into the [[bimini top]] supplying power to a [[lithium battery]] [[Battery pack|bank]]. Twin in-hull [[trolling motor]] produce {{convert|72|lbf|N}} of [[thrust]] powering the solar dinghy to {{convert|3 - 5|kn|mph km/h}} depending on weather conditions. Alternate power is supplied by a [[propane]] outboard<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cruisingworld.com/gear/new-propane-powered-outboard-introduced|title=New Propane-Powered Outboard Introduced|website=cruisingworld.com|access-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403064744/http://www.cruisingworld.com/gear/new-propane-powered-outboard-introduced|archive-date=3 April 2015}}</ref> for increased speed and range.