So, what do you reckon is a typical tender? Usually, it's some small and simple monohull that transfers crews to and from larger vessels. It's generally fitted with oars or a small outboard for propulsion, which means there just isn't anything fancy about it. Or is there?

That belief was blown right out of the park after I tested the new Walker Bay 8. These little dinghies have taken the standard tender to the next level, and I can tell you they're one of the most versatile little boats I've ever come across.

Diminutive Dinghy

The Walker Bay 8 has an injection-moulded polypropylene hull—the construction process makes it as tough as anything—yet it weighs only 40kg. Also, at 2.75m in length, it is easily hoisted aboard. The hull has an inbuilt aft-keel roller to help drag it onto a beach and up a ramp, too.

As mentioned, the Walker Bay 8's various functions make it a versatile little craft. In basic guise, it's a rowboat with oars and rowlocks, ideal for manoeuvring around the mother ship or getting off a beach. Being a displacement hull helps it glide effortlessly through the water under oar, while the optional inflatable tubes definitely stabilise the hull and improve overall safety, acting like fenders and protecting the big boat rubbing alongside.

If you have a distance to travel and want to get there quickly, simply power up the Walker Bay 8 with a small outboard. Our test tender was fitted with a 2.5hp Suzuki four-stroke with ample power to get from A to B. The hull is rated up to 4hp, but being a displacement hull means you can't get it to plane anyway, so I'd be quite happy with the little donk. The Suzuki weighs just 13kg, so anyone in the family should be able to plonk it onto the transom without blowing a seal.

No Wind? No Worries - The Walker Bay 8 Still Delivers

The sailing part of the Walker Bay 8 was the highlight for me, even though I prefer engine power. This option is great if the outboard is out of action, apart from being fun.

I know squat about sailing, but I could get the setup right on this one. It's just a matter of securing the telescopic tiller and rudder onto the transom (obviously, the outboard has to come off first), placing the centreboard into the middle bench seat, fitting the mast into the dedicated tube up front, and then connecting the necessary lines to the boom and sail. Setting up takes no more than five minutes if you're really taking your time.

It's not hard to imagine the Walker Bay 8 'sailboat' also being a great little water toy, perfect for teaching the kids which strings to pull. Again, my knowledge of sailing is limited, but the first thing I realised was that you need a bit of wind. Before long, I feel like I'm on the road to sailing superyachts across the ocean.

Unfortunately, it was calm on test day, which was a bit of problem. Without a breath anywhere it was going to be a towing exercise to get the boat out into open water for a few pics. Luckily, though, a tiny breeze appeared from nowhere - probably about 1kt in total. That gentle breath was enough to get the Walker Bay 8 going and tracking quite easily against the incoming tide, something that shows just how little wind is needed to get these things mobile.

The Walker Bay 8 is simple to control and probably heaps of fun… if you know what you're doing. Deep down inside, I was quite grateful that there wasn't a substantial wind blowing. I'm probably one of those who would be a professional downwind sailor, the kind that has to be collected or towed back home. But with the Walker Bay 8, you do feel like you don't want to part company. It's just so much fun rolled into one.

Walker Bay 8 Specifications

Price Tested

$5,080

Options Fitted

Pontoons

Performance sail kit

2.5hp Suzuki four-stroke outboard

Priced From

$1,255

General

Material

Polypropylene injection-moulded hull

Type

Displacement monohull

Length

2.75m

Beam

1.72m

Weight

40kg

Capacities

People

3

Rec. Max HP

4

Engine

Make/Model

Suzuki DF 2.5

Type

Four-stroke petrol outboard

Weight

13kg

Displacement

68cm³

Gear Ratio

2.15:1

Prop

Aluminium

Thanks to Walker BayBoats USA for manufacturing the Walker Bay 8, Walker Bay Australia, Ashmore for supplying the test boat and Whitewater Marine, Ashmore for supplying the test outboard.

The Verdict

As a full package with the sail kit and outboard, the Walker Bay 8 might not be the cheapest tender out there, but you have to consider its versatility, durable construction, and added safety features. One bonus here is that you can buy the standard hull and add to it when the budget allows. It's also user-friendly, and besides being super tender, it's also a great little boat that the whole family can enjoy.

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats!  We have great deals on boats for sale including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

If you're upgrading or planning to sell your boat, why not explore our expert guide on improving boat resale value? If you're planning to attend a boat show soon, we've also put together a detailed boat show buying guide that's perfect for first-time buyers.

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it!

This article was written by Kevin Smith and previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.


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