Adding stainless x bars to our R27 OB for dinghy storage

[andmark]

For those of you who have struggled to find a way to put a dinghy on your R27 OB, this might be a solution. I bought a 1in diameter 7ft stainless railing crossbar, cut two additional 6in stainless sections, a couple of 90-degree elbows, and two hinged rail connectors to create a raised crossbar. Connected to the aft Bimini support brackets it creates support over the canvas bimini/sunshade for kayak cradles. Using this and the x-bars built on the boat, I can easily fit a 12-foot Sea Eagle 380 without blocking the cabin hatches. Standing on the aft deck I can slide the boat right out of the water and onto the kayak cradles with minimal effort. The sea eagle weighs only ~40lbs and has a capacity of 750lbs. I will include pics once I have an album set up. Still new to the forum. I'm interested if anyone else has tried something similar.

 

[Submariner]

I’d like to see a photograph.


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[andmark]

Here's a pic with the boat on top. I was worried it might drop our gph, but it really seems to make little if any difference.

 

[Fitz]

Looks great. Something to consider, for sure.

 

[Mike and Sarah]

That’s a great solution.

One question. What did you add below the swing up rear starboard window? Did you add an extra step with raptor decking on it?

 

[andmark]

Our boat was a late 2020 boat (October delivery). At the time Ranger was having trouble getting parts from the supplier due to COVID. To make sure they could deliver the boat on time they built a step themselves. Our boat was one of the first with this step. I'm not sure if they continued with it or not. We had the raptor decking put on it when they did the rest of the decking. We love it. It makes it really easy to get up on deck as well as step into the cockpit when casting off.

 

[Full Deck]

I am also new to the site and to Ranger Tugs but loving the community spirit. We just took possession of our new 2021 R-25 OB (Dec Delivery). Yes we have only had it for three weeks. We been exploring storage options for our dinghy including adding Stainless cross bars to the top bars. This looks like a great idea however our boats are slightly different configuration bimini. Where did you find/order the materials? I have been researching and learned that not all stainless are equal (304 vs 316) and some coatings are better than others as well as other quality differences (screws/fasteners). Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[Submariner]

This looks like it would also be a great way to add solar panels up there. A lot of them!


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[Remedy2]

For those of you who have struggled to find a way to put a dinghy on your R27 OB, this might be a solution. I bought a 1in diameter 7ft stainless railing crossbar, cut two additional 6in stainless sections, a couple of 90-degree elbows, and two hinged rail connectors to create a raised crossbar. Connected to the aft Bimini support brackets it creates support over the canvas bimini/sunshade for kayak cradles. Using this and the x-bars built on the boat, I can easily fit a 12-foot Sea Eagle 380 without blocking the cabin hatches. Standing on the aft deck I can slide the boat right out of the water and onto the kayak cradles with minimal effort. The sea eagle weighs only ~40lbs and has a capacity of 750lbs. I will include pics once I have an album set up. Still new to the forum. I'm interested if anyone else has tried something similar.

You are on my dock at Edmonds. I'd like to do something similar to my C24. PM me? Would love to stop by your boat sometime and check it out closer and get some input from you on mine.

 

[Gin]

The photo is no longer showing up. Any chance of reposting?

 

[Mark_H]

I would also like to see the photo of this crossbar setup.

I am thinking about something similar for storing my Sportboats Dolphin 8.8 dinghy above the bimini.
My plan is to have raised 8' side rails from the cabin top grab rails to the aft bimini support rails.
The side rails will extend about 1' behind the aft edge of the bimini with a rear crossbar between them.
And one or two crossbars forward as well.

Our boats are built with 1" stainless tubing, so I will also use 1" tubing.
But, what is the wall thickness?
Stainless tubing is available in 0.049" or 0.065" wall thickness.
What size are our boats built with, and what size should I use?

 

[PNWTX]

Any chance you could re-post the image? It's no longer showing up...

Here's a pic with the boat on top. I was worried it might drop our gph, but it really seems to make little if any difference.