Davit mounting position for dingy on a 31

[Gin]

We did not get the factory dingy with our RT 31, but the boat was setup by the factory on the assumption it would be sold with the dingy. So Weaver quick mounts are already in place on the swim step and under the hardtop rear canopy. We are now going forward with a dingy, and the one we are getting has dimensions that match the factory rib — 9’6” long, 17” tubes. I know from other threads on the forum that several of the RT and CW owners with boats in the 26’ and 27’ range have found it helpful to set things up so that the dingy is a offset 2 inches or so to starboard.

My question is whether anyone with a 31 has done anything similar, or wishes they had. The difference for the 31 is that, at least for the factory rib, the dingy length is 6 inches narrower than the boat’s beam. In the discussions I’ve come across about offsetting the mounting locations to shift the dingy a bit to starboard, the dingy lengths were about the same as the beam and the 2-inch or so offset helped move the dingy inward, where it caught less of the wake at faster speeds.

Although my quick mounts are already on the swimstep, and are equal distances from the center point, I could accomplish an offset by the placement of the Weaver pads and yokes when they get mounted on the dingy.

Should I be considering doing that? Upsides? Downsides? Amount of offset?

Gini

 

[Cutwater28GG]

offset is also useful in docking if the dingy is close in length to the beam of the boat. the longest part at the bow is higher so you can get away with it being offset towards the bow.

 

[Salmon Fisher]

Not to hijack, but I am in process of mounting davits on R-27 Classic.
Weaver 4 up and 4 out using an 8' 6" Zodiac Zoom.
I have the same question about offsetting dinghy to starboard since we moor at dock on the port side.

Also, I have questions about installing Weaver quick mounts. How should one do that considering if the swimstep is cored or not. Or is ok just to drill, install hardware with 4200 and be off and away.

Thanks all.
Patrick

 

[Gin]

Davin, yes, I was thinking that the offset could aid in docking, since the bow curve gives more room on the port side, and the offset would create at least a bit more room on starboard where the stern squares off. Sounds like there just isn't a downside to offsetting by 2 or maybe even 3 inches.

Patrick, I don't know the answer, but I think the factory would be willing to give you advice. Also, I've now called Jason at Weaver Industries twice with questions. He deals with Ranger Tug day in and day out and seems to know all details about how to set their systems up on Ranger Tugs. My hunch is you would find him very helpful too, and you might get a quicker answer there. So far, when I've called, he's the one who answers the phone line. Just google Weaver Industries. Should bring their website right up.

Good luck!

Gini

 

[Red Raven]

Not to hijack, but I am in process of mounting davits on R-27 Classic.
Weaver 4 up and 4 out using an 8' 6" Zodiac Zoom.
I have the same question about offsetting dinghy to starboard since we moor at dock on the port side.

Also, I have questions about installing Weaver quick mounts. How should one do that considering if the swimstep is cored or not. Or is ok just to drill, install hardware with 4200 and be off and away.

Thanks all.
Patrick

Hi Patrick,

I have an R27 Classic with 4 up and 4 out weaver mounts with the RT 8’6” dinghy. I have suggested here on Tugnuts to mount such that bow is offset beyond the tug by up to 2 inches based on my experience with the factory mount location. Which side this is depends on which side you put the mounts on your dinghy. Ours sits with the bow to Starboard.

Ours is not offset the port (bow end) as it was done at the factory. In fact, it is slightly offset to Starboard such that the stern tubes stick out a bit. For us, docking has never been a problem. The problem was at higher cruise speeds in rough water the stern end of the tubes can hit the water causing a lot of spray resulting in a wet cockpit and in severe cases violent rocking of the dinghy back and forth to the extent that it could be damaged.

My solution was to add ratcheting straps to pull the dinghy up tight against the dinghy stays and mounts. See photos in my album. This lifts the dinghy a couple inches and solves both the spray and rocking problems. Offsetting the dinghy to the bow end a bit should also help as the bow end curves away from the water. This should not hamper docking unless there were a piling at that point but even then the fenders will provide a buffer.

I would recommend the straps to make it more stable whether you choose to offset or not.

Gini,

I don’t have experience with the R31 so cannot comment other than I have not heard the same complaint of water spray on the R31. I suspect the swim grid may be mounted a bit higher (ours is flooded at mid speeds!). The wider beam of the R31 should also help. In any case you will find that adding the tie down straps provides for a more secure ride in rough water.

Curt

 

[Gin]

Curt, thanks for weighing in. I had read through your posts on the topic, and they were really helpful. Your pics helped a lot too. I haven't seen any posts from R-31 owners on this subject, but just knowing that you have heard some 31 owners express the same concern about water spray suggests to me that I will be ahead with an offset mount. And yes, I am planning on copying your tie down strap method to pull the dink up tight and a bit higher.

Always such good aid and advice on this forum.

Thanks much.

Gini

 

[Red Raven]

Curt, thanks for weighing in. I had read through your posts on the topic, and they were really helpful. Your pics helped a lot too. I haven't seen any posts from R-31 owners on this subject, but just knowing that you have heard some 31 owners express the same concern about water spray suggests to me that I will be ahead with an offset mount. And yes, I am planning on copying your tie down strap method to pull the dink up tight and a bit higher.

Always such good aid and advice on this forum.

Thanks much.

Gini

Gini

To clarify, I have not heard any R31 complaints about dinghy water spray.

Curt

 

[Gin]

Curt,

Thanks for that clarification! I totally missed the "not" in your statement about not hearing the complaint of water spray from R-31 owners. Thanks for helping me correct course.

Gini