Dinghy davits

[trailertrawlerkismet]

After three months of Ranger Tug ownership it's time for us to get serious about a dinghy and davit setup and I have a question of fellow owners. In the latest edition of Lakeland Boating (with a Cutwater on the cover) I read about a dinghy davit system made by Hurley Marine http://www.hurleymarine.com/Davit.html that I'd like to see if anyone has owned. What I like about it is that once the dinghy is in place it does not obstruct the view over the transom while cruising and or docking. Please post your experience and or thoughts whether they are good or bad. Thanks in advance for your insight.

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

Jim,
I have looked at this davit system also and still have not done anything about a davit system to date. My thoughts on this system are: 1) it does use up a lot of the swim platform even when a dingy is not on it and is kind of a tripping hazard. Sure you can remove it when not in use, but store it where? 2) Many marinas will charge overall length of all protrusions, so you just added to your slip costs. 3) I’m not sure if you can use this on and inflatable bottom boat, so you may want to check that out if you have an inflatable.
As I am sure you are well aware there are always tradeoffs. I currently us an inflatable 8’-6” Bombard dingy at about 42 LBS. I usually have it folded up and stored on the roof under the solar panel with my kicker mounted to the rear cockpit rails. When I use the dingy for extended periods I lash it upright to the swim platform and the sight obstruction is minimal. Deploying is a little cumbersome but not very difficult. I have considered using the snap davits that Stew Royston has. He did a whole video on it. I am sure you can find the thread on that. Until then I have decided to use the boat for a year before I decide on what to use and then take the plunge. My Florida cruise for two and a half months will surely help me decide on the appropriate davits, if any.
Good luck with the decision process, that’s half the fun!
Mike

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Thanks Mike for your comments and suggestions. I think you have a good idea to use the dinghy for a while before deciding. I'm looking at an 8'8" inflatable and a 5 HP engine and, like you, while in Florida this winter it really would not be a problem towing it around. Maybe we'll catch up with each other in Florida and see where we both stand some time this coming winter.

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

Looking forward to it! I can see trying to muscle around a 5 HP can probably be a bit much. There is a swing bracket made that the motor will stay mounted but stays verticle when you lift the dingy and it acts as one of the stays to hold the dingy up. If you go to the Defender site and look under the Weaver davits you will find it there. A bit pricey, but what isn't when the word marine is attached to it.