dinghy davits

[cynthiatunnicliff]

We have a Ranger Tug 31, swim platform with rails. How do we carry an inflatable dinghy with a 3 hp outboard. We would rather not have to take the motor off the dinghy to carry. Is there a recommended davit system that allows the dinghy to be carried off the stern of the swim platform?

 

[jcarrdive]

We have ours on a pivot from the swim step of an R27, but have to pull the motor off at this time. We use a 2.5 HP suzuki, and it would fit if we slightly modified the last bit of railing on the port side. Shortened it by about 4 inches and the motor would then stay on the inflatable. A motor pivot is not a good option for our configuration.
Ours would also work if we "leaned" the inflatable out by about 3 inches by extending the top "holding" stays, but have opted not to as it would increase the stress on the lower bracket a bit and we just don't want to do it. I can send you photos if that would help, but ours is a very common set up so I imagine you have seen it before.
Good luck!
jc

 

[Barry Cohen]

You could use a Weaver Davit system, including the Weaver Lever and Weaver Winch.

This allows you to keep the motor attached to the dinghy.

 

[Barry Cohen]

I added a picture of the complete set-up to my album.