Dinghy Mount on R31

[Scott Keller]

HI - I have a new-to-me 2013 R31 and I am going to mount a dinghy on the Weaver davits that are designed for this. My questions are:
1. Do you use the stand-offs from Weaver to hold the dinghy in place (vertical)?
2. Our dinghy is a small RIB that weighs about 100 lbs (or a bit more). How do you hoist it up? Do you have a line to the far side and haul it (seems like it might be hard to get this started) or do you use a pulley system or some other clever method?

Thanks!!

Scott Keller

 

[watson1987]

I have an R31 too

Yes I use the vertical mounts, and dingy is perfectly vertical on the stern

The factory mounts also come with a mount on the cockpit roof for a winch that you can use to ratchet the dingy up. I've never used the winch, and neither did the previous owner from what I remember, but it is in a box somewhere on the boat. I just use a rope tied to the dinghy and pull up, being younger and more able helps here. When I was recovering from shoulder surgery, it was definitely a partner-assisted job as you need to use both arms and get your whole weight into it. I have the 290 RIB

 

[Red Raven]

On our R27 Classic the davits are the 4 inch up and 4 inch out version. You’ll need this to keep the dinghy from catching water spray for the tug. We also use the Weaver standoffs. Wouldn’t go without them. Regarding lifting the dinghy we also have the factory ratchet but don’t use it. I added pulley to the D ring on the side of the dinghy and loop the line around the rail at the stern. Makes the line twice as long but 1/2 the energy to lift it! Works great!

Curt

 

[Gin]

I have the R31 and also use the 4” up and 4” out davits for my dinghy. I use a Lifesling hoisting tackle to haul it up. My tackle is 5 to 1, which is more than I need, but I got it at a bargain price. A 3 to 1 would work fine (like this one https://www.westmarine.com/lifesling-3-to-1-lifesling-hoisting-tackle-for-sailboats-561100.html). But I do need the benefit of the tackle, instead of a simple pulley, given my lack of upper body strength typical for my age and gender. Premade marine tackles are spendy, but the hardware is top quality and if I were to try to assemble one myself (with the help of a climber friend), I wouldn’t have saved on price. I rationalized it by considering that the tackle can be useful for other purposes, and would be for sure if I ever find myself trying to haul someone or someone up on to the swimstep. It is easy to stow, quick to attach and detach, and overall, a great system for me.

Gini