Dinghy on RT with outboard - How??

scross

scross

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 30, 2015
Messages
2,098
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2831A717
Vessel Name
R-25 Classic - Sold
MMSI Number
367719470
Ok, I am having a real problem conceptualizing how you would store a dinghy on a RT with an outboard. How could it fit on the swim platform with the outboard in the way? If so, do you heave the dinghy over the outboard or do you launch/retrieve side to side? If not, are you limited to storing the dinghy on the sport rack? And in either case how would you launch and deploy the dinghy with a reasonable amount of effort and time? I'm getting too old to be doing 95 pound dinghy squat lifts.
 
On our previous R-25 (Classic) we had a Portland Pudgy mounted on the swim step and had it lean forward as much as possible to provide the best rearward visibility from the helm. We used a Torqueedo electric motor for the Pudgy. This electric motor is very light (I think around 20 lbs tops). It dismantles easily into three pieces as I recall. Tiller arm, main unit shaft body and battery box. We stored it either in the cockpit's side locker or in the cave without issues.
 
Hi Barry! I was referring to the huge 200 HP Yamaha outboard that powers the RT, not the 2 HP outboard for the dinghy. Sorry I wasn't more specific.
 
OK.... Yes that's a real BIG challenge for sure. I think others have discussed this challenge here in the forum. Some suggested Kayaks on the roof as an alternative, but of course this would have to meet the dinghy requirements.

I guess one could tow a dinghy behind.

I would say there's really no good solution for having a rigid dinghy on board with the RT outboard models.
 
We had a C-Dory with an outboard. We used a Bombard Max 2 with an air floor weighs about 57 pounds. We had a bracket for the 2.5 HP Yamaha dinghy motor in the cockpit. We kept the dinghy rolled up on it's side standing up in the corner of the cockpit bungeed in place. We always carried a 12 volt DC air adjustable output pump/deflator to be able to deploy the dinghy fairly quickly without having to use a foot pump. When trailering we kept the dinghy and the motor in the back of our pickup which had a cap that kept things dry and secure.
Even with our R 27 we did the same thing. Pictures of the motor mount in our album. The only difference was when on the water we kept the dinghy rolled up tied on the roof of the boat. The only other option might be to have a frame for the bimini beefed up a little to able to keep the dinghy blown up and part of the dinghy supported on the cabin and the other half supported by the frame work for the bimini. We never went for keeping the dinghy blown up on the roof option as we did not want to block our solar panel.
 
Part of the reason I asked is that I don't see the dinghy package as an option on either the R23, the 2018 R-27 and the Cutwater boats (C24 and C302) that are powered by an outboard. I get that you can deflate/reinflate your dinghy but that process takes a fair amount of time and cockpit space to do. It seems like the factory is going to let each owner of a outboard powered RT or Cutwater figure it out on their own....
 
I think the only solution I can think of is for the dinghy to reside on top of the cabin on the cross bars. To arrange for this a complex lifting/lowering mechanism will have to be constructed to facilitate lowering the dinghy safely to the water to one side of the boat and of course needs to also be capable of raising the dinghy from the water and onto it's cradle on top of the cabin. This obviously will be a custom mechanism and likely to be quite expensive. Then there's the issue for just how the lowering and raising is done; mechanical gearing levers & crank handle and/or an electric/hydraulic mechanism.

I'm sure it can be done. Just a matter of finding a shop that would design and install it for you.

One other thought which will consume storage space in the cockpit floor's center locker would be to locate an inflatable there. I have such an inflatable that my grandkids like to use and is contained in a box that measure some 3' x 2' x 1'. This would easily fit in the center locker. This inflatable is not tremendously sturdy but would provide a means to row to shore or a marina if anchored in the marina's bay area so you can go get supplies and such. This dinghy is good for one sizable adult and maybe two at best. This could be a reasonable low-cost option of around $100 for the RT outboard models.
 
We plan to put an aftermarket hardtop over the cockpit with a davit to set the Dinghy on top when we make our purchase. I have a canvas guy who claims he can make one stout enough for a Dinghy too (still checking into that one) but may be a more flexible alternative.
 
Hard top, you may want to look for a stainless fabricator to make a roll bar from two inch tube similar to the one in my album. But make the bar over the canvas two inches also with a tube back to the cabin top. Mine is welded and permanent. Then have the canvas guy design the cover to fit the frame.
 
What about a canoe made of Kevlar or carbon fiber materials? A 15' Swift tandem canoe (two people) would weigh only around 35 lbs. Be for warned, they are pricey, but you really do get what you pay for.

Jim
 
I added a crane and mounted the dinghy on top of the boat. It works well. Pictures are located in our Album - "Popeye"
 
We have a RT 31. We use the seawise davit system. They have a website and demos on you tube. It's easy to use, my wife can load and unload the dinghy.
 
The SeaWise system looks nice but I don't see how it could launch a dinghy up and over the top of a big Yamaha outboard. Do they have a special David system that holds the bottom of dinghy a couple of feet above the swim platform? I didn't see one on their web site.
 
Here are my thoughts. Inflatable kayak. The Pacific Northwest does have its challenges when anchoring and the ability to get to a rocky shore to stern anchor is often necessary. The Kayak although not a perfect scenario will give you the ability to get to shore. The fact that you can get closer to shore because you can raise your engine is a plus in shallow areas. The kayak should be fairly light to store on your rack. I have tried out a sea eagle tandem and they are pretty stable. https://www.seaeagle.com/inflatable-kayaks
 
I think you may be right knotflying, an inflatable kayak may be the best option.
In looking closely at the new 2018 R27 I can't see any place to put a dinghy up on the roof. So all the hoists used on some of the other Ranger models to get the dinghy up on top are moot. The 2018 R27 diagrams show a hardtop "bimini" over the cockpit and, if like the R29S, the solar panel is installed on the hardtop. No sports rack forward of the hardtop either.
Perhaps the new 2018 R27 is just intended for those customers using marina docks only. Or for those who feel comfortable moving from anchor or mooring buoy to shore in an inflatable kayak!
 
To me the outboard option on the R23 makes perfect sense as its primary use would be as a day boat.

Still don't understand why there is not a diesel inboard option on the new R27. I see this as a boat for weekend or longer periods of time. In this case, if I had one, I would want the ability to have a davit for a dingy as well as a diesel generator. Not keen on a gas outboard on a 27, that the generator is a gasoline one, and that there is no easy way to hang a dingy on the back.

Jim
 
To me, it does seem an odd marketing decision to offer the new 2018 R27 with just the Yamaha 300HP outboard. I would think using a diesel inboard or diesel sterndrive would capture a bigger customer base.

Perhaps an option for a Volvo D4-300 diesel sterndrive?? And to quote Volvo :

"The benefits of Sterndrive vs. Outboards:

Clean transom means more boating fun
With the sterndrive, your boat’s most valuable space – the transom – offers swim platform accessibility and is open for all kinds of fishing, water sports etc. No big engine takes up space and blocks the way.

Lower emission levels
The tougher US and future EU emission regulations on sterndrives result in lower levels of HC, NOx and CO emissions. Catalysts make Volvo Penta sterndrive engines significantly cleaner.

Better fuel efficiency and longer cruising range
Larger effective propeller blade area and Duoprop make sterndrive engines work more efficiently than outboards. The result is lower fuel consumption and more cruising time at sea at the same cost.

Weight distribution makes the sterndrive more seaworthy
Compared with the outboard engine, the sterndrive engine is placed lower and more forward in the boat. In rough sea conditions, this makes for a more comfortable ride in the sterndrive boat.

Higher theft protection
A sterndrive engine is built into the boat which makes an engine theft very complicated. An engine mounted on the outside of the boat is considerably more attractive to thieves."
 
Maggie Anne":1ve8dzml said:
Has anyone tried the Kaboat? might be a good option for the roof and setup already for motor

http://www.boatstogo.com/kayaks-sk430.asp
Click to expand...

Maggie: That Kaboat looks awesome to me. I think it to be a good choice and not too expensive. I'm trying to figure out the dimensions of the Kaboat when deflated and folded up.
 
scross":2n9p0l8n said:
To me, it does seem an odd marketing decision to offer the new 2018 R27 with just the Yamaha 300HP outboard. I would think using a diesel inboard or diesel sterndrive would capture a bigger customer base.
...snip...
Click to expand...

According to RT the R-23 outboard model outsold the sterndrive model 25:1 in the first year. So that seems to be at odds to your thinking. 😱
 
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