Dinghy sling

[Two killicks]

Hello, as I was doing research on the Internet for a way to hold my dinghy on the platform behind my tug. I found that there is a dinghy sling davit available. Has anyone ever heard about this, if so was it a good?

Here is a link to the sling that I am talking about. http://www.harbormenmarine.com/index_files/Page673.htm

Because I have a rail on the swim platform, I was thinking about getting this sling, so that I can put the dinghy behind the rail on the other side of the swim step platform. By doing so I could still use the platform.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I like the idea but not sure how much weight the swim platform rails will hold. I thought the sling could be pulled up by using the cockpit rails and just use the swim rail as a brace at the foot. That may work. I would try it first with some lines to see where the forces are before purchasing.

 

[Two killicks]

The zodiac + the outboard motor are less than one hundred pounds combined. Would that be too much so that the platform would collapse under the weight ? I am quite sure that most of the weight would be in the lower part of the rig and the upper part much less by just holding the zodiac against the rail. My other option is to put the zodiac on the platform or in the cockpit. Or have a rack above the bimini cover similar to what you did.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I was thinking that the boat can rest against the rails but make the tie point the rail on the cockpit, even go back to the aft side cleats.

 

[Two killicks]

I think the same as you, all the way to the cleats on the aft side of the boat

 

[Pilotnavigator]

You talked to Doug about getting a cockpit enclosure yet

 

[Two killicks]

Not yet,

We might wait a year before we get it done, just bought all the stuff for the tug, a zodiac and outboard motor... Things adds up quickly... but I will for sure!

We are taking the tug back home in april finally, it is in storage in Portland, on for the winter...

 

[Lehill]

Hi all. I have a Dinghy sling on our R31. We use it to carry our inflatable bottom dinghy - about 75 lbs. It is attached at the swim platform back rails and lays out in the water so you can float your dinghy over the netting and then pull it up using straps from the outboard side of the dinghy. Once up, we fasten the straps to the D hooks on the swim deck next to the transom. The system works fine to hold the dinghy under way but is a bit awkward to use while getting the dinghy positioned in the water before puling it up. The other point to consider is the height at which the dinghy sling is attached to the stanchions on the back of the swim platform. This is important because once the dinghy is lifted, the bottom side tube of the dinghy needs to be higher up than the base of the swim platform. Otherwise it will drag in the water. Side to side positioning is also important to ensure the tubes are not catching the water on the side of the trough the tug creates while under way at cruising speed 13-15 knots. We clamped the sling on the stanchions with clamps that we can adjust upwards to get the right fit. So far so good. See the threads on fixed davits like weaver etc. and water spray on the tube of the dinghy. IMO its a height off the water problem and the adjustable clamping on the stanchions gives us the flexibility to move the dinghy up higher than davits generally allow and avoid the issue. Having said all that, the solution is not as elegant as davits. Hope this helps.

 

[Two killicks]

It sure help, were did you buy yours?

 

[Lehill]

I purchased it online at allinflatables.com
Good luck!

 

[Two killicks]

Thanks

 

[knotflying]

I am pretty sure that Weaver also has davits that extend out. This enables you to flip the dingy up on the outside of the swim platform rails and still have the platform space available.

 

[Two killicks]

I'll go and check this out this weekend on the internet.

Should I be concerned about the weight? I have the new platform.