Dingy Storage and available devices

[lastclipper]

Greetings,
This is my first attempt at finding some help. My wife and I just purchased a 2012 Ranger 29 Sedan from Dan McClannahan in Bradenton. We have become Motor Vessel owners after a lifetime of sailing but my back decided to retire before I was ready to give up the water. The boat has the brackets to store the Dingy on the stern platform but the water comes over the platform with quite a lot of force at slow speeds as I am sure you are aware. I know there is a system available for the R-27 as I have seen the video. Is there any device available for the R-29 or any aftermarket device? How have people carried a Dingy on the Stern successfully? It would seem impractical to deflate it at every point of leaving - arriving at a new location...etc. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated.
Mark and Jan Pyle
Dragonfly
Port Charlotte, Fl
markpyle@mac.com

 

[Gin]

Mark and Jan, welcome to the Tugnuts community!

There are so many options for dinghies and outboards that it is challenging to know where to start. You say there are brackets on the stern platform (swimstep). I will assume they are are the quick connect plates that Weaver Industries supplies. Check them out and confirm if those are what you have.

https://www.weaverindustries.com/index.cfm/product/81_6/quick-kit---easy-removal-of-davit-heads.htm

The standard davit heads that go on to those quick connect plates for Ranger Tugs are 4” up and extend out 4” as well. You can find them here:

https://www.weaverindustries.com/in...vit-head-that-are-raised-and-extended-out.htm

That much alone solves some issues. Mounting your dinghy up on those davit heads will raise it up enough to clear the stern wake. You will want to add the standoffs that Weaver makes. But it is not a complete solution if you want a heavier dinghy and a larger outboard. For all that, there are things like the Weaver leaver hoist or Sea Wise hoist, which let you haul up a heavy outboard and support it off the transom and swim rail. Another option that has enthusiasts on this forum is the Ollson davit, which lets you leave the outboard in place on the dinghy and brings it up more horizontally onto the swim step. You will find many posts about the options, and a lot of folks who can offer thoughts and possible solutions. Ultimately, much will depend on how much dinghy and outboard you want.

For my part, I have started out with my first dinghy setup by opting to go as light as possible. I have an Achilles dinghy with a high pressure inflatable deck. The dinghy itself is only about 77 lbs. I can deflate it and fold it up into a (reasonably) compact package if needed, although I’ve found I rarely do that. I took the plunge on went the Torqeedo motor, which weighs about 31 lbs, but breaks into 3 easy lightweight pieces. I have had great success with it and I am a total fan (no gas to deal with, very reliable, lots of distance if you don’t need to go faster than hull speed). My entire setup can be disassembled, hoisted and secured on the swimstep easily. The basic Weaver davit system works perfectly for that. And all I need to haul it up is a good quality block and tackle setup.

There is a lot I love about the entire set up. It is a perfect for ship-to-shore, IMHO. But It is less perfect for environments where I mwant to do more extensive exploration by dinghy and might have to cope with current wind over a longer distance. And that is some of what I have wanted to do this past year here on the Columbia River. I am therefore finding myself torn. For long distance exploring, it doesn’t work well. But ship to shore, it would be great. And many times, I just like to quietly poke around the marina or a explore a wildlife reserve area. For that, my set up is ideal. Super ideal, in fact. What a quandary.

The bottom line answer to your question Os that you can carry a dinghy on the stern successfully, depending on your goals for the size of dinghy and outboard, and the conditions in which you want to carry it. Describe those in more detail, and folks with similar setups are likely to chime in. Also, some searches will take you to threads that have covered some of this ground in a way that may be helpful for you.

Good luck! And again, welcome to the forum!

Gini

 

[lastclipper]

Gini,
Thank you for such a thorough reply. It is much appreciated.
Mark and Jan
Dragonfly

 

[lastclipper]

Gini,
Yes, that is exactly what is on the boat. They appear to be the permanently attached type with 4" extension. The Dingy also has the attach points. We really haven't tried any of this out yet but I thank you for the links which put us in the right direction.
God Bless,
Mark and Jan

 

[Gin]

Mark and Jan, you are welcome! There are lots of other good threads on the forum on the topic of dinghies, propulsion, davits and hoists. Read through as many as you can, and post more questions as they arise. The folks on this forum are an amazing resource. Good luck!

Gini

 

[rehurst]

We also have a 2012 R 29. Same setup. At slow speeds water does boil up into dink and submerge the swim platform. Trim tabs do not seem to effect this. At higher speeds, no problem.