Low Price Inflatable Instl

[Nellie Too]

Tugnuts,
Nita and I created a low cost method to install the inflatable on the transom step of the R-29 without a railing. I installed two D-rings about 8" from the back of the transom step and connected a nylon strap to each D-ring using brass hooks on each end of the strap. We then added two straps on the existing D-rings (one on each of two) with snaps on each end. We raised the inflatable and connected it using the rope rail on the side after connecting the two straps together then to the inflatable. After we raised the inflatable to the desired height, we attached it using the rope rail on the inflatable to the canvas binimi aft support with a line. With this method, the inflatable movement is minimal fore and aft. Total cost about $55.00 See the photos in our album. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
Bob and Nita
Nellie Too

 

[Spirit of Gratitude]

Hi Bob,
I was just looking at your dingy install and thought I would share with you some of my concerns.
First I want to say that I think what you have created would be just fine in calm seas. But if you run into heavy seas you could be into a world of trouble.
It is very important to have no movement on the dingy while underway. Tying it off on the bimini top is a bit scary. If you find yourself in heavy seas then the little movement that you have now could become very exaggerated and cause more stress on the bimini top then you may want. Also If a wave caught the dingy just right, the dingy would act as a scoop and now you have the force of the water to donate your bimini top to the sea gods.

As you know I have the same dingy as you. Now I do have the rails which helps in the carrying of the dingy. I like to have it on the transom for quick access and in a emergency I can launched in about 30 sec.
The dingy sits between the transom and the rails. I kick the bottom of the dingy to the back rail. I have the transom of the dingy set to line up with the cockpit door. Then I lean it forward to rest on the transom of the boat. The dingy transom sets perfect in the cut out space of the cockpit door. Now at this point I have only rubber dingy sitting against my boat.
Now I can tie the dingy to the two aft cleats very tightly with no movement at all. I can untie the dingy and launch very quickly from this set up.
So I think you could do the same if you were able to secure the bottom of your dingy tightly to the outer part of your swimstep and then lean it forward to rest on your transom. You just don't want to have any plastic or hard part of the dingy resting on your boat. If so then put some kind of cusion between the dingy and your boat. I too had my flag on the transom but have moved it to the top mast. It was just getting in the way of the activity on the swimstep.
I only state all this so you to have a back up plan in case you run into weather. I think what you have come up with will work just fine in a calm environment.

We sure miss you guys and hope you are doing well. The weather has been very nice here and We have started boating already. Life is good!
It sure is nice having the solar. I have not been hooked up to shore power in over a month and have never needed it.

Give our best to Nita,
Stuart&Bridget

 

[Nellie Too]

Hi Stuart,
This concept works for us. When we are in rough seas or windy conditions, we tie the inflatable to the rails. One idea I had for improvement was to make the straps adjustable by adding velcro to the straps so they could be tightened. I, however, find that this minimal movement is not a concern. The straps keep the inflatable from the transon and on the transom step (minimal fore and aft movement). The idea was also to make the step more user friendly by maximizing the usable space when tied up or anchoring and making it easier to enter and exit the boat. I also think that when the boat is lowered to the water with the straps still connected to aft D-rings it will be more stable for getting into and out plus mounting the outboard. The concept will have sea trials this week and I will report the findings. If anyone has an idea for improvement, let me know.
Bob & Nita
Nellie Too

 

[Nellie Too]

Some new pictures are available in our photo album showing the inflatable in the water attached to the transom step.
Bob

 

[Nellie Too]

Hi Stewart,
We took the Nellie Two out yesterday to Chinooks at Fisherman's Wharf for fish"n"chips, which were out of this world. On the trip we encountered 20-25kn winds and seas of about two and a half feet. I decided to let the inflatable remain tied to the top as displayed in the picture. We had absolutely no problems at all. I would still be inclinded under other than demonstration conditions, tie it to the rail on either side of the back deck when in rough or windy conditions.
Bob