Options for roof mounted tender...Saturn Kaboat ??

[baz]

stwendl:

Yes, I've viewed your setup before. I notice you mount the Saturn upside down. Do you have a specific reason for this ? I guess, considering your future deployment method it makes sense as the launch bars for lowering the boat would be attached to the Saturn's hull so when flipped over the boat is right side up.... then it's a matter of sliding the boat down on the bars (much like launching a lifeboat) into the water via a block and tackle setup.

If the Saturn's weight isn't too much I would think that letting the boat fall into the water under its own weight should be AOK so long as there's a line to retrieve the boat alongside. Even if the boat were to land wrong side up flipping right side up shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[baz]

One thought about the method for deploying and retrieving the boat would be....

1) The boat, in its upside position, is held in place (its bow pointing forward) by simple straps securing it to the cross bars. No need for Rino brackets or other type brackets.

2) Have a line attached to stern and bow on the boat.

3) For deployment stand on gunwale and release the holding straps and secure them.

4) Tighten/secure the stern line and release the boat's bow line and return to the cockpit with bow line in hand.

4) Keeping the boat's stern line tight and using the boat's bow line slowly pull the boat off the crossbars so that it points down to the water.

5) Now slowly release the boat's stern line to allow the boat to eventually rest in the water.

6) Pull boat alongside to access it.

For the boat's retrieval to the crossbars...

1) Use its stern line to haul the stern up to or near to the cross bars and then secure/tighten it to hold the boat in this position.

2) Now using the boat's bow line and standing on opposite gunwale ease the boat up to the cross bars.

3) Now with the boat laying stern to bow at an angle to the crossbars, push it up onto the cross bars and secure it down with the holding straps.

4) Secure the boat's stern and bow lines for easy access for subsequent deployment.

I think this should work so long as the boat's weight is around 50 to 70 lbs. It's a bit of a struggle I suppose but should get easier after doing this several times. No need for Rino brackets nor any special block and tackle arrangement. If raising the boat's bow as in step 2) above requires more effort than can be handled with a simple line then a 4:1 block and tackle could be employed I suppose.

 

[baz]

I'm starting to toy with the idea of towing a Kaboat with my new 2018 R-27. However, I'm a bit concerned about the Kaboat being towed and water splashing into it turning it into a sea anchor. 😱

Obviously others who have decided to tow their dinghy would have similar concerns and wonder just what techniques they have arrived at to avoid the 'sea anchor' issue ?

The other issue for me to figure out is just how far back should the Kaboat be to make its ride smooth. Also, it is likely this distance from transom to the Kaboat would be a function of the boat's speed, and if so, then varying speed would mean adjusting the distance.

My approach for docking would be at slow speed prior to docking, pull in the towed Kaboat and secure it alongside the boat side opposite to the docking side.

Thanks.... 🙂

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I just had my Takacat 260 delivered. it packs up into 2 bags that fit in the berth under the table on the cutwater no problem. its amazingly light
In the two bags its super easy to handle and carry. far easier than i was expecting. it has me thinking of not installing it on the weaver davits. Although I say that, the idea of just rocking up and dropping the boat into the water is very appealing.

I will try and take some video this weekend of it in action as so far I have been super impressed in its stability and ease at which it goes through the water as a catamaran hull. with an open transom it also makes a very interesting option for towing as there is now risk of filling it with water under tow

 

[ALICE J]

I sometimes tow my Avon RIB 310 and find short tow line works well. One of the reasons I decided to tow the dinghy was that is did act as a drogue and kept the stern into the waves in a following sea. I found it very helpful coming through Whale Cay passage on the north side which is notorious for breaking seas. It appeared safe to go, several boats going both ways. As I reached the north side heading for Green Turtle, I was startled to see white water all the way across with only a few breaks. I watched and timed the seas, worked the throttle and was glad to be towing the dinghy which kept the stern square to the waves. I watched some close waves break on both sides as I throttled back and let them pass. When I got into a marina I noticed that the dinghy was half full of water. So I can only speculate as to the waves breaking into the dinghy, but it did keep the stern square to the waves. I tow with two separate lines, one to the bridle, and one to the bow eye, then both tied to two separate cleats about equal tension. These lines are floating, but not solid polypro as it is too slippery and will not hold knots well. I got it a West Marine as a "tow line"

 

[mmclaren]

Hey Aqua Viva, or anyone else...

I have just purchased an R23 and would love to hear how you feel about the 14' Kaboat now that you have had it for a while. Is it still working for you? Do you keep it inflated and on the roof all the time? If not where do you stow it?

Any feedback appreciated to help us decide on the 12 or 14 or....

 

[jagizzi]

It will really depend on how many people you will typically have in the kaboat. It turns out to be just my wife and myself almost always so I would prefer the 12. We have a 14 and manage it alright. We leave it inflated up top.

If you were going to have more than 2 people I would say the 14 would be a good choice. I thought that we would have a dog but she won't get into it. At 15yo I'll just let her decide.

If you decide on a 14' let me know and I would sell you ours.

 

[SgtAlf]

I have a 12' Kaboat for my R-23. I first stowed same on the roof rack after moving the solar panel to the port side of the roof rack. Due to my concern over sun heat over inflating and causing it to pop, I moved the kaboat to the center cockpit storage compartment. I use a 12v air pump and inflate in the cockpit, as it starts to firm up I adjust same to straddle the cockpit rails Bow to starboard. launching is just a matter of shoving it off the side. I tie her off to the starboard side, access from the swim step. I mount a 2.7 Cruise n Carry, which moves the kaboat along just fine.
I also picked up a 6'X9' Paddle North utility dock to extend hanging out space. paddlenorth.com $100 off and a free $100 12v pump at the Atlantic City Boat Show. Comes in a backpack.

 

[mmclaren]

Thanks for the replies! The 12' is rated for a 4hp motor. I'm wondering if I can get away with using my 6hp Yamaha on the 12' Kaboat. The 4 hp Yamaha is the same weight as the 6 about 60 lbs.

 

[mmclaren]

Oops, the 12' is rated for only 2.5hp. Guess I answered my own question.

 

[baz]

...snip...
I also picked up a 6'X9' Paddle North utility dock to extend hanging out space. paddlenorth.com $100 off and a free $100 12v pump at the Atlantic City Boat Show. Comes in a backpack.

That Paddle North utility dock looks absolutely awesome.... has many uses and would be fun for the Grandkids as well. :roll: It has amazing stability from what I reviewed as well. Thanks.... 🙂

 

[SgtAlf]

Barry,
They say, and have video's of people walking on the utility dock, setting up chairs and tables, no hole for an umbrella though...
I'm scheduled to receive same in April, I'll be sure to post some pictures when I test it out.

 

[SgtAlf]

Paddle North 6' X 9' Utility Dock in action. Occupied by my wife and our friend. The wife is not wearing a hat... We're at Myers Hole, Barnegat Inlet, Barnegat Bay NJ.