roof mounted davit system on R23

[jagizzi]

I am wondering if anyone has used a roof mounted davit system to hoist their dinghy onto the roof on the R23 yet? I thought that I had seen a series of photos and description of someone doing this but, as always, I am now unable to find them again ;-)

I am looking for a way to easily load and unload a dinghy from the roof as the swim step is not an option given the outboard back there.

I am currently leaning towards the Saturn KaBoat similar to what Aqua Viva has setup but getting it up there could prove difficult.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[baz]

Without the use of a mechanical Davit or winch system the main concern about placing a dinghy/kayak on top of the cabin has to be its weight and the actual managing/handling it to place it on top of the cabin (possibly solo as well) and retrieving/lowering it for use on the water.

For me, I've gone for the Sea Eagle 365ft FastTrack inflatable kayak. It's hull weighs in at 35 lbs (max) and is 12.5 feet long. The 12.5 feet will stretch from about the windshield's brow to just over the aft end of the cabin. I intend to use kayak carrier brackets on the cross bars and will place the inflated kayak on port side without it covering up any of the central located solar panel.

The shape, length and the 35 lbs will be (or should be) AOK for me to raise and lower the kayak single handed (will be testing this aspect at the dock shortly). 😱 I have the FastTrack inflated in my living room at this time and I'm managing to move it easily.... although lifting it to be above my head is nigh impossible for me. This aspect has lead me to think getting it on top of the cabin roof will mean raising its bow section from the water, over the port side railing and onto the foredeck with it eventually having the kayak's bow over hanging the bow rail. Once in this position I should be able to then lift and guide the kayak onto the roof and the kayak carrier brackets and then secure it down with straps. For deploying the kayak to the water I would essentially do the opposite. Now, with two people this will be or should be very easy to do.

The FastTrack will be right side up on the cross bars as it has a keel and a skeg protrusion which would mean the crossbars might interfere with it otherwise.

The FastTrack has two drain ports at it stern in the floor so these can be left open to allow water/rain to escape.

 

[jagizzi]

I envision the same process and 35 pounds is very manageable for sure.

Does it give you an impression of quality materials and construction? I kind of thought of the sea eagle as a plastic toyish craft as opposed to a pvc raft type material.

Also, are you planning on placing a motor on it as well, and if so, where, and how, we're you thinking of storing that and the fuel tank?

 

[jagizzi]

So I looked at the sea eagle and it won't take a motor, so that won't work for us. I will also be moving a 55 lb lab around in the boat and would want a more rugged floor.

It does seem like a great, lightweight, paddle solution though.

 

[baz]

So I looked at the sea eagle and it won't take a motor, so that won't work for us. I will also be moving a 55 lb lab around in the boat and would want a more rugged floor.

It does seem like a great, lightweight, paddle solution though.

1) It does take a motor. It a trolling motor with a 35 lb thrust; Watersnake Venom model. Now this motor will possible restrict you depending how far you wish to travel in the FastTrack. For me, the FastTrack has paddles and with the Watersnake motor if I chose to use it will meet my needs for several miles if that what it comes to. I'm not interested in speeding along in the dingy... just getting to shore from anchoring and around a marina if a long way out from shore shops etc. The motor is electric and I have purchased a 12v 50 amp-hour Lithium ion battery which weighs just 10 lbs. Running the motor at half speed will give me at least 10 hrs of run time; more than sufficient for my needs.This 10 lb battery will sit on the floor of the kayak behind the rear seat on port side and snugged up against the pontoon side. I've test this motor setup in my living room and I'm satisfied with its installation and operation for my purposes. The motor weighs 15 lbs and has an extensible tiller arm to make it easy for the rear sit person to steer with the motor. The motor on starboard and the battery on port side is just about balanced from my testing in the living room setup. I have secured two special 3' bungees that have quick release clips to attach to the pontoon's D-rings on each side that will be used to stow/hold the two paddles. I've added 4 extra D-rings (two on each side) to facilitate installing three black high-back seats.

2) My carrying requirements for the FastTrack is 2 adults + a child + small amount of luggage/gear. We have a 16 lb Wire Hair Fox Terrier (Jake) who will also be onboard most times I suspect. The flooring is substantial and I have no worries with having Jake onboard. I've had him in the FastTrack while inflated in my living room and the flooring is more than capable and is well protected from Jake's movements; jumping in and out was no problem. It's also possible to place little booties on the dog's feet/paws, as I've seen people doing that. 😱

3) The material used by Sea Eagle for this 365ft FastTrack is very substantial and as good as I've seen on more expensive inflatables. It's very rugged and sturdy. Read some of the reviews on Sea Eagle's web site for examples of it being used in various situations. This kayak is NOT a toy by any means. I also think for what you get the investment and value are top-notch.

3) The 365ft FastTrack has a load capacity of 635 lbs. If your 55 lb Lab behaves itself IMO I see no reason why this should present a problem for you.

5) For sure... the R-23 and the new 2108 R-27 outboard models present a unique and challenging issue for mounting and storing a dinghy.

6) Examine your dinghy's realistic requirements and go about reviewing possible dinghys that meet them. A certain amount of compromise maybe necessary as I found out.

 

[mylafitz]

I am wondering if anyone has used a roof mounted davit system to hoist their dinghy onto the roof on the R23 yet? I thought that I had seen a series of photos and description of someone doing this but, as always, I am now unable to find them again ;-)

I am looking for a way to easily load and unload a dinghy from the roof as the swim step is not an option given the outboard back there.

I am currently leaning towards the Saturn KaBoat similar to what Aqua Viva has setup but getting it up there could prove difficult.

Thanks,

Jim

I bought the 12' kaboat. It's blown up in my garage and we plan to get it to the marina at some point. I'm also looking for ideas to get it onto the roof which doesn't seem like it will be to difficult. It is a good looking solid boat. Researching an o/b as well.
Jim Fitz