Swim platform & dinghy mounts

[HappyPlace]

Good morning,

My wife and I are purchasing a 2014 R31 and are considering the various davit options for a dinghy. It appears that most of the R31 owners utilize the weaver snap davits with their inflatables that hold the dinghy in a vertical position, thus having the need to remove the outboard when underway. We would love to avoid this if at all possible and have our dinghy sit horizontal with the platform, keeping the outboard attached. I have located a few options online, but have some questions about the structural integrity of the actual platform and any performance issues that might hinder this setup.

One of the ramps we are considering is the "Dinghy Ramp XL roll on ".
(http://www.dinghyramp.com/dinghyramp-xl ... boat-lift/)

My questions are:
1. Is the platform able to hold the weight of the ramp, dinghy and outboard over the end? (about 200 lbs.)
2. Do you think there would be any issues with the trailing wave? The manufacturer advised me there would be no issue, but I am getting a second opinion.
3. Is the platform a solid or have a core? The R31 we are purchasing has the transom platform rails that would obviously need to be removed and I would need to know how to plug the rails mounting holes.
4. If we are unable to use this setup and have to revert to the weaver system, are the transom rails capable of holding the outboard motor, approximately 60 lbs?
5. Approximately how far is the waterline from the deck of the swim platform? (I was guessing about a foot)

Any input you have to offer would be greatly appreciated!!!

Regards,

Al Sr.
Happy Place

 

[Scuffy]

I would look at what Jim Favors has done on their boat Kismet. That would seem to be exactly what you are looking for. I'm sure he will chime in later

 

[HappyPlace]

Good morning Dave,

I have seen the Hurley system online. We were looking at their H2O system as it is removable and stows easily. (https://hurleymarine.com/shop/dinghy-davit-boat/h2o/) We will have the propane box on the platform, so we would need the extended version of the H2O system. The only reason I posted the Dinghy Ramp system, is that it appeared to be a little heavier duty with the extension needed. Most of these systems will add an additional four feet to the LOA with our setup.

I am wondering what the length, width and weight of his tender is? Do they need to be covered to keep rain out or just open the drain plug? (weight considerations) I have read many of Jim's posts on his blog!

I appreciate your input!!!

AL Sr.
Happy Place

 

[Red Raven]

I can only help on item 4 regarding the swim platform rail strength. We have our 6hp Yamaha mounted on the swim platform rail on our R27. We added an additional removable rail from the platform rail to the boat transom on the port side for added strength. there are photos of our arrangement in our gallery. With this setup we have had no problems. Without the added rail it would not be strong enough in rough seas.

 

[Spinner]

The R31 swim step is about 6 inches from the water, depending, of course, on how weight is distributed. During running at speed, it is at the waterline at times...

 

[Namaste]

For any horizontal system consider waves hitting the stern while at dock . It does not happen often but in my marina wind and wave from the right direction cause a lot of banging. Also consider the effects of rain. For me these two considerations make me glad of the vertical Weaver davits .

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Al:

This is Jim on Kismet here. We have the light weight Hurley davit pivot systems because our dinghy is only 7'8", has a soft bottom inflatable keel with wood slats and a 4 stroke 5 HP outboard. I'd suggest calling the owner Todd Hurley and have him diagnosis your needs. Todd's a straight shooter, he'll tell you if what he has will or will not work.

Jim F