Ways to mount/store outboard for dinghy

M

mleopold

Member
Joined
May 7, 2015
Messages
6
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Sea Ray Sundancer
Vessel Name
Seaquel
After all, we bought an R27 Tug instead of the R31 based on a number of factors, including being able to fit into our 42' long boat garage (the R31' w/trailer won't quite fit, coming in at a total length of 43'. Also, because we live in Anacortes and will park the boat at our home, trailering will be a frequent routine (short but frequent trailerings) so the ease of towing the R27 is a big plus.

Ranger Tugs will be delivering our 2013 R27 next week (wish we could've timed it better to make Poet's Cove!), so we are excited to outfit her to our needs. We will have the standard RIB260 dinghy, and adding the 6hp Yamaha outboard. Most boaters do not like having to remove a 60 lb. motor from a rail mount and lift the motor over to the transom of the dinghy. I've seen two styles of "swivel" mounts that allow you to keep the outboard on the dinghy: Weaver Leaver, and Adventure Marine. Concern for the latter unit as I've read that by extending the outboard an extra 6" aft, this drastically affects RIB handling at speed.

Broader concern: by keeping the motor on the dinghy, is this extra 60 lb. weight (plus weight of the dinghy) in the most extreme aft position going to adversely affect handling and ride of the R27 while underway?

I've seen the snazzy set-up that Circle-T (R29) has using a lifting davit to place the dinghy all the way up on the sport rack (on a cradle). This has the benefit of keeping the view astern clear, fishing underway, etc., but also moves the weight off the stern and forward for improved weight distribution. Of course, the R29 has more beam, and I've not seen an R27 utilize this configuration with the narrower 8'6" beam. We also have the solar panel, so also concerned if that's too much to fit up there on the R27. The RIB260 has an exterior width of around 5', so although covering most oft he solar panel while underway, there may still be room for at least one additional water toy (kayak, Stand-Up Board, etc.)

Any experience or comments about outboard stowage, use of swivel mounts, etc., as well as possibility to stow dinghy/outboard on top via use of lifting davit would be most appreciated.

Thanks, we are looking forward to seeing other Ranger Tug & Cutwater owners out on the water in the years ahead!

Mark & Peggy Leopold (R27)
 
Have you looked at the Hurley Davit system? The dingy lays flat on the swim platform. Hence, you leave the motor mounted on the dingy. If you want to use the swim ladder, the dingy can flip up a bit. Kismet has one and I have seen it in action. It seems pretty good. This may solve your weight distribution question as well as your engine storage concerns. It also does not obstruct your rear view because the dingy is lying flat.
 
Kismet here and yes the Hurley Davit System works fine for us, just as Mike described. The only note of caution is that one needs to stow the dinghy and outboard when they trailer there boat for any long haul trailering. You should check it out and please let me know if you have any questions.

Jim
 
Thank you both for your suggestion. I will explore the Hurley system more. Jim, what size outboard is on your dinghy? And if I'm only trailering only 5 miles do you think I'm OK leaving the dinghy on the Hurley? Have you ever had issues with trailing seas with the Hurley? Any concern for adding the weight of both dinghy and outboard to the extreme stern? Did you ever run Kismet without that set-up to be able to compare the R27 handling characteristics before/after? Thanks again, great to get some insight from shared experience! Mark
 
We have an inflatable 7"8" dinghy with hardwood floor and a 4 stroke 5HP outboard. We have run in following seas and larger seas then we would have liked and all was well....only a little water inside of the dinghy. We do leave the dinghy on the davits system when we are trailering a short distance. The important item to attend to here is to make sure the dinghy is strapped down securely. I bought 2 2" endless ratchet straps from Ratch Straps USA. When or if you get to this point let me know and I'll walk you thru how I set up our straps. As far as extending the davit system out you should call Hurley and talk with Todd, he's very helpful.

Jim F
 
If you haven't bought the outboard yet, another alternative would be the Torqueedo electric. So light you can easily pick it up, and so clean you can store it in the cave.
 
Considered the Torqueedo, but reviewers are really polarized among those who swear by them and those that swear at them. Not sure I want to risk the headaches of being an early adopter to this promising technology. Beyond reliability, very limited range also a concern for our desire for extensive exploring, beyond merely putting to shore. Thanks, keep the suggestions coming! Mark (aka "Seaquel")
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top