JoAna
Member
I assume when you say "...equipped with a 800lb lift and cradle..." you refer to SeaLift brand lift with a cradle.
I have a SeaLift with a cradle (rated for 900LBs for our boat, with max rated specs of 1200LBs for the lift in general) and carry AB 11DLX Nautilus with 40hp, fully loaded pushing 850LBs. Even though the mothership does "feel" the extra weight, it's still does a good job carrying it.
Your biggest challenge is making sure that the dinghy is TIGHTLY SECURED, otherwise if caught in rough seas, you might be in a unpleasant situation compromising the lift and losing the dink. I always use 6 straps (each rated for 750lbs) and have installed custom made SS "safety locks". At some point, my system was "tested" on a 200NM run having 6'ers, short interval chop, right on the nose.
Maybe I wasnt clear but we have an 800lb Brower Davit on the bow with a custom stainless steel cradle that holds the tender about a foot about the bow.