Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if so.

[jff]

I'm looking at a '06 52 with the crane. I know the crane and platform can take 1200 pounds, although they list 800 pounds for a few reasons (past 800 it impacts the rise for example). What I'm curious about is who out there is actually using the crane to load/unload a jet ski and what are your experiences? Did you test different models/weights? Any issues/considerations to be aware of? What equipment/accessories would I need for the ski to connect it to the crane?

Thanks,
Capt. Jason

 

[cod]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

I haven't put my jet skis on the lift but you would just need the PWC Lift Sling that is sold by Overtons. I think you will be fine with the clearance. I just purchased a 12' AB inflatable that is around 850 lbs. The crane lifted it with ease, however the straps from my previous raft were to much at an angle to get the clearance height so I ordered a spreader bar from Davit Master.

 

[Alex F]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

I loved the crane setup the moment I saw it on one of the 500DBs. The part that the whole setup is not under water and has excellent storage is just great. Perhaps the fact that the V-brackets are always on the platform is something that can be managed without a big hassle (you just get used to it), but using just integrated platform saves tons of weight. IMO, it's one of the best setups out there.

 

[jff]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Alex, some good points and time will tell - but right now I fear I will miss my hydraulic lift. We've had folks on the boat who would have a hard time going up and down the swim ladder (heck, it's truly not very easy) and it was really nice to be able to just lower a big group down on the lift. Maybe I need to get some kind of human basket for doing that kind of thing with the crane ...

 

[Alex F]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Jayson, you know very well that the primary focus should be on what functions you need from the boat and we very often compromise performance in exchange for some of the feature, including big toys. If one has crew members that require assistance to got off/on the boat into/from water I'd say it's a functional item and hydraulic lift with extended platform would go on my must have list without a question. For this reason I would be looking at a boat that doesn't compromise performance too much having the lift with extended platform and center console dinghy. IMO, yachts like 52DB should have no problem fulfilling this requirement. Obviously, the running angle will slightly change and you'll loose maybe a knot or two. But, all in all this baby should handle this fairly easy.

Good luck with your search.

 

[bmac]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

I loved the crane setup the moment I saw it on one of the 500DBs. The part that the whole setup is not under water and has excellent storage is just great. Perhaps the fact that the V-brackets are always on the platform is something that can be managed without a big hassle (you just get used to it), but using just integrated platform saves tons of weight. IMO, it's one of the best setups out there.

Alex, the V-brackets (aka chocks) slide out just like they do on boats with the lift. The chocks for my boat have never been installed and are still in the box, so my platform is flush and clean.

 

[Alex F]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Yeah, I know, Brian. Unfortunately, this one goes under the category of theoretically vs. practical. Theoretically, the chocks made to come off, but practically no one takes them off. At least I never heard people do it. I guess, if I was to anchor for the weekend or longer I would take them off, providing they slide out with ease. But, I tell you that even with something small as my ramps on 320 I never took them off and it was very easy.

 

[cod]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Yeah, I know, Brian. Unfortunately, this one goes under the category of theoretically vs. practical. Theoretically, the chocks made to come off, but practically no one takes them off. At least I never heard people do it. I guess, if I was to anchor for the weekend or longer I would take them off, providing they slide out with ease. But, I tell you that even with something small as my ramps on 320 I never took them off and it was very easy.

Alex,
I don't find the chocks to be a hinderence at all. You become accustomed to them. We still have full use of the swim platform, set up our chairs, sit with our feet in the water or whatever, without any issue. Very small trade off for having a dinghy and davit set up.

 

[Alex F]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Alex,
I don't find the chocks to be a hinderence at all. You become accustomed to them. We still have full use of the swim platform, set up our chairs, sit with our feet in the water or whatever, without any issue. Very small trade off for having a dinghy and davit set up.

That was my point exactly. Having all that functionality the obstruction is such a minor thing that one just finds the way to handle it.

 

[tc410]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

I just closed yesterday on a 2005 500DB that has both the davit and the hydraulic lift. The PO bought the boat new and had a hard time dealing with access to the aft locker and the shore power cable with her dinghy on the integrated platform so she had the platform lift installed. She also mentioned that it was impossible to run lines across the stern while docking because short of jumping in and out of the dinghy, there was no platform space for the line handler. I also noticed a 2006 52DB at our marina with the davit and no extended platform. The Zodiac sits right up against the aft locker hatch with no way of opening it and all I can tell is that he has to coil up his shore power cable and toss into the dinghy, as there is absolutely no access to the hawse pipe where it comes out the stern. This may be why Sea Ray finally abandoned the plan in 2007 and went with a lift platform option only.

I think for using it with a jet ski you may have more usable platform space because most of the jet skis seem to have a narrower beam than the RIB's and small center console RIBs.

I'm glad to have both on this boat.

 

[jff]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Jeff,

First of all - beautiful boat, I called on that boat twice and they told me it was under contract. Looked like a super clean, really nice boat. Since you got the one I wanted I'm pursuing a 2006 52DB instead - will have it closed (or start all over) a week from today. As for your post, those are some interesting observations. I can imagine that the dinghy would crowd the platform, that's definitely not ideal. The boat I'm looking at doesn't have the lift but I plan to use a jet ski so I think I'll be fine. I saw several that had the Davit and the lift added, my only concern in doing that was it adds a lot of extra feet behind the boat. My boat will already stick out of my slip by a few feet without a lift on the end! Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and congratulations on buying a beauty!

Sincerely,
Jason

 

[tc410]

Re: Anyone with a 52DB and the crane loading a jet ski on the platform? Questions if

Jason,

Thanks for your comments. We are very happy to have this boat. She was well cared for by an experienced original owner without a dime spared. She added the lift, stern thruster, xenon underwater lights, and on and on. We feel lucky to have her. You're right about the length. She's just over 56' with the platform but that doesn't pose a problem for us. We stay at public marinas that have all sizes of docks to accomodate any length.

Where do you boat in Georgia? I was down a few weeks ago to Lake Lanier to sea trial a 2006 44DA with my brother in law. He bought that and it just got to Michigan a few days ago. Funny, his new 44 has the extended platform lift too. I teased him about having to get everything I get!

Anyway, I hope everything goes well on your transaction and you close next week. You're gonna love the layout and especially the handling of the 52DB.

Feel free to PM if you want to connect with any questions about my experience with this fresh transaction.