Dinghy Sling System?

[JohnEGraham]

Hi, I am a new boater with a "98" 250 Sundancer. The boat came with a 7 ft Zodiac with a 4hp Motor which blows up and I leave on the bow. I take it off the top and bring it around and attach the motor.( Pain in the BacK ) I am looking for a low cost system to use since I don't use it that often. Has anone use a Sling Davit System
I found this one on-line for only $245 here is the the website info
http://www.allinflatables.com/shopping/davits/hb/sling1.html
Thanks John G.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Try these guys http://www.plasticinnovations.com/ their system is $100 and works great for lightweight dinghys. The weavers are better but much more expensive.

 

[JohnEGraham]

Hi, Thanks for the link. Does the raft have to be pulled all the way up, blocking view? or can it be left at a 45 degree angle and still be secured. I have a small swim platform do you know the minimum width? Thanks again. John G.

 

[Pseudomind]

Hi, Thanks for the link. Does the raft have to be pulled all the way up, blocking view? or can it be left at a 45 degree angle and still be secured. I have a small swim platform do you know the minimum width? Thanks again. John G.

Just guessing here, but I would image you would want it all the way up when cruising. seems to me at a 45 degree angle it would make for a nice sail, :huh:slowing your forward progress and drasticlly increasing your fuel consumption.:huh:

 

[Ididntdoit]

Hi, Thanks for the link. Does the raft have to be pulled all the way up, blocking view? or can it be left at a 45 degree angle and still be secured. I have a small swim platform do you know the minimum width? Thanks again. John G.

It can be kept strait up or tipped back for ease of entry etc. - I always keep it tipped in (all the way aganst the transom) when underway and this provides just as much visability as with it tipped back as it is just 6 inches or so above the transom - obviously this depends on the beam of the raft and the depth of the platform

 

[JohnEGraham]

Just got my answer from the company and they say I need 24 inches to mount the unit on the swim platform I have 18 inches. They say It can be mounted thru the transom wall but that makes me nervous, there not much room in the engine area to get to the bolts if I drill. Still looking. John G

 

[Robski97]

Hurley davits has this new dingy set up. ITs like a seasaw kinda... Check out there website. Buddy has it on his 410 EC.... HE loves it. ( takes the motor and all )


Rob

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

check out the two engine lift davits I bought and installed from garhauer marine. They cost me about $650 shipped. They are meant for engine lift but in pairs can be a really good alternative for dinghys like mine. You can remove the posts and they attach to the horzontal hand rail on your stern. All that will be left will be the small 2" ball that the post rotates on if you remove the davit. http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=41

Here are a couple of pics of mine. But I installed mine into the transom. I could have added to the swim step too:

 

[JohnEGraham]

Thanks all for the help. My 2nd task: I would like to keep the small 4hp motor upright while cruising and attach it to the inner gunnal wall of the boat. The motor clamps don't open that wide. Does anyone make some kind of device to clamp onto the boat walls and then be able to accept the motor? I guess I could build something using large clams and some wood but would like to see other options. Thanks John G.

 

[JohnEGraham]

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