How to Transport my Dingy?

[Lord Farringdon]

Hi Scott,

This may not help but it's another way of doing it. If you look carefully you will see a drop down rail at swim platform level on which the dinghy pivots when I lift it or lower with a rope. I simply lift the dinghy over the top of rod holders on the bait board and it sits there quite firmly before its then tied down.

As for an engine? If I was going to explore upper reaches of rivers or close along signifcant stretches of shoreline then there is no question I would need a motor. But, for just exploring small anchorages and bays and for ship to shore (just the two of us) I so far have not felt the expense, low use or stowage issues have really warranted it. In addition, I have never felt comfortable just leaving the dinghy on the beach let alone with a brand new motor on it. In my case it would also mean carrying that dreadful stuff they call gasoline! And finally, I don't know how many times I have rowed past yachties and power boaters alike desperately pulling on their starter cords and working up more sweat than I would rowing for a couple of miles let alone just to the beach!!


Terry

 

[KC_Sundancer]

More ideas - our tender is now towed like a trailer and has been for 3 years now - shown at the end of this copy from another post of ours:

We have a 10 foot Quicksilver inflatable with a 15 H.P. Mercury we take along and use quite often.
Our boat is equipped with a custom swim platform but I'm sure these ideas may be used with any platform and a little thought.

I initially had a simple pair of "c" shaped devices made up of CPVC pipe and 1/2" stainless bolts for the pivot point.
That worked great for rolling the boat up on its side on the swim platform.

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Loading the inflatable could easily be done by one person running the lines from the "c" devises under and over the inflatable and pulling up from inside the boat.
It was then held securely by the same lines.
The two down sides were needing to remove the motor and not being able to cross tie the boat without removing the tender when mooring .

Trying to simplify things I thought why not tow it like a trailer. The location of the brackets happened to be spaced perfectly for the width of the inflatable and it's forward "D" rings.
Using a few snap clips I gave it a try.

This worked great. Even in rough seas it tows smoothly.
Just the back edges of the sponsons ride in the water when on plane.
Docking was excellent, the inflatable stays right with the boat so backing in is a breeze.
The inflatable is also not in the way for cross tying the boat when in port.

Cross ties off the transom of the inflatable help when going on and off plane as that is the only time it moves around a bit - nothing rough though.
A rubber corner guard was also put on the edge of the swimplatform to protect the inflatable and the platform edge.

A few notes:

• Use a safety line off the forward "D" ring "just in case".
• Be sure to have "D" rings in good condition.
• Lock the outboard in full tilt position.

 

[Mikemapva]

I tie it off to my cleats with some short pieces of rope (pre-attached to dinghy). The dinghy & motor is good for my needs. Not very heavy. The 3.5 merc will get you about 5-7 mph lightly loaded.....enough for some leisurely cove exploration or occasional run to shore etc.

Hi, I know this is a long shot since this was 2 boats ( and 8 years) ago, but thought I would ask. Do you have any More specific details on how you attached this dinghy?