Lift systems for a Dinghy

Hard to Take

New Member
Oct 30, 2012
19
Port Dover, Ontario
Boat Info
2006 380 Sundancer
Engines
8.1
Just purchased a 2006 380 Sundancer. I have not had it in the water yet so this is going to be a very long winter while it is put away in storage.

I am considering my options for a davit system for a small hard bottom dingy. (8'6", 60"beam, total weight with motor 165 Lbs) I have looked at a number of options from hydrallic lifts such as Freedom, Sealift, etc and slide on and off systems such as Hurley and Nautley. Although the convenience of the hydrallics is undeniable the cost of them is an Eye opener to say the least !

I am considering either the Hurley or Nautley sytems due to the price or the Seaweed Tender. An additional concern I have is that the transom door on my boat is in the centre which by pulling a dinghy on the platform will make it hard to use.

Does any one know what the height of the swim platform is off of the water on a 380 ?
Does any one know what the width of the swim platform is on a 380 ?
Has any one had experience with any of these pull on or roller system Lifts ? Or alternatively advice on a hydralic ?

Thanks so much
 
Take a look at a SeaWise Davit System. It's made in British Columbia and hangs the dinghy off the back and uses either a hydraulic lift or crank lift (mine's a crank type) to lift the dinghy into a vertical position while keeping the motor upright.. There's quite a bit of flexibility in the height of the davits that attach to the swim platform (they adjust up or down) and because the dinghy is hanging off the back of the swim platform it shouldn't interfere with access to your transom door.
 
Welcome aboard and congrats on your purchase!

Let me give you few tips since you're new user of the site. As you can imagine the topic has been discussed many times and using search feature will get you tons of reading material. While CSR search doesn't do a good job (to say the least) I suggest using google with the following syntax in the search box:

site:clubsearay.com "your key word(s) goes here between the quotes"

I've used both applications in the past. For my 320DA I've built davits to carry my 8.6' baltic with 4HP motor. The setup was great and it the best approach when doing this on the budget. I don't recall 100% but I think 320's swim platform is rated for about 350-400LBs. To get exact number for your boat (which should be still very close to what 320 is rated for) I suggest contact Sea Ray.

In regards on using the davits and platform access, you're right with the dink on the platform you'll have restricted access. If I recall your 380 has an integrated platform and there's no step like my 320 with bolted-on platform had. That step made a great deal of difference b/c I could easily get behind the dinghy from one end of the boat to the other. Here's the picture.

securing_dinghy.jpg

Other boats that don't have such step usually lack of this option as the dink is usually blocking the path. As you can imagine the difference is that (in case if the dinghy is blocking your path) you'll have to pretty much launch your dinghy anytime you've reached your destination, b/c even when you're marina hopping and arrive to one with short finger pier you'll have difficulty to get off the boat. The same goes for the times you're anchored or moored. In the setup on my 320 I didn't have this issue and launched the dink only when I wanted. All other times I had no problems getting off/on the boat. So, my point is that whatever system you choose keep in mind that having the path is very important.

Now with my 420DB the SeaLift makes a world of difference. The beauty of this lift is that it's the lightest thing out there (this is very important for your size of boat) that can carry some serious dinghy and/or PWC. Besides the ease of use you platform stays clear of any obstruction. Obviously, it's has it's crazy price tag, so you decide if the expense can be justified. IMO, if you're not looking on getting larger dink other than those under 200LBs I think manual davits do a good job.

Good luck,
Alex.
 
Welcome aboard fellow Ontario boater! I highly recommend the Tend'r Rollers system. Had it only last boat (Regal 4460) and loved it. Easy to use and looks good. A bit pricey, but I think was well worth it. It's also made pretty close to you, down in Stoney Creek I think. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Cheers,
Paul
 
Welcome,

Take a look at my recent post in the "pictures" section. Under the tag of "Our 08 40DA...." If you want to keep your dinghy off the platform these arms work well. One pick show our fishing version of the boat and the other is the non-fishing version of the boat with the dinghy hanging.
 
Welcome aboard fellow Ontario boater! I highly recommend the Tend'r Rollers system. Had it only last boat (Regal 4460) and loved it. Easy to use and looks good. A bit pricey, but I think was well worth it. It's also made pretty close to you, down in Stoney Creek I think. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Cheers,
Paul

I'll second Paul's recommendation. I had the Tend'r Rollers on the previous boat. Great system and well-made. I had one of the first prototypes so I did not have the quick detach mechanisms. Rudy and Ryan will treat you well. The only disadvantage is that it can only be deployed from one side.

James
 
I made myself a "Tender Roller" system. Saved a few "BOAT" dollars. Works very well but as said before, sometimes it's a pain as the dock might on wrong side.
I installed it for my Seadoo and very happy with system.
A hydraulic would be ideal but out of my price range.
Always thinking of making one but not enough time
 
Welcome aboard! We have the Nautely Dinghy Ramp Davit system which we find very good. [h=1][/h]
 
Thanks for the info I am trying to open the pictures section and perhaps it is because I am new to this site but I am unable to find it. Can you help me out
 
Another option is the Olsson Mfg. davit system. http://boatdavit.com/Products.aspx#TrascomDavits

I have the ST-275 on my 360DA. I haul up a RIB with 15hp Yamaha (2-stroke). I've lived with it for a few years now and would say that it has ups and downs, like anything. On the up side....I don't have to remove my outboard to haul the dingy, and and it's a one person job to haul and launch. Also, it easily removes. On the down side...it requires a fair amount of tying down in order to secure the dingy for travel, and the weight is carried a bit further rearward compared to removing the outboard and getting it directly on the swim platform. But overall I've been satisfied. Consider it an option.
 
Davit Picture.jpg

We use a St Croix Davit system - works great and you dont lose the platform. The owner Bill Blackmore was a pleasure to deal with. Our 10 Foot AB and 15 HP 2 stroke weigh about 200 lbs. System is rated for 350 lbs.
 
Thanks Everyone for your suggestions between what I received here and the other threads that I found that dealt with this same issue here. I have enough now to search out the right option for me.
 
Good luck with your research. Keep us posted as I'm sure others will be interested as well.
 
Missed Stress.jpg
Do you guys know what kind of lift/crane system this is..? This davit post came installed on my 2001 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer. Any clues?? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Just purchased a 2006 380 Sundancer. I have not had it in the water yet so this is going to be a very long winter while it is put away in storage.

I am considering my options for a davit system for a small hard bottom dingy. (8'6", 60"beam, total weight with motor 165 Lbs) I have looked at a number of options from hydrallic lifts such as Freedom, Sealift, etc and slide on and off systems such as Hurley and Nautley. Although the convenience of the hydrallics is undeniable the cost of them is an Eye opener to say the least !

I am considering either the Hurley or Nautley sytems due to the price or the Seaweed Tender. An additional concern I have is that the transom door on my boat is in the centre which by pulling a dinghy on the platform will make it hard to use.

Does any one know what the height of the swim platform is off of the water on a 380 ?
Does any one know what the width of the swim platform is on a 380 ?
Has any one had experience with any of these pull on or roller system Lifts ? Or alternatively advice on a hydralic ?

Thanks so much
The 34 is 16” off the water. Hurley said too high and another vendor said the same. I’m at a loss.
 

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