Re: Carrying a dinghy
Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 8:17 am
I'll just remind people that there's a huge difference between sailing the boat in relatively benign conditions and when the spray is hitting the fan. Then the fixtures that you thought were sufficient start bending and twisting all over the place. If you look at the picture of the davits labeled "These were insufficient" in my post above, you can see that they have a bend in them. They're Atkins & Hoyle model 1200 davits which are rated for 200 lbs for the pair & the dinghy which I was carrying weighed 123 lbs.
I then went to their model 2000 davits, which are rated at 350 lbs for the pair and added a brace to help absorb the shock load when you're pounding. You'll also note the cross bracing cables with turn buckles which hold the dinghy firmly in position to keep it from moving side to side.
Don't underestimate the forces that get applied to the dingy in rough conditions. If you can guarantee the conditions that you'll be moving in, then light weight options may work for you. I know that I can't do that.
-- Geoff
I then went to their model 2000 davits, which are rated at 350 lbs for the pair and added a brace to help absorb the shock load when you're pounding. You'll also note the cross bracing cables with turn buckles which hold the dinghy firmly in position to keep it from moving side to side.
Don't underestimate the forces that get applied to the dingy in rough conditions. If you can guarantee the conditions that you'll be moving in, then light weight options may work for you. I know that I can't do that.
-- Geoff