Dinghy Storage

[nigellongland]

Does anyone have opinions on storing dingys during simple basic cruising /not offshore -such as Davit systems, weaver systems ect I have a swim platform, a hard bottem 10 ft inflatable dingy with an 8 hp old Johnson engine- do you take you engine off or use a system where you can rotate it vertical ? thanks nigel longland

[svBeBe]

To accurately and completely answer your question more information is needed.

Most davits that cost less than $4k and installed on monohulls are not safe to use for a dingy and motor while sailing because you never know when the sailing conditions will change and because it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely secure the dinghy from swinging. A dingy swinging from davits will damage itself, and/or something else.

Assuming you have monohull davits that cost less than $4k:
*** "Not offshore" - tow the dinghy and motor.
*** Offshore - place the motor on its rail mount and the dinghy on the deck.
*** At anchor - lift the dingy with motor for security reasons (most places).

Hope this helps you

Bill

[rusky]

When on passage, we lift the dinghy on the deck.[as in the photo]

If we are in a quiet area, we will use the davits. I always raise the dinghy out of the water every night .