How to rig a dinghy for a Catalina 28

[Surfside]

Hello,

Has anyone rigged davits or a suspension system off the transom of a Catalina 28 for a dinghy? If you have a picture that would be awesome. We have the swim deck and ladder.

Thank you,
db

 

[Terry Cox]

Different model boat, but here is how we carry our dink. Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades This is also how we did it on our H28.

 

[john2]

I came up with this: It's a lightweight air deck . Secured with 4 ropes at the railing.

John

 

[LloydB]

If the dingy is hanging on the stern as the pictures show how would you get back on the boat when you fell or jumped off without first preparing for that?

 

[jssailem]

Hello @Surfside. Welcome to the Forum.
It depends on the type of dinghy you carry and the conditions you sail.

I have an inflatable. If it is windy and I am crossing the Juan D'Fuca, I deflate the dinghy and either strap it down or stick it inside the cabin. Carrying it on the stern or tethered behind the boat creates a windage or slowdown of the boat. Minimizing these effects makes my sailing a safer experience.

When motoring or sailing in sheltered waters and pleasant conditions during short periods, pulling the dinghy behind the boat, strapping it on the stern, or flipping it inverted and secured on the foredeck all provide a safe passage experience and ease of launch when we arrive at our anchorage.

If you have a RIB dinghy, solid hull, or kayak, your options are more limited to securing on the stern, foredeck or dragging.

Whichever plan you use, I encourage proper tie-downs, chocks, and pad-eyes with solid backing plates. Waves sweeping across the deck can carry things off the boat, ripping everything into the sea. Stanchions and handholds are not designed to be good tie-downs.

Safe sailing.