Hi Mike, I've just purchased a Catalina 36 MKII, and am making preperations for a cruise down the ICW from New York to Florida this fall/winter. In the past when cruising (Long Island Sound & Naraganset Bay), I simply towed my 10' inflatable dingy behind. I'm thinking this isn't a good idea offshore along New Jersy, and in the ICW canals. I've looked at the Dingy Tow (rigid arm) but that is pricy for what you get. I'm concerned about the added weight on the transom with a davit. What are your thoughts/recommendations? Thanks.
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Mike Thomas
Trail or tow?
I read a few questions here and I will try to answer as best I can. Please write back if my comments bring up some more questions - they usually do! The pros and cons of trailing vs davits is a subject that arises quite often. Certainly excess weight on the stern of a yacht will ultimately hamper performance. However, the drag created when towing cannot be ignored either. Assuming that your dinghy is of a reasonable weight, I submit that there is less drag created when you are carrying your dinghy, than when it is towed. It is pretty hard to ignore the convenience feature of being able to keep your motor on the dinghy and fuel tank in so that it is ready to go on a moment's notice. Also, anyone who has ever had the dinghy's tow line wrapped around the propeller or lost the dinghy when the tow line parted has usually had enough of towing! The dinghy tow system has an advantage in its simplicity, but still leaves the dinghy in the water. More often than not the motor needs to come off as well. Davits present a complete solution to the storage issue when in your cruising area, but that choice does not come without its challenges as well. Most particularly, the need to have the dinghy lashed down to prevent any motion at all cannot be over emphasized. When there is trouble with a dinghy on davits it is usually because the dinghy was loose. Also, if you choose a rail mounted system for its beauty and simplicity, it is wise to remember that you may need to reinforce your rail. In reference to your comments about cruising the ICW, I have the following to say: In your cruising grounds by all means carry the dinghy, motor and tank on davits. If you are going to be in heavier weather, perhaps the motor should come off. Finally, when venturing offshore, we suggest not carrying the dinghy anywhere but on the foredeck. In reference to a davit installation on your C36 MkII, it is a relatively straighforward installation. A heavier dinghy would most likely present the need to reinforce your rail.
I read a few questions here and I will try to answer as best I can. Please write back if my comments bring up some more questions - they usually do! The pros and cons of trailing vs davits is a subject that arises quite often. Certainly excess weight on the stern of a yacht will ultimately hamper performance. However, the drag created when towing cannot be ignored either. Assuming that your dinghy is of a reasonable weight, I submit that there is less drag created when you are carrying your dinghy, than when it is towed. It is pretty hard to ignore the convenience feature of being able to keep your motor on the dinghy and fuel tank in so that it is ready to go on a moment's notice. Also, anyone who has ever had the dinghy's tow line wrapped around the propeller or lost the dinghy when the tow line parted has usually had enough of towing! The dinghy tow system has an advantage in its simplicity, but still leaves the dinghy in the water. More often than not the motor needs to come off as well. Davits present a complete solution to the storage issue when in your cruising area, but that choice does not come without its challenges as well. Most particularly, the need to have the dinghy lashed down to prevent any motion at all cannot be over emphasized. When there is trouble with a dinghy on davits it is usually because the dinghy was loose. Also, if you choose a rail mounted system for its beauty and simplicity, it is wise to remember that you may need to reinforce your rail. In reference to your comments about cruising the ICW, I have the following to say: In your cruising grounds by all means carry the dinghy, motor and tank on davits. If you are going to be in heavier weather, perhaps the motor should come off. Finally, when venturing offshore, we suggest not carrying the dinghy anywhere but on the foredeck. In reference to a davit installation on your C36 MkII, it is a relatively straighforward installation. A heavier dinghy would most likely present the need to reinforce your rail.
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Don Hall
Trail or tow 2.
Thanks, Mike. Your answer confirms my thinking. With all the other expenses of outfitting a new boat, I was hoping I could avoid the cost of a davit....
Thanks, Mike. Your answer confirms my thinking. With all the other expenses of outfitting a new boat, I was hoping I could avoid the cost of a davit....
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Jim Ewing
Trail or Tow 3
Don, When we got our Hunter 37.5 it had rail mounted davits and everything that Mike had warned about in his post happened. The davits were undersized for the dinghy (an 11'2" Avon), the stern rails were not properly reinforced and to use the davits the motor had to be on the dinghy and not on the rail mount. Plus kiss your swim platform goodbye when the dinghy is on the davits, i.e. no fishing. So we pulled off the davits and filled the holes. What we did was to make a custon lifting harness for the dink and store it on the foredeck when underway. Takes about 2 minutes to rig it and lift it. Our dinghy is too big but some friend with a 9' inflatable do the same thing and are able to keep their motor on it. One thing we would not do without though is a motor lift. We have a 15hp outboard for the dinghy and just the thought of lifting that on and off the dinghy makes my back hurt. So I would definitely recommend one of them even if you just have a 5hp, (saves dropping it in the drink if you lose your grip). Have a good cruise. Jim "Prospect"
Don, When we got our Hunter 37.5 it had rail mounted davits and everything that Mike had warned about in his post happened. The davits were undersized for the dinghy (an 11'2" Avon), the stern rails were not properly reinforced and to use the davits the motor had to be on the dinghy and not on the rail mount. Plus kiss your swim platform goodbye when the dinghy is on the davits, i.e. no fishing. So we pulled off the davits and filled the holes. What we did was to make a custon lifting harness for the dink and store it on the foredeck when underway. Takes about 2 minutes to rig it and lift it. Our dinghy is too big but some friend with a 9' inflatable do the same thing and are able to keep their motor on it. One thing we would not do without though is a motor lift. We have a 15hp outboard for the dinghy and just the thought of lifting that on and off the dinghy makes my back hurt. So I would definitely recommend one of them even if you just have a 5hp, (saves dropping it in the drink if you lose your grip). Have a good cruise. Jim "Prospect"
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steven f
kayaks
I have an 81 H33 and have towed a dink for years without incident (yet). My wife and I recently bought two kayaks for the charlotte harbor area (our backyard) and we have been toying with the idea of towing/lashing them to the deck. Haven't actually done either yet but we are planning a long trip this May. The Kayaks make the best dink's, fast, light, easy to handle and we each have our own. I'm thinking I'll lash them to the deck when we go offshort to the keys but for day-sailing I'll probably tow them. Just I'd throw another idea into the pool to help muddy the issue some more.
I have an 81 H33 and have towed a dink for years without incident (yet). My wife and I recently bought two kayaks for the charlotte harbor area (our backyard) and we have been toying with the idea of towing/lashing them to the deck. Haven't actually done either yet but we are planning a long trip this May. The Kayaks make the best dink's, fast, light, easy to handle and we each have our own. I'm thinking I'll lash them to the deck when we go offshort to the keys but for day-sailing I'll probably tow them. Just I'd throw another idea into the pool to help muddy the issue some more.
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Ed Pajon
Catalina 36 davits
I used to sometimes tow my dingy when crossing the Santa Barbara channel (to the Channel Islands) but found that was not the best option when the winds and seas kicked up. The dingy takes a lot of space on the 36 when mounted up front so this past summer I had davits installed on the stern and have made several crossings with the dingy on the davits. I had to reposition the stern light. The system works very well even in 25 knots of wind, it leaves the front of the boat clear and improves forward visibility and does not interfere much with visibility to the rear. At the docks I simply fold them in so I do not have to pay the marina for the extra length. I am happy with the sytem. ERPajon@aol.com
I used to sometimes tow my dingy when crossing the Santa Barbara channel (to the Channel Islands) but found that was not the best option when the winds and seas kicked up. The dingy takes a lot of space on the 36 when mounted up front so this past summer I had davits installed on the stern and have made several crossings with the dingy on the davits. I had to reposition the stern light. The system works very well even in 25 knots of wind, it leaves the front of the boat clear and improves forward visibility and does not interfere much with visibility to the rear. At the docks I simply fold them in so I do not have to pay the marina for the extra length. I am happy with the sytem. ERPajon@aol.com
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