RIB/Tender Retrieval/Storage System

[petergbolton]

I have recently purchased a 444 Aft Cockpit and am researching suitable dinghy/tender retrieval and storage systems. I am somewhat familiar with all the systems out there but was wondering if anyone here would recommend any particular system they may have on their 444. Pros and cons etc.

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum and Carver....sorry don't have a 444 but this info might help others.........what size/kind of Rib are you thinking of mounting, have you got a larger platform ?.......

[Hugo]

I have one as well and curious as well. For a while I wanted to put my waverunner on there and I think it's doable but I wasn't too excited about another 800 plus pounds back there and the effects it may have on the ride.

When I talked to Carver they said keep it under 600 pounds. You'll probably also have to remove the storage box on there if yours has one.

I know the boat well if you have any questions.

Good luck with it!

[petergbolton]

It is the standard Swim Platform, 13' wide and 3' deep. Was looking at a 10' to 10 1/2' Rib. Read somewhere that there is an aftermarket swim platform which is deeper than 3'. Anyone familiar with that? Putting a dinghy on the existing platform leaves hardly any room to get by it with some of the systems out there.

Interestingly, I called Carver regarding weight. They said to keep it under 800 lbs!! hoping to keep the weight of the rib, engine and retrieval system to under 500 lbs. I don't have the storage box, so that's not an issue. We are planning the Loop next year so unlikely to go above 7-8 kts.

[bud37]

Again I don't have a 444,but our swim platform is a bit shorter( about 25" ) than what you have and we have the Dinghy Caddy.....works great, keeps the dink level and out a bit so you can get by to get in the cockpit door that is in the middle on our boat......check em out, seen lots on cruising boats.......

[km1125]

You should easily be able to keep it under 500 lbs!! A 10-11 ft RIB should be ~150 lbs or less (those new aluminum ones are ~120) and a 20 HP motor would be about 125-135lbs. If you get electric start, add another ~10-15 for a battery and you'll be around 300 total.

A friend of mine has a 356. He originally had a Weaver Davit system, but didn't like taking the 6HP motor off all the time. He upgraded to a 9.8 and larger dingy and taking the motor off was no longer an option. He took off the swim platform box to give him some extra room (which you don't have to do) and had a shop make something like the Hurley pull-on davit system so he didn't have to remove the motor like you do if you use something like the Weaver davits.

It would usually take two people to get the dingy mounted, because you have to essentially lift about 200lbs to get it situated. I rigged a simple pulley system with some parts I had laying around for him to test and then he could do it easily himself. We configured a similar system for him and he's been using it ever since. He's even done it out on the lake in some rather rough conditions and he's pretty comfortable with it.

[AndiamoSeattle]

My 4137 CMY (2006) came with a Olsson / Rosekelley Davit. They are located in Seattle and supplied Carver for many years. I Have 10'11" Highfield ( aluminum RIB) with a 15hp. 2 stroke Mercury. This davit works great and hangs at @ 40' off the transom. Check them out online. Great people to work with, talk to Josh. 206-767-0505 .
JJ.

[petergbolton]

Thanks. Looked at the Olsson system, which, I liked, but I think the Dinghy Caddy looks a little more solid.
...........hope you mean 40 degrees!!

[Seaquestered]

I had the Olosen system on my 4387 Bayliner and it worked great, dink in or out of the water in 1 minute, dinghy was a RIB with aluminum floor and 9.9 hp 2 stroke mercury.When I went to a center console RIB I had the local distributor motorize it.

[nautohm]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to a 1996 455. There appears to be part of a davit mount integrated with the swim platform support. The broker said it is "stock" on the 455, but I can't trust anything the broker said. I put some pictures in my Mechanical Stuff photo album to show you what it looks like:

gallery/album/87

I'm thinking cradles mounted to a stainless or aluminum mount that either slides inside or outside the existing mount with a pin to hold it in place. The dinghy would be entirely behind the platform (I do not want to sacrifice my platform space or add trip hazards). I'm looking at 300 lbs for a 10-12' RIB or all composite with a 15hp that I can leave on. The motor should be around 100-110 lbs and the dinghy around 120-180 lbs, and another 30 lbs for gas can and life jacket seat bag.

Something like this with a modified mount...
http://www.dinghydavits.com/images/assemblyextended.jpg

Happy and safe boating!
Naut Ohm
(Scott)