Tender Launch

[benjenbav]

Spotted this Riviera 53 in Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia.

Despite enclosed flybridges not always being the easiest of things to look at with a European eye, I think it looks rather good.

But the main reason for posting was the tender launch, which is a separate structure allowing the tender to be stored at the same level as the swim platform but to allow the platform to be used (except for, err, swimming - whilst the tender is there, anyway.)

I hadn't seen a tender launch system like this before and thought it might be of interest to some. It looks a bit utilitarian I suppose and might add a bob or two to the annual docking bill on typical UK marina pricing but, you could also say, it has a certain functional chic as well.

 

[BruceK]

They are called Hide-a-davit

Though I believe over there Hurley davits are more common

 

[Greg2]

Can't come to terms with the enclosed flybridge but I am guessing that it is very practical.
Now the hide a davit system in the other hand looks very interesting........

 

[Spare Thyme]

Freedom lift, lots of hardware under the swim platform

http://www.freedomlift.com/photo-gallery.cfm

 

[burgundyben]

I think it looks rather good.

Should have gone to Specsavers.

 

[rafiki_]

Should have gone to Specsavers.

 

[Baddox]

I'm sure that the boat must have a nice personality.

 

[BruceK]

Ugly as sin but I can see the practicalities, especially after watching a couple on a certain Colvic get drenched travelling to a dinner do and arriving looking like drowned rats. Why is it fkybridge owners abhor piloting from the cockpit / saloon?

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

I'd like to know the prices ... the Hide-a-Davit looks like it might be eye-wateringly expensive but leaves the platform free ... the Hurley looks simple and easy to install but covers the platform when loaded, but is probably expensive as well. I think I'll have to make do with plonking the Zodiac on the platform and tying with a couple of bits of 8mm line! - price minimal. Luckily my platform is 4ft long!

 

[Greg2]

Ugly as sin but I can see the practicalities, especially after watching a couple on a certain Colvic get drenched travelling to a dinner do and arriving looking like drowned rats. Why is it fkybridge owners abhor piloting from the cockpit / saloon?

My theory is that many lower helms on flybridge boats just aren't that good. We have looked at lots over the years and have always been put off by the 'letter box' approach to windscreens taken by many manufacturers, where form over function appears to be the choice made by many. Different story on many trawler types, where decent windscreen mean that helming below is a more realistic proposition. All IMHO of course

 

[benjenbav]

I think it may be that, a metre plus aft of a swept-back screen, the foredeck creates a massive blind spot without the extra elevation of the flybridge. Couple that with the enclosed space and the f/b helm is always going to give the impression of better visibility as well as offering the pleasure of being in the open air.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

My theory is that many lower helms on flybridge boats just aren't that good. We have looked at lots over the years and have always been put off by the 'letter box' approach to windscreens taken by many manufacturers, where form over function appears to be the choice made by many.

You're not wrong there. It amazes me that boat owners wouldn't buy a £10k car without adjustable seats or wheel, without decent wipers, with instruments not visible from the helm seat or crucial controls out of reach and their visibility impaired by badly placed mullions but are quite happy to blow £1m on a boat with all of these drawbacks. Some manufacturers are better than others but all the same, helm ergonomics are light years behind the average car