Weighty Question

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Being a "newbie" to motor boats, from sailing, I apologise now if my question is daft.

In a previous posting I asked about dinghy sizes relative to boat size when stored on snap davits. Thanks to the responses, we measured the swim platform and found the beam at this point to be 2.2m (Boat beam is 2.49m). In addition due to our snap davits already being installed, we cannot look at certain dinghies like Wetline, due to where we need to attach the hooks.

All we are left with as an option is a Zodiac / Bombard 2m soft bottom dinghy wieghing 22 KG or a Zodiac 2.2m Rib weighing 31kg. We have trim tabs, therefore would the extra weight "hanging onto" the stern be too much?

Our boat is a Sealine S24 diesel, and we prefer the rib due to its size, stability for our toddler, and that is rated to 3 people/ 4hp but are concerned about the extra weight.
 
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BarryD

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Hi Emma - Are you sure you want to keep the dinghy inflated and covering the swim platform? This is our first season afloat (on south Coast) and I keep hearing different stories about how much we will actually use a dinghy. Against a trade off of getting onto the boat (access is easiest over the swim platform) and being able to see where you're going when heading backwards.

From my limited experience trim tabs will help - but being able to store the outboard forward would also be beneifical.

Cheers.

Barry D
 
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Hi, Emma, I dont think either dinghy is a problem as far as the boat's concerned; after all 31kg is only about the weight of a small child. If the boat does exhibit any trim problem (and I dont think it will) , you can use the trim tabs or the drive trim to adjust it
Barry D has a point re visibility so maybe the soft bottom dinghy is the one to go for as you have the option to fold it away if you want but my guess would be you'd leave it permanently on the davits. The other point is the outboard engine; you'd get away with a 2hp with the lighter dinghy but maybe you'd need a 3 or 4hp with the heavier one
 
neale

neale

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Emma

I have a 25 foot boat with a V8 petrol and used it last year with a 2.4 mtr dinghy (24kg) and 9.9hp outboard (31kg) both on the swim platform. There was a noticible difference in performance but easily overcome with tabs.

Neale
 
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Had the same problem you described with the Wetline and ground off one of the handles to fit. Works fine but I think I will still get a slightly smaller dinghy in the near future.
The weight will affect performance as it is hinged right at the back of the boat even if it only 31kg but then you have fat uncle Fred and Auntie Freda who insist on sitting at the back of the boat which changes the whole handling of the boat even with tabs.
My advice would be to get a dinghy that fits is as light as possible but with the biggest tube diameter you can find.

Oh yes and add Soltron for that little bit of extra performance you need to get swiftly on the plane.

Dom
 
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ArthurWood

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You might also want to consider motor weight; anything bigger than 4hp might be a bit heavy to manage when mounting it on and dismounting it from the dinghy in anything more than calm conditions. Make sure it's attached to the boat by a line during these manoeuvres in case you drop it in the drink.
 
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Scubadoo

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I think your asking for trouble....

Hi Emma,

I too have a S24 Diesel and would think twice about it. What diesel engine, if a KAD32 than maybe okay. However I have the AD31 20hp less and the S24s simply don't like weight on the stern. I have a Bombard AX2 with a 3.3hp Mariner and keep this weight forward. I keep the tender deflated and inside the 2nd cabin (under the Helm), also keep the outboard behind the Helm sit. This is a much better to get the boat on the plane.

Now then, essentially with just three of you and everything at the Stern you will manage the plane and maybe need to use trims. But you have one more person aboard (another 70-100kg) and you will find the trims working harder. I can give you my experience on this, I carry three people and dive gear and I really have to work the boat hard to plane in rougher conditions. But keeping the weight forward always is better.

Beside the tender covers the platform and simply in your way when you fancy a swim etc, not too mention you are advertising you have a nice new Tender and outboard to be stolen.

Hope that helps.

RM.
 
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Re: I think your asking for trouble....

Richard,

Thanks, it does help and has made us think yet again. We want to keep it on the swim platform only because inflating it onboard with a toddler is not our idea of fun. We also want it always ready for safety and to ease getting ashore for the essential beach / town excusions. (By the way the boat is 1996 so has an AD31)

Can I be rude and ask you one more question? Do you have a gps antenna on our S24? We have just fitted a chart plotter we picked up in an auction, and could only attach the antenna to the light pod on top of the metal arch using a VHF plastic bracket. Result - Antenna is at 15 degree angle! Just wondered if you had tips.
 
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Scubadoo

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Re: I think your asking for trouble....

Hi Emma,

Firstly you can ask as many questions as you like, always happy to help where I can.

Back to the Tender first, okay I understand your points and you already have davits. However if you have not purchased the outboard yet I suggest the 3.3hp Mariner. I looked at the 4hp outboards and they do weigh alot more, also keep the outboard on it's nose behind the helm sit. Generally find it out of the way. Lastly I use a high speed inflator which inflates my tender in 2minutes and deflates in 2mins(cost £10), also I inflate it on the bow and drop it over the side, much easier than the cockpit. Anyway enough on that.

I don't use a chart plotter (just stacks of paper colour charts) - often thought about it. I use two hand held Garmin GPSs one fixed on a bracket to the dashboard and the other as a backup. They both have internal aerials and never seem to lose a signal. I don't really have any tips on the mounting of yours, however as TCM has said, I think you'll be fine the way it is.

Do you have a depth sounder, I would recommend the Garmin 240 - excellent for shallow depth work and of course diving.

My S24 is a 1999 model with the same engine as yours, good reliable engine, but do keep check with rust and do check you oil sump with a mirror. I've just had my engine removed to have the sump replaced, not trying scare you, just treat any rust with Volvo paint and WD40/Duck Oil.

Where do you keep your S24, mine is Solent base.

Remember if you need further help please feel free to email or use this forum.

Have a good season.

RM.
 
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Re: I think your asking for trouble....

Richard

Thanks for the tips, having re-engined our previous boat (volvo 2020 / Sailing Yacht) I do not want to repeate the exercise. It is always helpful to know what to watch out for, and even better when based from other peoples experience.

We are also based in the solent. Hope you also have a good season, and plenty of diving.

Thanks Emma
 
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