[plupumbl0ck1978]

Got a swim platform? If so, traditional stern davits may not work, as many boats with molded-in platforms don’t have a place to mount them, and if they do, the hoisted tender will be hanging like the Sword of Damocles over the platform. Using the platform means launching the dinghy; in which case, removable davits make sense. Just dismount and stow them out of the way when the dink’s in the water so nobody whacks their head. Some manufacturers build conventional davits that mount directly on the swim platform, but if you choose this route make sure the tender is carried far enough above the waterline that it won’t be washed by following seas at low speed, or the boat’s own wake when dropping off plane. 

[Kalidratorma]

Hoist it, tow it, flip it, or stow it. Dealing with your tender can be a pain in the transom, but you can improve things. Here’s how.

[pjeromehaydeny]

This fold-up solution from Weaver Snap Davit Systems can be fitted with stand-off arms to reduce abrasion associated with tie-downs.

[FreddyFender]

But when it’s not needed, what do you do with your tender? Hang it on davits, tow it, flip it onto the swim platform, carry it on deck or, if it’s an inflatable, deflate and stow it? This is an eternal question pondered by seafarers the world over.  more

[ggs]

For most folks, davits are the answer for taming the tender, but choosing the best system takes research; there are a lot of different models on the market, sized to fit almost any boat and any tender. Some are permanently mounted, others are removable, some swivel while others are supported partly by the stern rails, some are manual, some electric or hydraulic, and so forth. Select davits that will easily carry the weight of your tender, since it’s probably heavier than you think it is, and you’ll doubtlessly hoist it with a gas tank, PFDs, cooler, and other gear on board. Don’t skimp on lifting capacity. I’d buy one size more than I need—heck, one day I might buy a heavier dinghy, or a bigger outboard. If you’re buying a new tender, pick it and the davits together to build the setup that works best for your boat, your needs, and, of course, your checkbook. [links]

[tmr0]

Griffin’s Cilla V has oversized padeyes on either side of her wide transom; once the tender is hoisted on the davits, it’s tied bow and stern to the padeyes so it can’t move. “Always remove the plug if rain is in the forecast, or if you’re making a rough passage and there’s the chance of taking water over the stern,” Griffin says. “A tender full of seawater will potentially put the safety of the boat and crew in jeopardy.” Moreover, the added weight and stress of water sloshing about in the tender can also rip the davits out, or at least compromise them. [links]

[Albert Novel]

I'm finally to the point where I need to spend some more money to get this to where it's maneuverable, cost effective, manageable and safe. So far, I've identified 3 options:
1. The Boat Hitch (www.theboathitch.com) � I�m pretty confident this thing would work well, however I got a quote for $850 + S&H. At that price, this thing is practically cost prohibitive. Additionally, I will have to modify the mounting area of the HB to accommodate the mounting bracket. That�ll add more cost to this equation.
2. The Towdster (www.towdster.com) � A relatively simple looking idea here and cost is around $400. I need to install 2 cleats on the swim platform, which should be easy enough. I think I�d need 2 of these poles to form a �V� going from the stern of the HB to the bow eye of the Regal. Similar to The Boat Hitch setup, I�d attach long ropes going from the corners of the HB to the stern cleats on the Regal. I�m hopeful this would prevent side-to-side movement, making the HB maneuverable. I have a call and an e-mail into this company to confirm this.
3. The Dock Shock (www.dockcalm.com/products.htm) � Similar to the Towdster, but more useful. This is actually meant to be used for mooring the boat, instead of using mooring whips. I�d use these in the same fashion as the Towdsters as I described above, except I could also use these to tie the Regal to the side of our houseboat while anchored as well. This would hold the Regal off the side of the HB when the inevitable skier or gawker flies by to take a look at the big houseboat. I called the guy that invented these and he says it should be able to function as a towing device as well, but after looking at it more closely, I have my doubts for towing. I think the ends will break under the strain while towing. At minimum, I think I�ll buy one of these to solve my anchoring issue. I�m very tired of dropping my activities to run down and push the runabout off the side of the HB when some jerk wakes us.

[The Script]

I've been limping by on this issue for a while now and trying different methods to move our runabout along with our houseboat so no one is left out of the fun houseboat cruise while leaving the dock. Each different method has its advantages and its drawbacks as well. For example, tying it to the back of the houseboat with a long tow line clipped into the bow eye is great for towing and not damaging the boat, until you need to stop the boats or maneuver around the dock or anchor point - you can't. I've had my brother-n-law or dock mate hop into the runabout at the beginning of the no wake zone and dock it individually, but this only works if they're around. My wife refuses to try to dock the Regal by herself. :roll:

[pharaon]

So far this season, I have gotten by pretty well with tying the Regal to my port side and hauling it out along the side of the HB, but this has its drawbacks as well. 1 = I've seen a friend's attempt to do this end with him swamping his runabout and nearly sinking it when the bow line came undone and the runabout swung around and got pulled backwards from the stern line. 2 = To tie the Regal to the side, I must 1st back the HB 1/2 way out of the slip. Next, I need to retrieve the Regal and take it to the HB to tie it up. All this is done in reverse order when returning to the dock. Quite a PITA! 3 = Last time we were out, a 40' Sea Ray blew by me on the side of the HB that the Regal was tied to, which made the poor boat bounce against the HB like a ping pong ball. Thankfully, I have huge fenders there and we had no damage. After that last experience, I told the wife we're not doing that anymore.

[concetxo01]

Are there any other products you guys have used or seen that I could consider for towing?

[barbarousrelic]

[LaidBack]

[links]

[casey24lyn]

If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware.

[kmac]

Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store.

[nikileshsa]

Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property.

[mustvisit]

If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices.

[geebus]

Pascoe’s 10m catamaran tender

[noles]

“One of the main draws is the space on board for a given length, with one level to walk around and enjoy,” explains Faulkner. “The comfort is far superior to a monohull of a matching LOA, at any speed but particularly at higher speeds above around 25 knots. Our current 12.8m catamaran project, which is now at the sea-trial stage, is particularly comfortable between 30 and 40 knots compared to a monohull of similar length, not only when traveling in a straight line, but also during turns where it simply doesn’t heel over as a monohull would. It’s no coincidence that the America’s Cup committee and press boats are now wholly or predominantly catamarans.”

[forsaken1111]

Vikal’s fully-enclosed limousine catamaran. here