[Snook]

I recently purchased a F44 with a Freedom lift.  I am looking at a couple of options for a dinghy for this unit.  I have spoke with both Tiara reps. and Freedom lift reps. with little results.  I am partial to the Avon 340 SeaSport which is a 11'2" vessel that has a combined weight of approx. 650lbs.  The other is an AB ALX 11 which is 11'6" and 450lbs.  Seems no one can tell me which dinghy this boat will handle effectively.  The fact that the Freedom lift is positioned aft of the swim platform is a concern for me.  I realize that going with a 10 tiller vessel is the safe bet but I like the comfort of a wheel dinghy. I suppose the newness of this model is the biggest problem in finding anyone with an educated answer to this.

Any thoughts on my best solution? Any input would be appreciated.

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p.s. I have the IPS600 drives on this vessel.

[Snook]

In all fairness to the people at Tiara, I realize that once I stray from the factory options, it opens up all kinds of possibilities which they can't possibly be expected to be experts on.  I apologize for my lack of understanding and complaining when I had no legitimate complaint.

Again my apologies.

[holiday3900]

Did you buy the one at Walstrom? It looks terrific and the F44 is our next boat...let me know when you're ready to sell We have a 2007 3900 Sovran, and we installed a Freedom Lift. We love it. Smaller boat than your but it performs well with the lift/dingy installed. We researched heavily at the FTL boat show with RIB manufacturers and Freedom Lift owners both in attendance before buying our RIB. We bought a Capelli [Only registered and activated users can see links Click here to register] but we did a smaller motor (25 hp) than spec'd (40) to keep weight down (listed at 450, but they are always little heavier). Our final choice was between Walker, AB, and the Capelli, but we liked the style of Capelli with our boat. The boat handles well with it loaded...in fact, i'm more used to the handling with than without. the 3900 is a beamy boat at 13'11" but you're a foot wider at 14'11" so I think you'll be just fine. The Freedom Lift guys are terrific...Greg Vogel is really helpful if you need anything (they are based in GR) and they enjoy working with Tiara's because they are so well built. PM me if you need anything. We are in Saugatuck.

In all fairness to the people at Tiara, I realize that once I stray from the factory options, it opens up all kinds of possibilities which they can't possibly be expected to be experts on.  I apologize for my lack of understanding and complaining when I had no legitimate complaint.

Again my apologies.

[Snook]

Thanks for the input and the compliments on the boat.  Yes, I pulled the trigger on that boat.  BigBen, from Silver Seas Yachts and this site, has been extremely helpful.  We shared several emails and he even called me to discuss my concerns further.  I finally decided on an AB ALX with the new Yamaha F25 outboard.  I think this outfit will come in at around 425lbs.  I was tentative about going much heavier.  Perhaps we will cross paths over this season.  I'll keep a look out as we visit Saugy several times each summer.  Love the place!!

Thanks again.

[holiday3900]

congrats...you'll really enjoy. Ben was so helpful to me, too. he's a knowledgable broker and member of the forum. Happy cruising!
t

Thanks for the input and the compliments on the boat.  Yes, I pulled the trigger on that boat.  BigBen, from Silver Seas Yachts and this site, has been extremely helpful.  We shared several emails and he even called me to discuss my concerns further.  I finally decided on an AB ALX with the new Yamaha F25 outboard.  I think this outfit will come in at around 425lbs.  I was tentative about going much heavier.  Perhaps we will cross paths over this season.  I'll keep a look out as we visit Saugy several times each summer.  Love the place!!

Thanks again.

[apietran]

I just bought a F44 and am going through the same process with the tender.  I have older teenage boys who want to ski behind the tender.  Ideally, I’d like to get a BRIG 380 (12’6” x 6’4”) with a 50hp (675 lbs total).  Also considering a 340 (11’2” x 5’ 10”) with a 40hp (610 lbs total).   I have the hydraulic platform which  supports 1000lbs.  Very concerned about the weight / overhang and the performance impact on the boat.   Tiara does not seem too concerned.  Any thoughts?  How has your experience been with the 340?

[Maxwell]

I did try a friend's Zodiac Yachtline 340 (800+ lbs) on our freedom lift last year and did not like it at all... The big boat (42 Open) felt a little tender in a 3' beam sea and in a head sea you could actually see the transom flex a little. Over the winter, I had them re-engineer the way the lift is tied into the stringers etc. I purchased a Walker Bay Generation 11 LTE last week and took our first trip with it this weekend. The dingy is just under 600 lbs. Although it wasn't very rough crossing Lake MI, I had my wife run over some larger wakes etc, while I was down in the aft bilge and everything seemed rigid. The weight didn't really affect the big boat at all, my speed and fuel burn were the same as without etc. Only difference was I had to run with a little more tab than usual but it didn't feel tender in a beam sea etc as it did with the Zodiac. Keep in mind your boat is about the same weight, has less HP and a higher center of gravity being a bridge boat. I would suggest getting the lightest dingy you can that will fit your needs.

This is the dinghy I purchased:
[Only registered and activated users can see links Click here to register]

Max