[Cape31]

Hi all. I have a 2000 3100 Open and am considering buying the "DinghyRamp" slide on lift. I have a 9' inflatable. I am curious if there is anyone who has installed it and can provide a review.

[Maxwell]

I installed the Dinghy Ramp XL initially on our 39 Sovran, then again on our 42 Open when we bought it. On the Sovran, it worked fine and was high enough out of the water that I didn't worry about it. On our open, being a fishing boat, the platform (and transom door) are lower to the water to make it easier to boat a fish. We regularly run in less than ideal conditions and being lower to the water, I found myself constantly worried about the dinghy and even lost it once when a pin came loose on the arm. After 2 seasons of running with the dinghy on the platform, we removed, had a freedom lift installed and haven't worried about it since.

If you do move forward with the dinghy ramp, I would suggest making a block and tackle system to pull the dinghy up. Retrieving it with just a line and human strength is not nearly as easy as they make it look in their promotional videos.

Max

[Cape31]

Thanks, Max. I appreciate the reply

[Maxwell]

Here is a link to an old thread on here with pics that I had posted awhile ago...

[Only registered and activated users can see links Click here to register]

[jclark003]

had the XL installed on a 43 Open. Worked well once I installed a block and tackle as Maxwell did. Used the transom grab bar as the base and I was able to easily get a 11 foot RIB with motor onto davits, bad back and all. But also similar to Maxwell when I was at full fuel and coming up out of the hole the dinghy would want to lift off the davits. Same backing off aggressively. Once I got the three point ratchet straps however I had no issues.

Now I rely on hydraulics instead of all that manual stuff and all is good.

[Cape31]

Great feedback, thank you

[ajcjr]

Sorry to hijack this thread, i am looking to install one on a 3800 open with a swim platform. I really do not want to spend the 25k for the hydraulic platform and was wondering if anyone has used the H30 Winch system? Thanks