02-28-2021, 04:40 PM
Hi All,
One member on the forum recommended against 'dingy ramp' based on his experience with his boat...ultimately ended up with a hydraulic swim platform. I would like to open a discussion for those who have looked into this and/or purchased or not
Boat is 4300 Open Tiara with 550 HP Detroits with 30" swim platform rated for 900-1000 in 1998(when new)
tender is 2011 Caribe 11' total weight with motor and fuel is 445#
QUESTION
I have researched and researched and it seems there is no perfect solution. I have many friends down here in Fort Lauderdale and it sounds like the hydraulic system may be more trouble than it is worth. On the other hand the benefits of the 'dingy ramp' system seem to be pretty close to that of the hydraulic system. I am going to attempt a pros and cons list. PLEASE CHIME IN
PROS of dingy ramp
cost only $2500 for my application(this is for three of the chocks) vs $25,000+++ on a hydraulic system
simple design
easy to swap out
easy install and easy to fabricate rigidity
simple to install backing plate to currently installed swim platform(for added strength in the transom)
no electrical or hydraulic lines to install or maintain
keep and use current swim platform
remove chocks when on the hook or not in use(store in bilge)
weight: only 12# each vs hydraulic system is 500-700#
Cons or dingy ramp
sounds like they are made to be fairly disposable and might not last more than 3 years
according to manufacturer designed to snap under too much down pressure. -engineered this way to save a swim platform from cracking under the pressure instead
would have to install a block and tackle system for the dingy (im not strong enough to pull up on the stern of tender)
Both the hydraulic and dingy ramp seem to have the potential to drag if taking off fast or coming off plane quickly
I have some concern that perhaps the transom would need to be beefed up A LOT to handle a continuous 450# banging and hanging for hours at a time
The way I am looking at it is I could replace this dingy ramp 10x before having a hydraulic lift installed(not including the maintenance of the hydraulic system over the years)
comparing to freedom lift or tnt or GHS or nautical structure or florida bow thrusters
One member on the forum recommended against 'dingy ramp' based on his experience with his boat...ultimately ended up with a hydraulic swim platform. I would like to open a discussion for those who have looked into this and/or purchased or not
Boat is 4300 Open Tiara with 550 HP Detroits with 30" swim platform rated for 900-1000 in 1998(when new)
tender is 2011 Caribe 11' total weight with motor and fuel is 445#
QUESTION
I have researched and researched and it seems there is no perfect solution. I have many friends down here in Fort Lauderdale and it sounds like the hydraulic system may be more trouble than it is worth. On the other hand the benefits of the 'dingy ramp' system seem to be pretty close to that of the hydraulic system. I am going to attempt a pros and cons list. PLEASE CHIME IN
PROS of dingy ramp
cost only $2500 for my application(this is for three of the chocks) vs $25,000+++ on a hydraulic system
simple design
easy to swap out
easy install and easy to fabricate rigidity
simple to install backing plate to currently installed swim platform(for added strength in the transom)
no electrical or hydraulic lines to install or maintain
keep and use current swim platform
remove chocks when on the hook or not in use(store in bilge)
weight: only 12# each vs hydraulic system is 500-700#
Cons or dingy ramp
sounds like they are made to be fairly disposable and might not last more than 3 years
according to manufacturer designed to snap under too much down pressure. -engineered this way to save a swim platform from cracking under the pressure instead
would have to install a block and tackle system for the dingy (im not strong enough to pull up on the stern of tender)
Both the hydraulic and dingy ramp seem to have the potential to drag if taking off fast or coming off plane quickly
I have some concern that perhaps the transom would need to be beefed up A LOT to handle a continuous 450# banging and hanging for hours at a time
The way I am looking at it is I could replace this dingy ramp 10x before having a hydraulic lift installed(not including the maintenance of the hydraulic system over the years)
comparing to freedom lift or tnt or GHS or nautical structure or florida bow thrusters
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