[Skyhawk]

I'm a new owner of a 2008 Sovran 4300.  I just took delivery of her and now need to purchase a dingy and davit system.  Anyone have any suggestions?  I would like a hardbottom inflatable that is comfortable for 4 adults.  Nothing that extends too far aft of the swim platform and is relatively easy to load/ unload. A steering console would be nice but not required as I believe the weight and lifting requirments may be excessive.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated
Thank you
Skyhawk

[MC1600]

I just put a DinghyRampXL on our 4000 last year and absolutely love it. Can single handedly load a 10’ RIB, 9.9hp, and fuel tank. They’re built really well and can be set off the back at various distances (depending on where you want it, clearance on the platform, etc). Highly recommend.

[Mberkin]

Hi,

This is one of the most debated aspects of boat ownership! 

My suggestion is as follows:

1. Be clear on your needs. You can put 4 people in a dinghy with a 9.9 HP motor but you can’t plane so it’s only good for ship to shore. If you want to do more then you will need a larger and much heavier dinghy.

2. The weight of a dinghy is deceiving. A 310 hard bottomed RIB with a 9.9 and fuel is ~200 pounds. So choose your davit wisely as effort will play a factor on how often you use it and if you choose to upgrade later, your davit will need to handle it.


3. The dinghy on the back of your boat will affect performance. Getting on plane, the amount of trim tab etc. should be considered. Just because you can put a large dinghy on the back of your boat, doesn’t mean you should!

4. Use of swimgrid when dinghy is mounted. This was a huge factor in my choice as I wanted access at all times.


I have a 4000 express and decided to go with a seawise electric davit system for the following reasons:

1. Simple to use - if the effort is high you won’t bother half the time

2. I needed a system that could handle a heavier dingy. I have an AB with console and a 20 HP motor. This package is ~400 pounds

3. Swim grid accessibility at all times. I needed easy access to transom locker, be able to BBQ etc. 


While I would admit the with the dinghy raised it’s not the most attractive - this was the trade off I was willing to make.

[Skyhawk]

I just put a DinghyRampXL on our 4000 last year and absolutely love it. Can single handedly load a 10’ RIB, 9.9hp, and fuel tank. They’re built really well and can be set off the back at various distances (depending on where you want it, clearance on the platform, etc). Highly recommend.

Hey Thanks a whole lot.  I had looked at this and considering it.  If I were to get an 11 ft. dingy with a steering console on it would it work for me.  Say the total weight was 500 lbs.  Is that too much for the boat or for me to handle.  I really would like a steering console but realize it might be too much to ask for and shouldn't be considering it.   again thanks.
Mike

[MC1600]

With a steering console, I suspect you’d need something with some assist. My whole setup is less than 200lbs. 500lbs would be a lot to drag up.

I think it’s Hurley that offers a side-loading davit and also offers an assist winch. You might have to go that route. Also, to Mberkin's point, more stuff (steering console/length) means you need more motor, which means more fuel, which means overall heavier. This will impact not only the davits but what's best for your swim platform too.

Our RIB with a 9.9 and small fuel tank whips three people and a dog around just fine for our purposes, but if you need more, that affects the overall set-up.

[Skyhawk]

thank you guys for answering me. Looks llike I'm going to really like this forum.
Mike

[egstasea]

With a steering console, I suspect you’d need something with some assist. My whole setup is less than 200lbs. 500lbs would be a lot to drag up.

I think it’s Hurley that offers a side-loading davit and also offers an assist winch. You might have to go that route.  Also, to Mberkin's point, more stuff (steering console/length) means you need more motor, which means more fuel, which means overall heavier.  This will impact not only the davits but what's best for your swim platform too.

Our RIB with a 9.9 and small fuel tank whips three people and a dog around just fine for our purposes, but if you need more, that affects the overall set-up.

MC1600 and MBerkin,  I have a 4000 express as well and am very interested in knowing how you mounted your respective davit systems.  My enclosed swim platform has always been dry, so I am always leery about mounting any thing to it, let alone not knowing how to get to the underside for a backing plate.

[MC1600]

I went back and forth on how to do it. In short, splitting the seam on the platform didn’t seem worth it. Ended up having them do lag bolts into the fore/aft supports. Survived all of last season without an issue (knock on wood).

[egstasea]

I went back and forth on how to do it. In short, splitting the seam on the platform didn’t seem worth it. Ended up having them do lag bolts into the fore/aft supports. Survived all of last season without an issue (knock on wood).

Thanks, Do you have a location diagram of the supports for the 4000 Express?  Any Pics?