dink outboard storage

[Lobrim]

have a 280da and am looking into dink options. Going with the Achilles 290 with the inflatable floor (light and easy to inflate/deflate) Wondering if anyone has stored like a 4hp outboard in the bilge area of the engine compartment. I dont have a generator there so I think I can fit it. (will measure later this week) Think I can rig a bracket to hold it in a good spot. Thoughts, opinions? Thanks for input.

 

[Lobrim]

my last phone call indicated this is not a good idea due to gas fumes in the engine area. Any other thoughts on a place to mount a bracket on a 280da that can hold the engine safely?

 

[FSUDave]

When we had our 03 280 I would store a 4hp merc under the rear seat. If I remember correctly I had a fold down seat. I would put a heavy towel down, put the engine on it and carefully slide it under the seat. Worked well and kept it out of the way.

 

[mmcguire2002]

Have you thought about a davit system like the Nautley Dinghy Ramp? It allows you to pull the dinghy right up on the platform and leave the motor on at all times. I have it installed and it has worked out great. Several other people on this board have this set up or a variation of it.

 

[Lobrim]

i would love to but the swim platform on the 280 is just too small. I would have to go with the smallest possible inflatable; I've looked at them and they are very very small.

Have you thought about a davit system like the Nautley Dinghy Ramp? It allows you to pull the dinghy right up on the platform and leave the motor on at all times. I have it installed and it has worked out great. Several other people on this board have this set up or a variation of it.

 

[promocop]

Why would putting a outboard motor in the engine compartment cause anymore gas fumes then the gas fumes already present from the engine?

 

[Pseudomind]

Why would putting a outboard motor in the engine compartment cause anymore gas fumes then the gas fumes already present from the engine?

I am guessing here, but there should not be any gas fumes in your engine compartment, (You may be smelling a combination of engines smells, but gas would be one I would not want to have) unless you have a leak, whereas with an outboard, especially if it uses a vented cap arrangement. gas sloshing in the outboards tank is going to leak out from the outboard and be spilling out into the bilge area.

I would guess that even if the outboard does not have an internal tank, some gas from the lines is still going to leak out. raw gas in the bilge would not be something I would want at anytime.

 

[mmcguire2002]

i would love to but the swim platform on the 280 is just too small. I would have to go with the smallest possible inflatable; I've looked at them and they are very very small.

Are you sure? What is the width of your platform? The Nautley system allows half of the dink to extend beyond the width of your platform...

 

[Lobrim]

Yeah the beam on this boat is only 9 feet so when you get back to the swim platform it is only 7. If it hangs over it will be rough to back into my slip. I only have about 6 inches on each side extra width.

Are you sure? What is the width of your platform? The Nautley system allows half of the dink to extend beyond the width of your platform...