I've been through the numerous threads on mounting a dinghy (and they've been a great help,) but they almost all seem to cover 30'+ boats. With it's relatively large swim platform, I'm thinking I can squeeze one onto a 2018 260DA.
We currently have a West Marine PRU-3, which has served us well for the last 4 or so seasons and I'd love to keep it another season or two. I've considered laying it right on the swim platform and tying it off to the aft cleats, but am concerned about the safety of my wife while docking as it would be a major obstruction. I wish I could just offload my wife and the dinghy prior to docking, but, unfortunately, that's not an option.
I've discounted the weaver davits as I think the vertical mounting of the dinghy would obstruct the view while backing into the slip. Additionally, it would also require me finding a spot to store my Suzuki 2.5 HP outboard with the 260DA's already limited storage.
This has me thinking an Achilles HB-240AL on a Nautley DinghyRamp HD might be the best option. Has anyone here done this or something similar on this size boat? Will it look absurd? I want to make sure I make the right decision before drilling any holes in this pristine vessel.
As for the dinghy's intended use, it will be used several times just about every weekend to shuttle myself, my wife, and two young kids (7 & 5) ~100 yards to shore while anchored or moored as well as just putting around. We'll occasionally do 40+ mile stretches in the 260DA so towing it isn't ideal for me. I'd also like to get my kids proficient at handling the dinghy, but the lack of tracking on the PRU-3, due to it's flat bottom, has proven a bit challenging in past seasons. Of course, if they can master the PRU-3, they'll be able to handle anything!
Any additional insight anyone has into the 2018 260DA will be welcomed as I've seen very little posted about this model aside from Sea Ray's marketing materials.
Thanks!
We currently have a West Marine PRU-3, which has served us well for the last 4 or so seasons and I'd love to keep it another season or two. I've considered laying it right on the swim platform and tying it off to the aft cleats, but am concerned about the safety of my wife while docking as it would be a major obstruction. I wish I could just offload my wife and the dinghy prior to docking, but, unfortunately, that's not an option.
I've discounted the weaver davits as I think the vertical mounting of the dinghy would obstruct the view while backing into the slip. Additionally, it would also require me finding a spot to store my Suzuki 2.5 HP outboard with the 260DA's already limited storage.
This has me thinking an Achilles HB-240AL on a Nautley DinghyRamp HD might be the best option. Has anyone here done this or something similar on this size boat? Will it look absurd? I want to make sure I make the right decision before drilling any holes in this pristine vessel.
As for the dinghy's intended use, it will be used several times just about every weekend to shuttle myself, my wife, and two young kids (7 & 5) ~100 yards to shore while anchored or moored as well as just putting around. We'll occasionally do 40+ mile stretches in the 260DA so towing it isn't ideal for me. I'd also like to get my kids proficient at handling the dinghy, but the lack of tracking on the PRU-3, due to it's flat bottom, has proven a bit challenging in past seasons. Of course, if they can master the PRU-3, they'll be able to handle anything!
Any additional insight anyone has into the 2018 260DA will be welcomed as I've seen very little posted about this model aside from Sea Ray's marketing materials.
Thanks!