Dinghy for Sundancer 510?

[Linda Nugent]

What is the largest dinghy I could put on my Sundancer 510? I like the jet dinghy. Most seem too wide for hydraulic swim platform. Can the dinghy extend a foot or two beyond platform?

 

[Linda Nugent]

Thanks. However, I am actually looking for advice at to biggest that would fit my boat.

 

[Strecker25]

Extending beyond isn’t an issue but something to look at when you come down off plane is how much water rushes up and how close to the platform. If it’s a large wave it could put a lot of pressure on the dinghy and platform as it tries to float the dink off the chocks

Searay customer service can tell you how much the platform is rated for if you don’t already have that information.

i would recommend to stay with a length that’s inside the beam of the transom as it can be a real pain if the dingy extends outside the main boat on either side, especially when docking in new marinas or tight slips

 

[Linda Nugent]

Thanks. My beam is nearly 15’. I have been looking at dinghy that is 11 ft length so length not the problem. the dinghy beam is 65 inches….hydraulic swim platform is 45 inches…okay to have 20 or so inches overhang?

 

[Shaps]

I agree on keeping the length within the beam. That's what led me to choose mine.. it's 10'6" and width does hang over but not a ton. We are always stern in and being able to get past the dinghy easily is an important consideration

 

[TNT8808]

Agree with Ryan, and Shaps. Mine hangs off the back probably 15" or so, and it's never been and issue. Regarding length: don't forget the it'll be longer when stowed on the platform with the motor raised.

-Tom

 

[Linda Nugent]

Thanks to all. This is really helpful.

 

[ttmott]

A couple of other things to consider at least from my experiences as of late -

• Getting around it to tie it down and put a cover on; or more importantly, being able to tie it down.
• Keeping the OB engine inside of the hull sides so it doesn't get wacked, if you end up with an OB.
• Do you need to get into the transom with it there?
• Consider the "backwash" coming back on the boat/dinghy when bringing the boat's speed down; Is it going to try to lift the dinghy and tear something up.
• How do you plan to get it on and off of the platform? You probably already have a hydraulic platform...

I'm upgrading to a larger dinghy and just finished installing the davits to support it with easy on and off.

 

[Gallf1]

I bought a Whaly 270....roto molded, foam filled, unsinkable from the Netherlands. It is about 8'-6" and rated for an 8hp. They make larger ones up to patrol boat size. These have been in daily use around my marina and they are absolutely bullet proof.

I went with "Dutch Orange" as an extra safety factor but they have many other color options. The plastic is UV stabilized and does not fade.

 

[Stee6043]

I run a 10'8" dink off the back of my 400. And she's overhanging by a bit more than 20"

 

[Strecker25]

I run a 10'8" dink off the back of my 400. And she's overhanging by a bit more than 20"

do you ever have an issue with the wash coming up as you come off plane? it's my only concern with our upcoming install, I think hurley makes riser blocks to get it higher off the water if I need to

Like we were talking about in the other thread....tie downs are critical so maybe its a non-issue if its secured properly.

 

[Stee6043]

do you ever have an issue with the wash coming up as you come off plane? it's my only concern with our upcoming install, I think hurley makes riser blocks to get it higher off the water if I need to

Like we were talking about in the other thread....tie downs are critical so maybe its a non-issue if its secured properly.

I do have to pay attention a bit when coming off plane. Too fast to slow and the rear tube can start to hit the water. But I've never had a real issue with it.

It may have a bit to do with the boat as well. My 400 doesn't have nearly the increase in angle when planing when I compare to my 340. She's pretty mellow...