Rich Walton wrote:I got the Sevytex (SVX 250). for $180 off ebay after Frank pointed out on one of his posts
I love it.
I've had my SVX 250 for a couple of years now.
inflated, it fit's nicely on the bow while motoring or sailing for ease of use.
very lightweight.
handles my Suzi 2.5hp too!
Hmmm ... I sought mine on eBay after reading a Sevytex post by Bobby T!
We've used a 10 foot porta-bote as dinghy for our 26X for several years now, and are very pleased with it. It trails well with a bridle. On major crossings the folded hull stows on the forward deck. We place the seats and oars on the king berth. We usually assemble it at a marina slip after completing the crossing, however, sometimes it has been necessary to both launch and remove it while at anchor. My procedure for pulling it out of the water is as follows:
I've installed eyebolts on each side of the front and rear seats. I also have a pair of eyelets on the front of the mast, which I use to vertically store my whisker pole when not in use. I connect the mast raising gin pole to the upper eyelet, which is about 6 feet up on the mast. I extend the mast raising block and tackle so that the line can reach the porta-bote whien floating alongside. The end of the pulley line is connected to 4 short lines, each with a snap shackle on the end. I climb into the dinghy and snap lines to each eyebolt. I then remove the transom, foredeck, and center seat, to reduce weight. Back on deck it is a simple matter to raise the porta-bote with the block and tackle, with the gin pole acting as a temporary boom. I can lift the dinghy up to deck level and then swing it crosswise on the foredeck. The rest is easy. To launch, just reverse the process.
This has worked well for our 10 foot porta-bote. We like the 10 foot size because of its extra load/people capacity. It also rows and motors better. The 8 foot size would be lighter and easier to stow.
Chinook, great simple, inexpensive solution. Have you used this technique for lifting anything else on board? Was wondering what weight cap. might be.
Dano
Chinook wrote:. . . I connect the mast raising gin pole to the upper eyelet, which is about 6 feet up on the mast. I extend the mast raising block and tackle so that the line can reach the porta-bote whien floating alongside.
. . . Back on deck it is a simple matter to raise the porta-bote with the block and tackle, with the gin pole acting as a temporary boom. I can lift the dinghy up to deck level and then swing it crosswise on the foredeck.
Nice rigging, Chinook! I guess you use one of the halyards to suspend gin pole's outboard end?
And, how do you attach the forked end of gin pole at the mast?
Well, I have had my 9'8" Titan/Maxxon (air floor w/infltable keel) for a few seasons now and this is my experience. As Frank pointed out one season of rowing will convince you to get a kicker but the catch is how big? If it is too big it will remain on the dinghy and you will tow, there are not many options for OB carry attachements on an M. I use my dinghy for a toy also so I have a 60# 5hp honda on it and I tow. My airfloor has a very slow leak, goes soft over a week and the transom valve leaks water in so I bail regularly. Had I known these things I may have sprung for a rib but extra weight of rib is another issue. Dinghy choice requires extensive consideration of all deciding factors so don't take it lightly. Still the inflatable airfloor is a good choice but not without problems and the OB selection will dictate your use.
I don't use anything fancy to attach the gin pole to the mast. A short length of line fished through the eyelet and tied short to the forked end of the gin pole, with a good knot and the bolt in place, does the trick. A handy caribiner or locking link also works. Correct about using the jib halyard to support the pole at right angles to the mast. I figure I'm lifting about 80 pounds with the rig, and I'm confident it could lift more. The weak point is probably the two self tapping screws that fasten the eyelet to the mast. It could probably serve as a mechanical advantage hoist in a man overboard situation, although, with the swim ladder and opening stern, the Mac is easier to board than most boats. In the case of a disabled or unconscious victim, it would probably take about 5 minutes to deploy.
We too have the Baltic 9.5 footer w/airfloor (Thanks AYA16) and Honda 2hp kicker. My kicker straps nicely to the one of the BWY stern seats for transit. Easy load and unload from the dinghy when she's tied in tight at the stern.
We used to tow, but no more. Now we load the inflated dinghy on the bow and carry it that way. Easy load and unload.
Our two person method to load is simplicity in itself. We use the stock Jib halyard turned at the aft end of the jib track with the stock jib block to the winch. Use a 3/8" rope sling long enough to reach from one side of the the dinghy side ropes up to the jib shackle while the boat and dinghy are afloat.
Remove one of the lifelines at the bow, take four turns around the winch, and crank her up. The dinghy only weighs 73 lbs, so you can easily become the "boom" to guide it through the lifeline opening, guide one "cone" past the mast, guide the dinghy bow into the pulpit then lower her into place.
Ours fits perfectly snug in the pulpit, with the stern "cones" on each side of the mast. A few lashings, reinstall the lifeline if desired.
Reverse the process to launch. I suppose the sea state could become a problem with this proceedure. If that were so, then tow it!
The various strains and stresses on the mast, jib track, etc., should fall well within normal stresses seen while sailing. The deadweight is under 75 lbs.
Of course, forward visibilty is restricted, so be extra vigilant.
Good Luck.
solution. Have you used this technique for lifting anything else on board? Was wondering what weight cap. might be.
