[C320-list] Mainsheet Article /// Dinghy Storage Option

[Rod Boer]

Rich,

Would you happen to have any photos of this solution.

Rod Boer
Odyssey, #688

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick Sulewski
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2017 12:54 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Mainsheet Article /// Dinghy Storage Option

Just my two cents about inflatable dinghy storage and what works for us up here on Lake Erie. When I first arranged to carry an inflatable on the foredeck of our former cruising sailboat (Seaward 25), I measured the length of the dinghy storage I could accommodate between the mast and the bow anchor tackle, etc. As it turned out, that dinghy length requirement was about the same for the C320 we later purchased. The trick is to have a dinghy length not greater than what will allow one to open the anchor locker and also have a dinghy width that fits between the rigging near the mast. As it turned out a 9 foot range dinghy was the largest inflatable that could be tucked upside down (bottom side up) on the foredeck secured to the mast.  To launch and retrieve the dinghy we decided to install removable hooks on the lifelines attached to the bow pulpit on the starboard side. That arrangement allows me to slide the dinghy into the water and easily retrieve it without having to host the dinghy over the lifelines. I installed two eyebolts in the transom of the dinghy and attached two 15 foot dock lines so all I need to do is to lower the forward starboard lifelines and then maneuver the dinghy at a 90 degree angle to the bow and pull up on the transom of the dinghy with the two dock lines attached to the transom. That approach brings the transom into my hands and then I just pull/slide the dinghy up onto the foredeck. I then use the opposite technique to launch the dinghy from the foredeck. To further secure the dinghy when retrieving the dinghy, I will often tie off the dinghy bow line to both sides of the lowered liflelines entryway (the lower section of the bow pulpit to the left of the dinghy bow and the stanchion to the right of the dinghy) to keep the dinghy bow from sliding to either side when lifting the dinghy transom toward the deck. I also elected to restrict my engine choices to lighter weight motors that I can easily lift with one arm from the dinghy with the other hand reaching for the stern pulpit when safely  securing the motor on the stern pulpit. Been using this approach for over 25 years. My 2015 Achilles LEX-96  Hypalon inflatable with a wooden floor is much lighter by over 25 pounds compared to the early 90's Hypalon Boat US dinghy I retired after 22 seasons. Why did we not go with Davits or other stern storage? Made my decision to foredeck storage as a result of discussions with other sailors who used davits and other stern located equipment for the reasons that included:  length of the dockage required, the dinghy blocks a  cockpit breeze while at the dock, the weight distribution aft, the davit tackle, the increased breeding area for spiders not to mention cleaning up after the birds , and the loss of access to the swim platform, especially when simply anchoring out without a need to launch the dinghy.

For us, the stern mounted dinghy was not a desirable arrangement.
Rick Sulewski
My-Ria 95' 320 #277

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of rcliffordlee
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 4:29 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com TtS
Subject: [C320-list] Mainsheet Article

Just wondering if anyone had any innovative approaches to install mechanisms to carry an inflatable.  We have tried perching it on the swim deck and carrying on the foredeck while sailing and also when we are away but neither is great so we just tow it and leave it in the water to gather critters.  I would not want a full davit system that would overwhelm our 320, so am wondering about simple systems and something that would minimize cutting/drilling holes.  I think this may have already been addressed in earlier chats, but just wondering.

Cliff Lee
Comfort Zone (1995 - Hull 268)


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