Change to Tender-53MY

[mgernes]

I currently have the origional davit, winch and crane setup on my 1973 53MY and I am considering replacing my whaler with an inflatable, complete with steering controls and a 35hp-4stroke.

Has anyone made this conversion and if so will I need to beef any of my origional hardware.

Also, is there a market for a used 12ft whaler?

Thanks for any feedback,

Marcus

Still about 15 inches of ice on the waters up here in Minnesota, but we are getting into the 50's today so the end is near.

 

[TopHattandTails]

PM Sent.

 

[Glory]

You will have to alter the chocks if you have the original chocks, the aluminum or wood type can be altered once you have picked the new dink.

If you plan to use the current davit, Pipe Welders likely, be sure not to use an inflatable that has a high windsheild. A high windsheild will prevent the needed lift to reach over the the chocks.

I made the change myself, and it was a plus. when launching or recovering the dink it is easier to lanch an inflatable than a whaler, if you bump the boat, or should I say when, it is no big deal.

JM

 

[REBrueckner]

a 12 ft Whaler...I guess its pretty new?? because the older were 9,11,13 ft,etc....

If you are planning on buying a hard bottom inflatable AND a four stroke, be sure to compare total weight with whatever you have now before deciding on ...could well be heavier.

As noted, the other "close call" may be clearance between the davit arm and chocks.....depending on your davit and style , you might be able to raise it..say 6"... if that is necessary...or maybe not.

 

[Pascal]

We often hear about harder launching/bumping as a downside to hard tenders but all you need to do is have to large fenders on the tender side asnitvckmes down...

That said the dryer and smoother ride of the RIB is obviously worth the upgrade

 

[Glory]

When buying a RIB another thing to coinsider is the fabric. I don't recomend PVC. Most Zodiac models are PVC, I have a Yachtline 340 in my yard for 3 years and don't care to spend $3,000 to replace the tube. Which can be changed with your bare hands.

PVC has a fairly short life in the heat/ sun. Ten years is likely the best you can do, at 5 years it is sticky, and your crew and guest will wind up with spots on their clothes.

I have a 1986 "Dynous", I never say another one either, and it has 10 year old air in it. The Dynous is hypolon. Hypolon is the material you should try to get.

I will likely go back to a Whaler myself, there is something about a Whaler. Maybe the Whaler is from the must have list when I was 13.

JM

 

[Fanfare]

My 11 ft Whaler is now 36 years old. It has a few spider cracks but otherwise is about as new. No matter what, you can't sink it. Its foam just doesn't deflate. Most of the time it's out in the sun. RIBs don't do well here. I painted its varnished seats white but otherwise it as as purchased. My children have driven it and now my grandchildren are driving it. It does thump up against the boat when alongside, but I long ago replaced its black rubber rubrail with white so it doesn't mark.

Dudley and I just returned fron a white water rafting experience--cat 4--in inflatable rafts, and the abuse these rafts can absorb is just amazing. But I don't think any of these will be around in 36 years or can provide the same stability and safety that a Boston Whaler can. The advances in RIBs have just been spectacular. But where my grandchildren are concerned, I'm sticking with the Whaler.

 

[REBrueckner]

When I had my 11 foot Whaler aboard my Hatt,and launched and retrieved it daily leaving it in the water most daytimes, I found it convenient to add rubber foam encased in a synthetic bumper molding..."dingy molding".....no more black Whaler marks on the hull....

But the screws on the underside ...holding the bumper to the Whaler.....were just at the height to dig up the top edge of my Hatteras aft rub rail.....So I solved one problem and created another....If this "solution" is used, I'd recommend gluing the underside bumper molding edge...and maybe the upper edge as well....

Regarding inflatibles: I see more upper end boats now covered with what appears to be a sunbrella type fabric to ward off the harmful effects of the sun...