Anyone wishing to take their dinghy with them on a sailing trip often faces logistical Challenges. After all, it’s always a real struggle for the crew to hoist the heavy dinghy on board and find a suitable place for it. The alternative of inflating and deflating it also takes up valuable time.
The manufacturer Dinghy Rings has opted for a mechanical solution. This involves inserting the inflatable boat’s stern cones into two stainless-steel rings and raising the dinghy upright. The system is designed to accommodate different stern shapes thanks to matching adaptors and is available in three versions.
Smart dinghy mount with ring rotation
Two rings at the stern of the yacht form the centrepiece of the swivelling mechanism, crafted from mirror-polished AISI 316 stainless steel. To retrieve the dinghy, it is manoeuvred backwards towards the stern so that the support tubes fit into the rings. As soon as you pull on the bow of the dinghy, it rises to a vertical position, whilst the mounting rotates with it. In this final position, no water remains in the boat and it takes up very little space in the harbour. The outboard motor can remain at the stern. All visible components, such as the centre arch and rings, can be removed at any time.
Three system variants for the rear-view mirror
There are three different versions to choose from for installation. Each product is currently available at the Sale available. The universal version of Dinghy Rings “FLEX” is fitted to the transom, bow or side using two-part straps and is height-adjustable. This model costs 225 euros. “FLEX” is designed for boats without an external swim platform, weighs four kilograms and is suitable for dinghies weighing up to 50 kilograms and measuring up to 2.80 metres in length. Foam spacers also protect the transom from damage.
The Dinghy Rings variant is designed for installation under wide, external bathing platforms measuring between 110 and 400 centimetres in width “BOLD” They cost 540 euros. They weigh nine kilograms and have a maximum load capacity of 60 kilograms for inflatable boats up to 3.50 metres in length.
The Dinghy Rings model “SLIM” is, on the other hand, designed for narrow bathing platforms up to 90 centimetres wide and costs 224.67 euros in the sale. Weighing four kilograms itself, the system also accommodates inflatable boats weighing up to 60 kilograms and measuring up to 3.50 metres in length. For dinghies with flat or slightly curved pontoon ends, the optional ‘Pontoon’ accessory is also available.”LINK” is available, which is fitted using double-sided 3M adhesive tape and makes the dinghy compatible.
Unobstructed access to the rescue ladder as a safety factor
When installing any of the three variants, owners must carefully check the area around the stern. According to the manufacturer, the inflatable dinghy, when upright, may block the on-board emergency ladder. In this case, it is essential to ensure that alternative means of access are available in the event of an emergency at sea.
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David Ingelfinger
Volontär
