Dinghy Davits

[Allan]

I have a 9 ft inflatable that I want to carry on my Macgregor 26
I don't want to carry it on the foredeck as it is too big so I was thinking of davits.
Has anyone got davits on a similar size boat??
Does it affect trim too much??
Any photos??

Allan

[AdriftAtSea]

Probably not a good idea.  Davits add a lot of weight aft and then hanging the dinghy from them increases the imbalance. 

[KenR]

We have Forespar Nova davits on Blown Away for carrying our 7 1/2'
Avon RIB:

Unsightly - Yes
Too much weight on stern - Davits only - No / Dinghy - Yes
Affects Trim - Yes
Worth the trouble and expense - YES!!!!!!!!!

It works out great for our use and no regrets.

[AdriftAtSea]

There's a significant difference between a 26' and a 28' boat. Also, IIRC, the Macgregor 26 is a water ballasted boat, and as such would be significantly more affected when the water ballast tanks are empty.

[KenR]

I agree that a Macgregor 26 would be very adversely affected, especially with a 9' dinghy. An alternative solution is needed that reflects how much a dinghy would actually be used along with type of use. I think that a serious downsizing would be required for transporting on the Macgregor.

Sometimes what is practical is going to leave us a little disappointed. But then again, we are sailors.