Best tenders for Leopard 39

[danielamartindm]

Hi All,
I'm shopping for a RIB and outboard to be carried on the davits of my Leopard 39. Distance between the hulls aft is only about seven and a half feet. I've seen some 39's that were sold with ten-foot tenders; so assuming it isn't mandatory to limit the length of the dink (and mounted OB) to fit lengthwise between the hulls at the waterline, what's the best way to launch and retrieve a longer dinghy to prevent damage to a sugar scoop from the outboard? The L39 has a two-point pivoting davit. The dinghy choices and solutions of other L39 owners would be especially appreciated. Thank you.

[David Hughes]

I have the same electric davit on my 37 PC. When lowering or raising the dinghy, it is far enough out over the water and back of the sugar scoops to never hit them. The length is not the issue, really it's only weight that should be your concern. I believe the max is 300 pounds total. I wouldn't push it close to that limit however or you'll be popping the breaker a lot. And remember to keep one engine on while hoisting, to assist the batteries.

[Privleoplag]

just because I had it handy, I checked the Leopard 39 manual on the dinghy davit..as a guide, it states: total weight (dinghy, motor,fuel and tank) 160kg - 353 pounds. Max length 3.3 meters or 10.8 feet.
In the charter co. I've seen them easily handle a 12' dinghy with 9.8 hp motor.

[ShaktisBoy]

Portabote is 10'8" weighs about 80 pounds carries 3 adults and gear and can plane with one onboard with a 3.5 hp motor. We keep ours assembled in the davits but have the option to fold it up if the weather gets nasty. The one pictured at top has just been replaced with the lower one but was well over 20 years old before that was necessary. Try getting 20+ years on an RIB.

[Catmandu]

Nice arch!!

[ShaktisBoy]

Thanks, we hated the OEM davits!