"Well, well, well," to quote Oliver from the John Boy and Billy Big Sho on the radio. It's time to talk about tenders and how best to transport them. First, when it comes to boating, just let me say that I am a big proponent of the KISS system, (Keep It Simple Stupid). I have run boats with bare minimum equipment and gear, and I have run boats that had every gadget and gizmo that ever appeared on a magazine page or adorned a shelf at your local Walter Middy Marine Supply. Having the opportunity to weigh the differences of each style of boating, my opinion remains the same. However, having spent the past 29 years as a boating professional, my main objective is to help people capture and hold on to the essence of what boating is all about-fun! And if fun includes toting a 1,200-pound jet boat around on the back of your weekend cruiser, I suppose I will be there to help.

RV (land yacht) owners have found a way to transport their toys with a concept commonly known as the "fun mover." This is part RV and part garage for the motorcycles, sports car, four wheeler, etc. and boaters just don't want to be left out, and I can't say that I blame them. But there are weight distribution and maintenance issues that should be considered. There is a variety of equipment used to lift tenders and for the purpose of this discussion we are going to review transom systems that are more commonly found on express and sedan style vessels. The first rule of thumb should always be this: anytime you modify the LCG (linear center of gravity) by extending considerable weight from the transom, the boat manufacturer should be consulted.

Transom davits have been around a long time, even with the influx of sophisticated hydraulic lifting platforms, they are still used today. In fact many sailboats use this application. They lift a tender horizontally by means of block and tackle rigging, or mechanical or electrical winches attached to the two davits. Some of these systems employ twin arms on each side of the transom with a lift mechanism on each arm. St. Croix davits are an example of this system. Others use a unified pivoting system that cantilevers from the transom or swim platform with a single lifting mechanism in the center; a good example of this system is the Stainless Marine Davit. While there are many others available, these are just two that I am personally familiar with. This type of system typically lifts the dinghy via a three-point attachment-two on the transom and a single on the tender's bow. They are a simple, effective means of lifting a tender and there are numerous options. If this type of system is one you might consider, I urge you to shop around, and chat with owners of similar systems. Experience and first hand knowledge is stil the best sales tool going.

Snap davits are another simple method used to lift a tender. It's an extremely simple system.

Snap davits are another simple method used to lift a tender, albeit a smaller and lighter tender. The system is comprised of two receiving hooks or snaps on the dinghy and two attaching brackets on the swim platform. You simply approach the trailing edge of the swim platform with either the port or starboard side of the dinghy and line up these two attachment points and the dinghy snaps in place. The dinghy is then tilted with these two attachments acting as a hinge and laid on the transom or held off the transom with a stand off. It's an extremely simple system utilizing block and tackle rigging, manual or electrical winch or in cases of lightweight application a single line to the far side of the dinghy and a good tug. The tilting of the dinghy requires the removal of any outboard motor or the use of a pivoting motor mounting bracket. Sea Wise and Weaver are two manufacturers of the snap davit system.

Personal water craft, larger tenders and small jet boats have become increasingly popular in recent boating seasons and innovative systems such as the TNT Lift System and Freedom Lift, to name a few, have helped to make it all possible. The TNT Lift System, for example, uses a swim platform attached to mechanical arms driven with hydraulics to actually raise and lower the swim platform in and out of the water. Chocks are mounted to the swim platform to accommodate specific tenders. The platform has locking devices when in the up position to prevent the unit from creeping down should a hydraulic leak cause a loss of pressure. It's an easy to use system that allows you to consider a larger tender and engine package.

The Freedom Lift actually attaches to the transom below an existing swim platform or can be used without a swim platform. Hydraulic arms extend out and up behind the swim platform horizontally lifting the tender up on its own bottom. Each arm has a cradling chock to snuggly fit the tender and keep it secure. These two robotic looking lifting arms can be removed when they are not being used, which is a nice feature.

I've used the TNT Lift but have not yet had the opportunity to operate a Freedom Lift. These systems are an exciting alternative to toting a toy, but they also require additional maintenance that must be considered, especially if you plan on leaving the Great Lakes and cruising in tropical waters. Another consideration is the tender itself. I have had experience where I have had to explain that the price I charged for maintaining a fifty footer did not automatically include a newly installed hydraulic lift system and a 12 foot jet boat! Make sure you factor the tender and engine as part of your maintenance schedule and yard visits.

Also, when installing an after market system, work with your yard and ensure that everything is installed properly. If you're having a boat built, and plan on installing a system, let the builder know in case they need to reinforce the transom. Also, you need to be aware that you have a sizable piece of equipment strapped to your transom when operating the boat. For example, when you back down off a plane, or cruising speed, be aware of your stern wake, and try to avoid creating a large surge that may kick up under the tender.

My granddaddy always told me, 'Steve, there is more than one way to skin a cat!' I knew what he was referring to, but in case there are any animal rights activists that might be reading this, let me rephrase. There is more than one way to achieve a single goal. Keeping boating fun should always be the first consideration when you purchase new gadgets and gizmos. Carefully consider all aspects and be prepared to do whatever is necessary to still have fun. I?Ĵve reviewed several dinghy lift systems with the exception of cranes and rails that are available, but there is one more worth mentioning. Pearson Yachts True North double transom doors! Yep, just open'em up, slide those toys into the cockpit, close the doors and haul the mail, just like a roll back wrecker! Yee haw! Those folks know how to have some fun. For more information contact: Freedom Lift; (866) 543-8669; Sea Wise (866) 732-9473; St. Croix; (952) 858-8393; TNT; (954) 561- 8083.