Whaler 110 Sport, too heavy?

[MikeM]

Originally Posted by hmason

Three years ago I purchased a Whaler 110 Sport with a 25 hp Mercury 4 stroke. Mine is a 2013 model and is much heavier than the older one you describe. It weighs in at about 650 pounds. My crane is rated at 800 pound capacity. I changed the crane motor to a new one with a 3,000 pound pull rating and removed the galvanized steel cable and replaced it with Dyneema. I also had a cradle built that was templated to fit the bottom contours of the Whaler. You can see the Whaler in my avatar if you look real close.

I was concerned as you are about the effect of the weight up on the boat deck. I reasoned that it was not much different than having 3 adults up there. But I digress. We live aboard and travel from CT to FL and back each spring and fall. We have had some rough weather at times. The good news is that I don't feel any difference in the handling or stability of the boat. From a physics standpoint I know there must be a difference but I don't feel it. I've been very happy with our set up and love the Whaler.

Howard,

We were just in Stuart and said hello to Karsten and Peggy the day before they left. I didn't see your boat, so I assume you are already on your way north.

Question on Dyneema. Are you happy with it to lift your dinghy. What diameter are you using.

Thanks, Mike

[Group9]

Originally Posted by BandB

The weight of a new 110 is 460 lbs. I can't imagine they were that much lighter in 1981, but could be I guess. That would push weight to the 600 lb range with the engine, probably 700 with gear and fuel.

I just sold a 1989 Whaler 11 foot tender (not the sport version). 280 pounds.

[Larry M]

Originally Posted by MikeM

...Question on Dyneema. Are you happy with it to lift your dinghy. What diameter are you using...

Mike: We changed from ss aircraft cable to Dyneema 3 years ago on our hoist/davit and will never use wire again. It's very easy to splice. YouTube has has some good "how to" videos. We went with 1/4". We talked to Nick Jackson, our davit manufacturer, first and his only caution was to make sure you have a minimum of 4 wraps on the hoist drum when it's fully extended because of the slippery nature of the Dyneema.

[dhays]

Originally Posted by MikeM

Howard,

We were just in Stuart and said hello to Karsten and Peggy the day before they left. I didn't see your boat, so I assume you are already on your way north.

Question on Dyneema. Are you happy with it to lift your dinghy. What diameter are you using.

Thanks, Mike

Since Dyneema is just ridiculously strong, any diameter would work. Generally it will come down to what diameter is the easiest to work with. 1/8" would be plenty strong for your application but too thin and light to be easy to work with. I have 1/4" on my crane and will replace it with the same however 3/16 " would work as well.

Often it is sold in mm so I would look at 6mm line.