Bow Crane

[cpenrose]

We have a 35 foot 1988 Luhrs Alura. I just got my first boat, a 14' '58 fleetform commodore and I was wondering if its possible to hoist the fleetform which should be aroung 600 lbs maybe when done onto the bow of the alura. Mainly, will the deck be able to support the strain of the crane, only with four bolts, and is the bow deck strong enough to hold the boat while were pounding through rough seas? I would asume that I would put a reinforcement plate under it but I'm still unsure. Heres the crane PROHOISTS - 1000 lb Jetski Lift PWC Davit Winch Included

 

[5150abf]

Re: Bow Crane

I would contact Lurhrs and ask them, they would know better than any one.
I personally don't think it would do it without some pretty extensive modification, that is alot of strain on a very small plate and I also doubtthe front deck was designed to hold that kind of weight, but I know nothing of your boat, that is just a swag, scientific wild a@# guess.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bow Crane

I'd say you would need a structure below the deck (which could require a lot of modification to the boat) to support the crane such as a column down to a stringer and braces out to the gunwales and bow or knee braces to stringers.... The deck itself is not designed to hold anywhere near the force that the crane would put on it

AFAIK most small boats (under 50') are not built to support a crane..... If you want a dingy on the bow I'd suggest an inflatable that you can pull up by hand

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bow Crane

Ayuh,.... I gotta believe addin' 800 to 1000 lbs to the bow of, even a 35' boat, is gonna make it Unhandleable...

Boats, even 35'ers can carry weight mid-ship, to aft, but rarely on the bow...

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Bow Crane

Ayuh,.... I gotta believe addin' 800 to 1000 lbs to the bow of, even a 35' boat, is gonna make it Unhandleable...

Boats, even 35'ers can carry weight mid-ship, to aft, but rarely on the bow...

Owning a 34'er I can say that weight up front shouldn't affect it to be unhandleable but a lot if weight up high will change its feel on the water some. This boat will be very high on the bow.

Keep in mind, the Alura is an express, can you see past this 14' boat once it's on the bow? I have a 10' inflatable and it would be very much in the way of the lower helm. I think a smaller inflatable can be hoisted with its motor (maybe a few hundred lbs) I think a 14' boat is asking too much. Will 14' plus a tiled outboard even fit up in the bow?

 

[cpenrose]

Re: Bow Crane

Ah yes forgot about that, it should just fit in length, but with a motor it won't. it was about 13.5 feet when I measured it. Its good, I don't need it on there but I just thought it would be nice. Thanks guys