A davit is a crane-like device used on marine vessels to support, raise, and lower equipment, especially dinghies and other small boats. They can also be used to lift a boat out of the water at a dock. Davits can have many different roles, which means it’s important to select yours based on your boat and the specific purposes you need it to serve. Consider the following when choosing a davit.
Load Capacity
It’s essential to ensure your davit can support the weight you expect to place on it. To calculate the total safe working load of your davit, add the dinghy dry weight, outboard motor, accessories, and fuel together. Make sure your davit is rated well above your total load; underestimating the weight is one of the most common mistakes to make.
Mounting Method
There are several mounting options available for davits. Transom-mounted davits are attached directly to the stern and are ideal for sailboats, while deck-mounted davits are best for motorboats and yachts that have a large amount of deck space. Rail-mounted davits can be good choices for smaller boats since they free up deck space and keep the boats from becoming stern-heavy.
Manual vs. Electric/Hydraulic
Where manual davits are cost-effective and ideal for small boats where hand cranks and gears can do the work of lifting, electric or hydraulic davits are more convenient for larger boats, especially if you plan to launch your dinghy frequently.
At Stainless Outfitters Inc., we offer various sizes and styles of davits, such as swing-up/snapping davits, sliding/pull-up davits, traditional davit arms, and more. Our team can help you select the right option for your needs. Contact us today for expert insight.