Boat Davits: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Type for Your Vessel

Boat davits are an essential accessory for any boat owner who wants to easily lift and store their dinghy or tender. These devices are designed to lift the dinghy out of the water and onto the boat, making it easy to store and transport.

Davits come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one for your boat and dinghy. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right boat davit, including the size and weight of your dinghy, the size and weight of your boat, and the type of davit system you want.

Some common types of davit systems include manual davits, electric davits, and hydraulic davits. Each type of system has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.

When choosing a boat davit, it’s also important to consider the quality of the system. A high-quality davit will be made from durable materials and will be designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. It’s also important to choose a system that is easy to install and maintain, so you can spend more time enjoying your boat and less time worrying about your davit system.

What are Boat Davits?

Boat davits are lifting and launching systems used to lift and store boats out of the water. They are commonly used for dinghies, jet skis, and other small boats that weigh up to 11,000 pounds. Boat davits are designed to make it easier for boat owners to move their boats in and out of the water, especially in areas where there are restrictions on the use of pilings or seawalls.

Boat davits come in different types, including manual and electric davits. Manual davits require physical effort to operate, while electric davits are powered by electricity and offer more convenience. Electric davits are often preferred by boat owners who want to save time and effort when lifting and lowering their boats.

Boat davits are also available in different sizes and configurations to suit different boats and water conditions. Some boat davits are designed for use in shallow water, while others can be used in deep water. Boat davits can be mounted on the dock, seawall, or on the boat itself, depending on the type and model of the davit.

Boat davits are an essential accessory for boat owners who want to protect their boats from damage caused by changing tides and waves. They are also a cost-effective alternative to standard boat lifts, which can be expensive and difficult to install. With a boat davit, boat owners can easily lift and store their boats out of the water, ensuring that their boats remain safe and secure.

Types of Boat Davits

Boat davits come in different types, each with its unique features and benefits. Depending on your needs, you can choose from fixed, pivoting, rotating, or removable davits.

Fixed Davits

Fixed davits are permanently attached to your boat and are ideal for lifting heavy loads. They offer a stable platform for lifting and lowering your boat or watercraft. Fixed davits come in different sizes and can be customized to suit your specific needs.

Pivoting Davits

Pivoting davits are designed to swing in a horizontal arc, making it easier to lift boats and watercraft in and out of the water. They are ideal for boats with limited deck space, as they can be mounted on the side of the boat. Pivoting davits are available in different sizes and can be customized to fit your boat’s specific needs.

Rotating Davits

Rotating davits can rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to load and unload boats and watercraft from any direction. They are ideal for larger boats with ample deck space. Rotating davits come in different sizes and can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Removable Davits

Removable davits are designed to be easily removed and stored when not in use. They are ideal for boats with limited deck space, as they do not take up permanent space. Removable davits come in different sizes and can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Overall, the type of boat davit you choose will depend on your specific needs and the size of your boat. Fixed davits are ideal for heavy loads, while pivoting and rotating davits are better suited for boats with limited deck space. Removable davits are perfect for boats with limited space and can be easily stored when not in use.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Boat Davits

Boat Size and Weight

When choosing a boat davit system, it is important to consider the size and weight of the boat. The weight capacity of the davit system should be able to handle the weight of the boat and any additional equipment that will be stored on it. It is also important to consider the size of the boat, as larger boats may require larger davit systems.

Ease of Use

Another important factor to consider when choosing boat davits is ease of use. The davit system should be easy to operate and should not require a lot of physical effort to raise and lower the boat. Electric winches can make the process easier and more convenient, but they may also be more expensive.

Material and Durability

The material and durability of the davit system is also an important consideration. Stainless steel and aluminum are popular choices for boat davits because they are durable and resistant to corrosion. It is important to choose a davit system that is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and can withstand the weight of the boat and any equipment stored on it.

Cost

Finally, cost is an important consideration when choosing boat davits. The cost of the davit system will depend on the size, weight capacity, and material used. Electric winches and other features may also increase the cost. It is important to choose a davit system that fits within your budget while also meeting your needs for boat storage and ease of use.

When choosing boat davits, it is important to consider the boat size and weight, ease of use, material and durability, and cost. By carefully considering these factors, boat owners can choose a davit system that meets their needs and provides a convenient and secure way to store their boat.

Top Boat Davit Manufacturers

Boat davits are essential for safely lifting and storing dinghies, life rafts, and other watercraft. There are many manufacturers of boat davits, but some stand out for their quality, durability, and innovation. Here are some of the top boat davit manufacturers:

Davit Master

Davit Master is a leading manufacturer of boat davits that are strong, reliable, and easy to install. Their rectangular tubing design makes their davits much stronger than the typical I-beam models when it comes to horizontal and twisting loads. Davit Master offers a variety of davit models, including manual and electric winch davits, and they can customize davits to fit specific boats and needs.

Palfinger Marine

Palfinger Marine is a global supplier of marine and offshore equipment, including a wide range of davits. They offer davits for life rafts, rescue boats, workboats, and passenger vessels, as well as offshore davits. Palfinger’s davits are designed for safety, reliability, and ease of use, and they meet international standards and regulations.

SeaLux Marine Products

SeaLux Marine Products is a manufacturer of innovative and affordable boat davit systems. Their Snap Davits System is a simple but very useful set-up that stores the vessel in a 90-degree position out of the water. It’s less expensive than a lift davit system, and it’s great for inflatables and RIBs up to 220 pounds. SeaLux also offers other types of davits, including manual and electric winch davits.

Stainless Outfitters Inc.

Stainless Outfitters Inc. is a manufacturer of high-quality stainless steel boat davits and other marine equipment. Their davits are designed for durability, strength, and corrosion resistance, and they can customize davits to fit specific boats and needs. Stainless Outfitters offers several types of davits, including crane davits, manual and electric winch davits, and dinghy davits.

These are just a few of the top boat davit manufacturers, each with their own unique strengths and offerings. When choosing a boat davit, it’s important to consider factors such as the weight and size of the watercraft, the installation requirements, and the budget. By doing research and choosing a reputable manufacturer, boat owners can ensure they have a safe and reliable davit system for their watercraft.

Installation of Boat Davits

Professional Installation

If you are not comfortable installing your boat davits yourself, it is recommended that you hire a professional to do the job for you. A professional installer will have the necessary tools and experience to ensure that your davits are installed safely and securely. They will also be able to advise you on the best placement of the davits on your boat.

When hiring a professional installer, make sure that they have experience installing the type of davits that you have purchased. Ask for references and check them before hiring the installer. Also, make sure that the installer is licensed and insured.

DIY Installation

If you are comfortable with basic tools and have some experience with boat maintenance, you may be able to install your boat davits yourself. However, it is important to read the installation instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure that the davits are installed safely and securely.

Before beginning the installation process, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will need a drill, screws, bolts, and a wrench, among other tools. It is also important to have a helper to assist you during the installation process.

When installing your boat davits, it is important to take your time and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure that the davits are installed in the correct location and that they are securely attached to the boat. It is also important to connect the davits to the boat’s bonding system to prevent corrosion.

After the davits are installed, it is important to test them to make sure that they are working properly. Lift your inflatable boat onto the davits and make sure that it is secure. If you are unsure about the installation or have any questions, it is always better to hire a professional to ensure that your davits are installed safely and securely.

Maintenance of Boat Davits

Proper maintenance of boat davits is crucial to ensure their reliability and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to malfunctions and even accidents. Below are some tips for maintaining boat davits:

• Perform regular inspections of the davit to check for any signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, corrosion, loose bolts, and any other damage. Address any issues immediately.
• Keep the davit clean and free of debris. Saltwater, sand, and other materials can cause corrosion and damage to the davit. Rinse it down with freshwater after each use and periodically clean it with soap and water.
• Check the cables and winches regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Replace any worn or damaged cables and lubricate the winches as needed.
• Inspect the electrical components, if applicable, such as switches and wiring, to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any damaged or malfunctioning components.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and operation of the davit. This includes weight limits, proper use of the davit, and recommended maintenance schedules.

By following these maintenance tips, boat owners can ensure their davits are in good working condition and ready to use when needed.

Conclusion

Boat davits are an essential part of any boating experience, providing a safe and efficient way to lift and lower boats, jet skis, and other watercraft. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect solution for any boat or dock.

When choosing a boat davit, it’s important to consider factors such as weight capacity, ease of installation, and durability. Many manufacturers offer customized solutions, ensuring that boaters can find a davit that meets their specific needs.

Proper maintenance and testing of davits is crucial to ensure their safe and effective operation. Crew injury and death accidents related to lifeboat davit maintenance and operation have occurred since the introduction of on-load release hooks, making it imperative that SMS procedures are updated and followed as a matter of priority.

Overall, boat davits are a valuable investment for any boater looking to safely and efficiently lift and lower their watercraft. By choosing a high-quality davit and following proper maintenance and testing procedures, boaters can enjoy their time on the water with peace of mind.