[C320-list] Dinghy Davits

[Utility Email]

I wrote the article mentioned on our 2011 Weaver Davit installation on our 2007 C320 MK II.  

For our C320 sailing in San Diego and out to Catalina Island and now the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound, they work really well.  They provide a simple and easy way to stow the inflatable without too much hardware attached to the boat.  

We also have snap up davit lifter that allow us to stow the inflatable higher in case we expect some rough conditions (which we generally avoid).  

I wouldn’t say that the Weaver Davit system is a weak system.  They are just designed for different style of use than traditional stern mounted lifting davits. 

David Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, Washington USA



David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
Principal, LEED AP, F. SEI
Director, Structural Engineering

Reid Middleton, Inc.
(425) 741-3800 office
(425) 741-5011 direct
(425) 508-7971 mobile

www.reidmiddleton.com

> On Feb 18, 2018, at 10:28 AM, Christian <ccaper at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Thanks Jeff for all the details and insight.
> 
> "Only using them for solar panels?  Well, wouldn't you be better off
> mounting them on rails above your bimini?"
> 
> That assumes I have a bimini, which I don't.  Due to the few number of days
> where it's hot enough to require one in Chicago, and how I like as much sun
> as I can get due to our winters, haven't felt the need for a bimini.  Hence
> why I'm been looking at davits, with the plus that should I ever require
> dinghy storage, I would have that.  Though the chance of using a dinghy in
> near future is low.  What I also like is with the davits, and panels
> mounted there, I can leave my batteries on the boat over the winter while
> maintaining charge, so I don't have to break my back carrying them off
> during winter.
> 
> I wasn't aware Garhauer made them in custom lengths.  I'll check desired
> length, etc.  I'm hearing you on the davits too low vs too high with the
> visibility risks, etc.  A normal mount should work, and I believe I can get
> panels mounted higher for head clearance with a set up I'm looking at.
> 
> Been in talks with a guy who mounted his on the davits like this, with
> parts sourced from marinepartdepot.com (yes, am aware some people have had
> difficulty with orders from this place, few times I've ordered I did
> receive exactly what I ordered in a very timely manner though, ymmv though).
> 
> https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?attachments/pict0005-jpg.36108/
> https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?attachments/pict0001-jpg.36106/
> 
> -Christian