[C320-list] Garhauer Davits Installation Height

[cinichols at btinternet.com]

We had our davits lowered as the PO had placed the lower mounting point high up on the vertical transom meaning that most of the torque / weight on them was taken on the upper pushpit rail - did not seem like a strong solution to me.  Also it meant the dinghy was high up and obscured the view aft.

We lowered the davits and chose the point at which, when standing in the floating dinghy we can stand up and reach slightly above head height to grab the lifting lines which we leave strung athwart-ship to the opposing davit when not in use. This has proved to be a really useful height for us - easy to see aft, can quickly chuck fenders in the dinghy for short day-sails and, when docked stern-to with a boarding plank from transom-step to the dock, we can use the overhead handhold to make the transit safely (dinghy having been lowered /towed before docking).

For added strength (further reducing the load on the pushpit) we also installed an almost vertical brace-bar to each of the transom side steps (ours do not open).

This might be too low for permanent solar installation however...

Chris Nichols
+44 7963 190 667

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Gus Macdonald
Sent: 24 February 2022 09:13
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Garhauer Davits Installation Height

The PO fitted my Garhauer davits which I believe are the larger diameter tubes with the support base plates fitted to the vertical transom.  The davits also carry solar panels.  Sailing with the dinghy up has not been an issue.   Attention is needed when docking in tighter marinas due the swing of the dinghy as the boat is turned.  I don’t know the height of the dinghy.  The major disadvantage is that the swim ladder cannot be deployed.  Maybe others have found a solution to this issue?

Gus
Lindisfarne
#999
 
> On Feb 23, 2022, at 5:51 PM, RichF RF <richfcatalina320 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Just received the kit with extended 42 and 45-inch arms on 
> recommendation from Mark at Garhauer to accommodate the large HB-300 
> Achilles Dinghy we use.  Mark stated it's a user preference to install 
> the base plates on the vertical transom vs the horizontal step on the 
> sugar scoop. I have seen some of the pictures posted in the owner's 
> section and am wondering, for those that use davits, if they have any 
> feedback on the height of the dinghy being an issue when motoring or 
> sailing.  That seems to be the main concern on where the base mounts are installed.
> 
> I'm leaning toward the vertical transom location, but would love to 
> hear any feedback from anyong that has already done this.  Seems they 
> would be in the way less on the transom as well.
> 
> Thanks,
> Rich F. #990