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NahanniV · 01-12-2013, 14:33

I bought a Davis Motor Caddy for our Mercury 8hp (same size as 9.9).

But I have not felt very confidant using it.

When lifting the rear strap seems to want to slip down onto an area that is a plastic fairing.

Also, the harness is loose and tends to slip off the motor when not under tension due to the sloping cover.

Anybody have a better way ?

Thanks,
JM.

Vasco · 01-12-2013, 14:57

Use some elastic cord and tie the two straps together , in your pic along CURY.

BoomBrake · 01-12-2013, 15:13

Wow, perfect timing. I was just looking at a solution Iike this.

My new OB is also 8hp, somewhat heavier than the current 4hp on there. I can figure the harness solution, but the lifting mechanism has me perplexed. I understand a block and tackle is the tool for the job.

I have a mounting block for the outboard on the aft pulpit rail. So with respect to the block and tackle configuration attachment on the yacht side, how is this recommended? Unfortunately there is really nothing above the OB rail mount to suitably attach a block and tackle.

I'm thinking I could position the boom out (like in a broad reach) with Cunningham support out over the dinghy (alongside), attach to the harnessed OB and haul away, but am concerned of the instability in that situation. How would I then secure the boom so it won't have lateral movement, maybe a boom brake or preventer?

What do you do in is scenario and what is your configuration? Photos?

Thank you all! : )

Vasco · 01-12-2013, 15:34

Garhauer motor lift

Nicholson58 · 01-12-2013, 16:18

We have a lifting davit for the Merc 15 HP 2-S. The Lift sling appears to be the same as yours. I've always felt a bit nervous about it and belay a safety line when we operate the lift. I've never had a problem but it looks like crap.

BoomBrake · 01-12-2013, 16:33

Nice photo and nice lift stanchion, thanks vasco. I think that setup is great but could be more expensive work that I cannot afford.

My outboard mounting block is just like yours, but on the port side pushpit (sorry, not pulpit - nautical dyslexia!). I have a fairly sturdy tower with the radar and wind generator mounted on the starboard aft, same spot where your outboard is. Maybe I could leverage off that tower, but would be devastating of the whole thing came down (or the outboard bent my aft mounted Aries wind steering)!

Did you ever use the boom and Topping Lift (sorry, not Cunningham as I said earlier!) with the block and tackle, how did it go?

Vasco · 01-12-2013, 16:48

That's not mine. Just a stock photo. Garhauer's are not as expensive as you might think. Very good products at reasonable prices. I changed out all my blocks to Garhauers.

Here's mine. I only go to the Bahamas and don't bother taking the ob off.

Vasco · 01-12-2013, 16:52

Actually I think those lifting straps are a rip off. When I used to haul my motor I just used some 3/8 line and fashioned a lifting harness.

**Hudson Force** · 01-12-2013, 16:54

I still have a snarled set of nylon starps that were once a Davis lift harness. I'm far more pleased with one four foot large strap with a D ring on each end. I slip the strap under the engine just forward of the vertical shaft housing and my outboard balances well without all the ties and loops. I hoist my outboard with my mizzen halyard and find it easy to fend off while it rises without the use of a boom.

Oh, and Vasco, I noticed the bucket over your prop. I often place a bucket like this when I want to raise my outboard at a shallow dinghy dock with other inflatables nearby.

BoomBrake · 01-12-2013, 18:23

@vasco: nice, that's an even better setup, great boat!

keepondancin · 01-12-2013, 18:42

I am having a tough time seeing black strap on a black motor.(Darned cataracts). I have that type of strap, used it for years. It looks like you are missing the strap that pulls the rear and forward straps together so they won't slide off the cowling. I also have the Garhauer lift, and the combination of the strap and lift work very well.

**bstreep** · 02-12-2013, 12:31

This is funny. We too have a 9.9 Mercury with a Davis strap. It sucks. On the other hand, the Garhauer life we have is wonderful.

Sailaway400 · 13-04-2015, 17:19

www.swing-lift.com

Tayana42 · 14-04-2015, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by NahanniV

I bought a Davis Motor Caddy for our Mercury 8hp (same size as 9.9).

But I have not felt very confidant using it.

When lifting the rear strap seems to want to slip down onto an area that is a plastic fairing.

Also, the harness is loose and tends to slip off the motor when not under tension due to the sloping cover.

Anybody have a better way ?

Thanks,

JM.

Ours outboard is smaller, a Tohatsu 3.5. But the problem of keeping the lift straps in place is the same. I added some light rope around the back of the engine cover to keep it positioned correctly. I can easily untie the rope to remove the engine cover.

Also, we have a Garhauer outbound davit to lift it to the stern rail. We have used a block and tackle (hopefully rigged to advantage) from the boom which lifted it okay but too far forward for our needs.