Davits??

[Blue Crab]

I don't think I have enough boat but I really need davits for my 8' hard dink. I wouldn't go to Bermuda but for the ICW, why not?

[marlinmike]

Is there a question in this post, or just making a statement?

[a64pilot]

I'm usually against towing, but if your just in the ICW, your motoring almost exclusively and of course no sea state to speak of, so why not just tow?

[Panope]

Blue Crab. For the use of your boat that you stated, I say get the davits. Nothing better than having instant access to your shore boat.

The biggest drawback is that your boat will look like crap with a big ol wart hanging off the back. If you are OK with that, then all will be fine.

Davits will set you free...

Steve

[Canibul]

I'll trade you my davits for a 12 ft. portabote in decent condition. Has to be white, though. Should be able to find one on Craigslist for $ 500.

[Blue Crab]

I forgot folks with phones don't see the whole page ... I have a Cal 29. I am somewhat concerned with weight hanging out there, then secondarily how it looks.

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by Canibul

I'll trade you my davits for a 12 ft. portabote in decent condition. Has to be white, though. Should be able to find one on Craigslist for $ 500.

Yeah with your shipping issues, seems unlikely.

Towing ok in ICW obviously but many times I want it out o the water, like now in a slip. For the winter.

[Canibul]

shipping issues? Nah. All the issues are at this end and we're used to them. Can take the davits to Tropcial Shipping here and send them anywhere in the USA. They originated there so no duty.

Portabote can be shipped from anywhere, to G&G In Dania, FL or Tropical, in Ft. Lauderdale, and they'll bring it to me. A little bit of a hassle but not un-doable. All the hassle is at this end, anyhow. It's smooth on the US side. Y'all have competence and professionalism up there. We ain't got none of that.

But We've imported five boats here that way so far. 18 ft. Whaler, 22 ft. panga, 25 ft. CC, inflatable Hobie, tandem island Hobie, and an 18 ft. skiff.

Actually, now that I think of it, I think DHL would do it, too. Lots easier but slightly more expensive. Takes a few days intead of two weeks with Tropical.

You probably wouldn't want these, anyhow. Cast aluminum Danforth davits, with extensions.

[Tayana42]

Blue Crab, our boat is larger but even so, with a pointy back end davits are not an easy solution. We love our cutter rig with staysail boom but it does get in the way of dinghy storage on the deck. Our "solution" is an inflatable dinghy with an air floor. It tows easily in costal and protected areas. And it is easy to deflate and stow aboard for longer passages (or time spent in a slip). It has handled winds up to 40 knots in tow. Only down side is after a few years in the sun the trim pieces are deteriorating. When I replace it I'll look for better quality and keep it covered when not in use.


S/V B'Shert

[Blue Crab]

C- I'll need to fab something with a little more elan for my proper dink if I go for davits.

[Lizzy Belle]

Davits ... One of the many reasons I am still considering going a few ft extra ...

On this boat, davits aren't really an option, and there's no room on deck either (unless I settle for crawling over the dinghy whenever I need to be anywhere in front of the mast).

Sorry, Bluecrap, not helping you much here

[Blue Crab]

Well, this is promising. No one said anything about the weight aft. I thought I'd move the outboard/Magma off the rail and stow below to somewhat balance out.

As Penope noted it is a shame to add to the clutter aft while downgrading the appearance, even of a Clorox bottle-like Cal 40 ... er 29 like "Blue Crap."

This all came up the other night while it was blowing 35/40, windchill off the chart, when the dink got into a shoving match with the boarding ladder. I broke it up early in the first round, awarded the ladder a TKO due to damage sustained by the dink. Somehow the tuna door got open and the dink got in a couple of haymakers that took out a hinge. And, as everyone knows, this was at 3 am.


O for a life on the rolling sea!

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

And, as everyone knows, this was at 3 am.

Goes without saying.
Usually, it'll be raining stair-rods too ...