Robf
Active Member
- Apr 17, 2013
- 367
- Boat Info
- 2006 44 Sedan Bridge
Cummins QSC 500s
Walker Bay Center Console Dinghy
- Engines
- Twin Cummins QSC 500s
Rusty, thank you! I am going to look further into this to see if it would be an option for me as well.Rob, I researched many different davit systems and after determining that I did not want to invest in a retractable swim platform let alone adding the weight and maintenance issues I decided that the Nick Jackson was the way to go. As luck would have it I ran into a boat owner that had abandoned his, opting to use a crane davit as his boat had a hardtop to stow a dink on. He made me a great deal on his old Nick Jackson. It did not have the reinforced supports that would be required for installation on the 44. Many boats have a solid transom that will support the fixed anchor required to pull against. The 44's transom is not structural to the hull at all. It is really just a molded locker screwed to the deck. I built a hard point to install on the aft end of the flybridge deck out of a 3/16th SS plate to use as the anchor point. I opted to keep mine removable and much to my surprise the Davit only weighs about 65 lbs. I use a removable 12 volt cord that is stowed in the transom locker when I need to use davit. This made the install and portability simple.
The davit handles my Achilles 350 center console that weighs in at about 450 with ease. It rides solid as a rock in moderate short chop which is about as bad as we get in the Bay and Delta with a couple of lines or ratchet straps to the aft cleats. It takes me about ten minutes from the bed of my truck to being ready to load the dink when I am planning to need the dink on a cruise. Down side is while the davit is installed one needs to mind the support cables when traversing the swim platform. I mitigate that by tying to port so guests don't have to pass under the cables. I can give you specifics as to the install if you like. I have been really happy with the set up. Cheers
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Rob