How to remove davit brackets from swim platform

[RittSea]

I have two davit brackets bolted onto my swim platform that I can’t figure out how to remove. A socket wrench turns the bolts, but they won’t loosen. And the integrated swim platform is too thick. So there’s nothing going through to underneath.

 

[firecadet613]

They might have been installed with Toggler anchors or similar. A slip neighbor had to use a handsaw to get a stuck bolt on his off.

 

[Pirate Lady]

there is no problem that cant be solved by large explosives, or a chain saw. Hey, its an idea.

 

[RittSea]

there is no problem that cant be solved by large explosives, or a chain saw. Hey, its an idea.

Hey, don’t think that didn’t cross my mind a time or two. Lol.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Can you not reach back under there from the engine room? On my 44DB I could crawl behind the genny and reach every square inch of the area under the platform. They are probably thru bolts with nuts and large area washers or a large back plate. You can fill the holes up with Marine Tex epoxy when you get the bolts out.
Carpe Diem

 

[ocgrant]

Those look like Hurley which have backing plates. You can also just get the Hurley Marine covers that help you protect from toe stubbing.

 

[RittSea]

Those look like Hurley which have backing plates. You can also just get the Hurley Marine covers that help you protect from toe stubbing.

Yes, they are indeed Hurley Marine brackets. And I called them up. The guy I talked to said they didn’t install it and don’t know how to remove them, other than crawling into the swim platform to remove the backing fasteners. I can’t access this through the engine room. Even if I could, I’d have to be 2 ft tall and under 50lbs with 4 ft long arms to reach back there. Lol.

So the quest continues…. I may have no other choice but to get covers.

 

[PlayDate]

Just to be sure.....did the previous owner install a waterproof access port under the swim platform to install the davits? I don't know how they would have used backing plates without an access port.

If they used toggle bolts (which is lame without backing plates).....you would have to cut the bolt heads off.

 

[markrsimon]

Yes, they are indeed Hurley Marine brackets. And I called them up. The guy I talked to said they didn’t install it and don’t know how to remove them, other than crawling into the swim platform to remove the backing fasteners. I can’t access this through the engine room. Even if I could, I’d have to be 2 ft tall and under 50lbs with 4 ft long arms to reach back there. Lol.

So the quest continues…. I may have no other choice but to get covers.

It looks like your aft seat/compartment flips up - perhaps for engine room access? If you flip that up, does that give you better access to the swim platform?

 

[RittSea]

It looks like your aft seat/compartment flips up - perhaps for engine room access? If you flip that up, does that give you better access to the swim platform?

I think it's too tight. See picture. But, I might be able to shear off the top half of the bolts using a hacksaw, and pull the bottom half out through the engine compartment using some kind of stick.

 

[Stee6043]

Shoot...that access looks better than what I have for generator oil changes! Prop your engine room cover up, disconnect that center lifting post and enjoy!

If you're going to try to cut them off I'd suggest using something powered. Those brackets are not flimsy. That would be an 8 beer (and 4 blade) job using a hacksaw I'd imagine...

 

[RittSea]

Those look like Hurley which have backing plates. You can also just get the Hurley Marine covers that help you protect from toe stubbing.

I'm seriously re-thinking my options and thinking of about going with the bracket covers. The Hurley H2O davits are worth about $1200. It could be an asset to someone if I ever want to sell the boat. I'll just need to cut the sea deck mats around the bracket and covers. Probably the easiest option of all.