Hurley Davits on a Sundancer 400?

[Warren]

I'm very close to ordering a Hurley davit system for a "new" 1998 Sundancer 400. Does anyone have experience with this combination? In particular I am interested in ease of deploying the swim ladder and the space available around the raised dinghy for docking, etc.? Is it necessary to complete the installation on the hard?
Thanks for your insights!
Warren

 

[boater4life]

Warren:

You won't have any problem with the install while in the water. The cradle may have to be removed at the pivot pins in order to use your swim ladder. However, you could always permanently remove the cross members to access the ladder regularly.

 

[Warren]

Thanks Solvation - that sounds perfect. Appreciate your input. Are you happy with the result? Did you center it over the swim platform or set it to one side? Does the paint come off of the frame over time?
Warren

 

[PMvdb395DA]

:grin: Maybe you should explain witch company you own Todd :grin:

The davit frame is powder coated, and this "paint" process is very strong and durable.


Succes Peter

 

[WFYB]

I agree with Peter. Don't be shy you make an excellent product.

I installed a Hurley Davit system on my 420DA. 85 lb RIB / 55LB 6HP motor. Works excellent. It takes a while to determine the best tie down system. I started with a soft bottom inflatable and moved to the RIB. I had to make some polyethylene insert to support the bottom of the RIB, other then that it was pretty simple. My strongest advice is go as light as possible on your boat and engine combo to meet your needs.

 

[Warren]

Good advice Jon. My RIB is about 100 lb., 9', and I believe that the 8hp Merc is around 60lb. SR says the platform is rated for 500 lb. so I can't go crazy - but other than a small fuel container, safety gear, etc. it will be under 200 lb.

How difficult is it to raise the dinghy. Will I need a small block and tackle? Many thanks,
Warren

 

[WFYB]

I can raise the boat and 6hp by myself. Two people makes it easier yet. There is some technique. The person at the stern of the dingy does all the lifting. The person at the bow can actually mess up the technique by pulling too hard. All the front man has to do is guide and steady the dingy as it raises up.
I also have a 9.8 HP / 85 Lb motor I sometimes run. That combo was a bit more difficult. Eventually I tied a line on the outer rear handle, ran it under the stern of the dingy and used the line to pull the dingy aboard. That made a huge difference. The dingy almost flew into the davit.
Final thought. Your swim platform is much closer to the water then mine, (molded swim platform is almost 24" off the water).You will find it much easier to re-board the dingy then I do due to the height advantage.

 

[Warren]

Thanks Jon, all..

Guess this thread is over as I ordered the 6" Hurley davit this morning. Your insights were very useful to me in making my decision and I extend my sincerest thanks!

Looking forward to the installation..
Warren