Presto Marine Tender Lifts

[ttmott]

I need a better solution to get the dinghy on the back of the boat than the hydraulic crane davit I have. I've looked also at several other lifts including a swim platform system; I really don't want the maintenance issues with the mechanism under water. The crane davit can get a bit hairy with the boat tossing in rough water as the tender must be picked from the side of the boat then you have to swing the davit around. I've contacted Presto Marine and awaiting their call back but I really like their concept. I see also that @LG111 has one and I've reached out to him for comment.
Does anyone else have the Presto Marine XL 500 davit system? Your thoughts on it?
I'm not interested at all with the Hurley, Weaver, or other like systems.
This is the davit I currently have and I'll keep it; it is handy to lift things from the dock and the outboard from the tender.
Thanks
Tom

 

[Creekwood]

I know two people that have had the SeaWeed systems and they seem to be great for larger dinghies. What I like about them is that you keep some of the space on your platform. They are pretty heavy duty. Pricey, but what isn't.
https://seaweedmarine.com/

 

[ocgrant]

Tom,

I am with you and very interested to see what you come up with here. I called all the platform lift companies last week thinking I might pull the trigger but $35k installed for something that is high maintenance like you say with all of it being in the water I am just not convinced I need that headache. My Hurley works but it is a 2-3 man deal to launch and retrieve, not ideal. Can't wait to see your direction.

 

[ttmott]

Tom,

I am with you and very interested to see what you come up with here. I called all the platform lift companies last week thinking I might pull the trigger but $35k installed for something that is high maintenance like you say with all of it being in the water I am just not convinced I need that headache. My Hurley works but it is a 2-3 man deal to launch and retrieve, not ideal. Can't wait to see your direction.

They are based in Sweden. They sent me to their closest dealer which happens to be in Merritt Island - where I live....
So anyhow it appears the full up system on slide rails is a tick north of a third the cost of the other hydraulic lifts. 1000 lb capacity.
I sent them the dimensional data on my boat. It appears there are a lot of variables so the system can be fit to the boat. About a 2 week lead time.
He also said the arms (J-brackets) can be removed the lift can roll back and lay down out of the way.
More to follow.

 

[Stee6043]

They are based in Sweden. They sent me to their closest dealer which happens to be in Merritt Island - where I live....
So anyhow it appears the full up system on slide rails is a tick north of a third the cost of the other hydraulic lifts. 1000 lb capacity.
I sent them the dimensional data on my boat. It appears there are a lot of variables so the system can be fit to the boat. About a 2 week lead time.
He also said the arms (J-brackets) can be removed the lift can roll back and lay down out of the way.
More to follow.View attachment 110596

If something marine-accessory related has only a 2 week leadtime right now you have to ask yourself why nobody else is buying them!

 

[ttmott]

If something marine-accessory related has only a 2 week leadtime right now you have to ask yourself why nobody else is buying them!

I don't understand that. Where are you getting "nobody else is buying them"; they are somewhat of an expensive investment right? Are you hearing they don't work very well or there are issues?

 

[Stee6043]

I don't understand that. Where are you getting "nobody else is buying them"; they are somewhat of an expensive investment right? Are you hearing they don't work very well or there are issues? Or just speculating...

Light hearted reply only. Hence the . I know nothing of those davits. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Skybolt]

Tom it sounds like you have what your looking for, but you might want to take a look at this: https://thedinghydavit.com/
I received a quote from them. I'll find it tomorrow and send it to you.

I was going to get that but my wallet opted for the Hurley H3O instead. Like @ocgrant mentioned, a two person job for the most part.

 

[ttmott]

Light hearted reply only. Hence the . I know nothing of those davits. Sorry for the confusion.

All good thanks for the clarify.

 

[ttmott]

Tom it sounds like you have what your looking for, but you might want to take a look at this: https://thedinghydavit.com/
I received a quote from them. I'll find it tomorrow and send it to you.

I was going to get that but my wallet opted for the Hurley H3O instead. Like @ocgrant mentioned, a two person job for the most part.

Thanks Orlando - I looked at that also; came across it in a google search. It won't work with our 52DB's as the swim platform is part of the hull. Plus the operating gear is still under water for the most part.

 

[Skybolt]

Thanks Orlando - I looked at that also; came across it in a google search. It won't work with our 52DB's as the swim platform is part of the hull. Plus the operating gear is still under water for the most part.

Thats right, I didn't think that one through. The under platform connection(s). Good luck getting this setup looks interesting. Post back how you made out when it's all going.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I know two people that have had the SeaWeed systems and they seem to be great for larger dinghies. What I like about them is that you keep some of the space on your platform. They are pretty heavy duty. Pricey, but what isn't.
https://seaweedmarine.com/

I actually like the simplicity of the Sea Weed system, I just hate MFer's that are so damn proud of rather simple systems. Its folks with way too much money to fork over that give them the permission to charge those rates. I get the argument for charging what the market will bear but I just can't see the value for spending that kind of money. You can buy a ten thousand pound two axel roll on trailer for that kind of money. I like the Sea Weed Design so much as a matter of fact that I think I will build one and I'll do it for way less than $1500 out of 316 SS tubing.
My second choice would be the Presto lift which I think is very reasonably priced for how complicated it is. That one would be a much more difficult design to replicate for sure and well worth buying.

 

[ttmott]

First - thank you @LG111 for your detailed experience with the Presto installation you have.
I've had two conversations with Presto and they will be meeting me at my boat to go over the details.
I appreciate the info on the Sea Weed system but it simply doesn't check the boxes for ease of use and non-intrusiveness if that is a term. Hanging off the back of the boat like a pissed off porcupine and thoughts of bumping into the dock would no doubt easily damage the system and/or the boat.
Unfortunately the SeaLift folks (also here in Merritt Island) were to get back with me and go over their installation when my boat was out of the water but they never followed up. Anyhow I'm past having the mechanism under the water and and the maintenance associated with it. If the Presto rep can get me through some configuration questions for my boat I'll probably pull the trigger for that system.... I have learned that the Presto marine assembly is all stainless steel; originally I thought it's structure was aluminum....

 

[Jaws]

Tom,
I had the Seaweed system on my previous boat and can attest to the high quality and ease of use, but you hit the nail on the head. It does hang off the aft of the platform when not in use. However Rudy, the owner, designed a quick release option that removes the two load arms with a simple un-pin and twist. I didn't have that option but wish that I did. I found the Seaweed Tend'r Rollers dead simple to use and a heck of a lot easier and quicker on retrieval than my current GHS platform system.
As with some other systems, Seaweed can only be used from one side. Hope that helps.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

First - thank you @LG111 for your detailed experience with the Presto installation you have.
I've had two conversations with Presto and they will be meeting me at my boat to go over the details.
I appreciate the info on the Sea Weed system but it simply doesn't check the boxes for ease of use and non-intrusiveness if that is a term. Hanging off the back of the boat like a pissed off porcupine and thoughts of bumping into the dock would no doubt easily damage the system and/or the boat.
Unfortunately the SeaLift folks (also here in Merritt Island) were to get back with me and go over their installation when my boat was out of the water but they never followed up. Anyhow I'm past having the mechanism under the water and and the maintenance associated with it. If the Presto rep can get me through some configuration questions for my boat I'll probably pull the trigger for that system.... I have learned that the Presto marine assembly is all stainless steel; originally I thought it's structure was aluminum....

We will be looking forward to pictures of the installation. Do you know if they can do it in the water or does it need to be done while in the hard. I know @LG111 was done while hauled.

 

[ttmott]

We will be looking forward to pictures of the installation. Do you know if they can do it in the water or does it need to be done while in the hard. I know @LG111 was done while hauled.

It seems everything can be done in the water for the 52DB. Under the swim platform is part of the lazarette which is accessed from the engine room hatch. Here is a photo looking back under there -

 

[LG111]

We will be looking forward to pictures of the installation. Do you know if they can do it in the water or does it need to be done while in the hard. I know @LG111 was done while hauled.

It can be done in the water, but I highly suggest it be done on the hard. Really needs support from both sides to line the stanchions up 100% aligned.

 

[LG111]

Tom, I sent you a bunch of pictures to your number several days ago. Did you get them?

 

[ttmott]

Tom, I sent you a bunch of pictures to your number several days ago. Did you get them?

I did, they are a huge help - Thanks! Sorry I didn't confirm, it's been a bit of a crazy week.

 

[LG111]

Thanks for confirming .

Best,