hi guys with winter upon us i am thinking of building davits for my boat to take an inflatable with the possibility to put a couple of 80w solar panels over the top of them and was after some inspiration.
thought if i could look at a few designs it would help
G'day Aus005,
Fitted davits to my Fisher 32 about 12 years ago and it was well worth the effort.
There is a US website Ocean Marine Systems which provided some good ideas. I assume they are still on the net.
Used a 4:1 purchase block system to pull up a 42kg hard dinghy which was adequate. Cam cleats for raising are a big help but its ultimatey best to tie off with a horn cleat. No chance of the dinghy self launching at one end that way.
I used 1'' dia s/s tube with the web support in 3/4" dia. Does not look too heavy that way.
Easy as with the Jarkan transom using the pushpit for extra bracing.
I regularly left the 2hp outboard on the dinghy when travelling. System would have a comfortable working load of at least 125kg. With the dinghy up its also a handy spot to throw all sorts of stuff in, fenders etc.
These pics are not the best illustrations but will give you an idea anyway.
I sold the Fisher mid 2013 after 15 years and its now with a happy owner in Melbourne. Now gone to the dark side with a Cummins powered Fairway 36. Happy wife.... Happy life. Still got a sailing tender though!
Cheers
John
I WOULD DEARLY LIKE THE SAME THING,DAVITS AND SOLAR ONLY ON A KETCH . any ideas ALSO WELCOME
You blokes are going to get me in the $hit. I keep telling the better half we can't have them because of the wind steering gear. (but secretly, they would come in handy when doing short runs in sheltered waters). I'd like a set of davits that folded up or slide back into the targa when not in use, so that when I arrived at the marina, I'm not going to be releaved of more of the sailing kitty for the 1.5 meter extension to the overall length of my home.
The original davit (pre-wind steering gear days) on my boat where too weak and had been bent. Each were made from a single 32mm tube with another tube inserted inside. Didn't work. Go for the double tube system with the gusset between. Make em strong to allow for the day you forget to remove the bung and the rain buckets down. Enclosed a picture so you will know what NOT to do.
ok so the consensus is build the truss type davit out of 25mm tube instead of the single arm arrangement with a brace under.
i could then put some stainless angle over the top to support the 2 solar panels.
you guys got any more pics and maybe some dimensions would be good (how long to make the arms ) 
This is mine, has 3 x 80w solar panels, The only problem is the lifting points are too far aft. When the dinghy is lifted it is not snug and needs to be tied to stop it swinging.
Marina Fees
I have a ketch with the mizzen boom extending after from the stern. Do marinas measure from the boom to the bow sprit for the price's or from the stern of the boat ?
If they charge from the boom end to the tip of the bowsprit , Then I could make some thing to hang a tender and solar panel on
With out worrying about extra Marnia fees
Just crank the topping lift on the Mizzen up until the boom is angled behind the stern? Looks odd, but would avoid any over length?
They will take your money
