Portland Pudgy Davit

[Jfrano]

Likely will be going with a PP in the spring. So trying to understand my options for a Davit.
- Weaver - I see the hinges which offset from the swim deck, how are people pulling the dingy in? Rope, tackle, winch
Etc.
Also do I have to remove the engine?

Thanks

 

[dbsea]

Depends on so many factors and there's endless options out there. I have the standard weaver up/out davit mounts and davits on my cutwater, with the 260RIB 8.5ft dinghy. I also have the weaver winch attachment built into my cockpit overhang (factory option), although I have no problem lifting the dinghy up freehanded with a rope. I'm also only 41 and 6'4 / 220lbs.

The outboard is another story. It definitely has to be removed unless you have a seawise davit system or weaver lever equivalent that tilts the motor into a vertical position as the dinghy lifts up. I do not have this so I took a different approach. I have a Tohatsu 4 stroke 6hp, and it weighs about 60lbs. While I am capable of lifting it from the motor mount to the dinghy, it scares me in all but the calmest conditions. I am in the process of installing a Garhauer crane on my swim step to handle this task so I don't end up injuring myself or losing my motor in the drink. 🙂 This was the best option for me, as installing a more robust or automated davit system would require removal of the swim step railings and I like them.

There are endless threads on this topic on this forum - I think I even started one recently as I was doing my research.

 

[Jfrano]

On the Weaver offsets, how far forward will the dingy rotate?
Is it difficult just to pull the dingy and tie off to cleats?

 

[baz]

I installed the PP on my 2009 RT25 Classic. Here's a shared photo album for your review. It shows how I setup to raise and lower the PP using a 4:1 block and tackle (see video).
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1A5GV49akift

 

[Jfrano]

Excellent, thanks so much. Gives me clear idea.

Debating on gas va electric motor. What was your deciding factor?
How long does it run open throttle. How long run with say 1/2 throttle?

Thanks
Joe

 

[baz]

Excellent, thanks so much. Gives me clear idea.

Debating on gas va electric motor. What was your deciding factor?
How long does it run open throttle. How long run with say 1/2 throttle?

Thanks
Joe

1) Gas vs. electrical is really a personal choice and with a set expectation and requirements. I went with Torqeedo as it was something that could be employed quickly with minimum setup, and being electrical would/should be 100% reliable to operate vs. gasoline that may not. The only advantage for gas motor was that it could propel the PP faster. I found the Li-ion battery for the Torqeedo will hold a good 85% charge level even being left for 5 months without being on a charge. The Torqeedo tiller display provides GPS co-ordinates (this could be a life-saver knowing your location). The Torqeedo breaks into 3 pieces (Shaft, tiller, and battery), so its 35 lb weight is distributed between these 3 making it very easy lifting and moving it about, one piece at a time.... also makes it easy to find storage space for it.

2) My requirement for the Torqeedo motor was that at a reasonable 1/2 throttle and 2-3 people on board it had to get me to shoreline within 20 miles, and if this failed it would mean one had to use the oars. Note: The 20 mile requirement has never been tested. 😉

 

[Jfrano]

How tall are the two of you ?

 

[baz]

How tall are the two of you ?

I'm 175 lb, and 5'-10" tall, and quite a young energetic, springy 78 yr old. :lol:

 

[dbsea]

On the Weaver offsets, how far forward will the dingy rotate?
Is it difficult just to pull the dingy and tie off to cleats?

I have weaver stand-offs on my dinghy to keep it perfectly vertical. it would tilt forward maybe 20 degrees, then hit my swimstep if i did not. I am able to lift it from the water just standing on the swim step. to answer your later question on this thread, i'm 6'4". 🙂

Here's an image from my survey haul out, you can see the angle / way the davit is designed. this is pretty standard from my understanding.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0X1DWIE ... S2dsE_CRVg