Side mount lift davit for kayak on 29 Tug

[colburnp]

Fellow TugNuts,
Rather than trying to re-invent the wheel, I'm asking if other Tug owners have a lift system for loading/unloading a kayak on the roof rack? My theory is some sort of mounting bracket which would be on the starboard (best for my application, but port side would work too) side, near the fuel cap, into which the lift pole, block and tackle, etc. would mount when needed for use (but removable when not needed so it's not always in the way.) My kayak is a Hobie (the pedal kind) which weighs ?60 lbs. I need to be able to load and offload by myself.
I've looked at Kato Marine and St. Croix products but need some advice on any products and how to proceed. Photos would be wonderful. Thank you for your consideration in this quest.
Cheers, Patrece Colburn. (Just Right -- Ranger Tug 29)

 

[ray]

There are a number of folks over on the C-Brats site that have made these, some custom lengths. Some good info and photos there. Garhauer marine seems to be one of the favorites, and have worked with folks to customize lengths, etc.

http://www.c-brats.com

 

[rick&sue]

Another possibility is Atkins and Hoyle - Ontario, Canada. I'm waiting for delivery of a crane from them - due anytime.

atkinshoyle.com

Rick

 

[The Bud's Tug]

Hi Patrece;
We have a St Croix which I installed on the rear port side of our 29. I have picture on my album showing the crane. Be sure you order a pole that is extra length...I believe 6 feet. We are have 2 Hobie's as you can see from the picture. It's easier with 2 people but if you are only putting up 1 Hobie it's doable.
Don

 

[Captmike]

Hi, we have just such a lift on our R-29. Works great. We have a 60 lb inflatable up top. Andrew was able to get one from Florida but I don't know the maker. contact Andrew and he should be able to help. Mike

 

[Tym]

Hi Patrece,

Like Don in "The Bud's Tug", our Circle T has a manual St Croix davit mounted on the port side of our 2010 R-29. If you look at our album in the owners album section of this website, you'll see some pictures which might be helpful. We use it to hoist both our dinghy and our 2 person kayak on to their roof racks. Works great, and provides an unobstructed view behind.
Tym

 

[colburnp]

Great photos. Looks like that's exactly what I'm looking for. Just one quick question -- does the davit stay in place all the time or is it removable? All things considered, even if it were removable, it might not be worth the trouble?
Any photos of the "base" mounting (inside and out) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tlkenyon]

Is there any reason why the St Croix could not be installed on a 25sc? I have been wondering how we are going to get the kayaks up and down from the rack.

 

[Glen]

I recently mounted the St. Croix Junior Crane on my R-25 SC. Don mentioned getting the longer pole length which is a good idea. The crane is very easy to remove (pull a pin and lift it out of the brackets). The quality is excellent. I mounted it to the side of the cabin just aft of the head window. I made a plastic spacer (about 5/8 inch thick) for the top bracket which leveled the pole and enabled it to clear the trim on the upper side of the tug. I also had stainless backing plates (for inside the boat) fabricated to improve both the strength and appearance.

 

[Spinner]

Can't wait to see your new kayak hoist, Glen! What size and weight of kayak will that hoist work for?

 

[Glen]

The crane is rated to lift 200 pounds and the arm has a 40 inch reach. Since the arm pivots about 270 degrees the crane does not create any limits to the length of the kayak you can lift from the water and position on the rack. I hope that description makes sense…. bottom line is that it can lift any size kayak from the water and position it over the rack, you just need to make certain the top of the crane is high enough to lift the kayak over the rack. The limiting factor is the strength of the rack.

 

[colburnp]

Any information on mounting (backing plate?) the Junior Crane?
Does the handle ratchet both ways?

 

[Nellie Too]

My friend, who created and certified at 200lbs but tested it to 800lbs a lift with an electric winch has a few left for classic R-29s. It is built on a track which can be rolled from side to side to launch a kayak or dingy from either side with a 3' boom. You can view one on our photo site which is installed on our boat, the Nellie Too. If you are interested, contact me with a pm.

Bob