If you perform a search in this forum, you should find many posts on davits.

I can tell you that I installed Garhauer davits which I felt were very strong and well built for a reasonable price. There are some geometry issues with their 2007 design (unsure if it has changed) that caused me some diffulties because of the way I wanted to install them.

I was pretty impressed with the Ocean Marine System for davits which does allow the geometry of installation I desired, but at the time I let price/value be my guide.

Good luck.

Someone on our forum suggested that two Garhauer motor lift davits would be another option for davits. Since we already have one dinghy motor lift, that sounded like a good option to me. Of course, horizontal stabilization would need to be considered, as well as the dimensions of standoffs depending on the size of your dinghy.

Stu, I have a Garhauer motor lift, in addition to the dinghy davits.

With all due respect, I would not feel comfortable at all using the motor lift in place of the davits, at least in my situation with a fairly heavy dinghy/engine.

I suspect that the standoff dimensions you rightfully note would also preclude the motor lifts working for that purpose.

I’m very happy with my davits. I went with Garhauer largely because price and the factory happens to be close to home. I also ran into some, as Duane put it, “geometry issues” but there was a work-around. I installed a ½ in starboard spacers under the pivot bases. That elevated the davit sufficient so a horizontal bracing was out of the way and the rail clamp could do its job. Newer or older model 36’s may not have this issue.

Also, the railings themselves (mine anyway) are only lag screwed in. I believe most with Mk2’s have installed diagonal SS bracing from the swim step up to either side of the railing. Without reinforcement of some sort, I think the whole arrangement would be a little too wobbly for anything other then the smallest/lightest of dinghies.

I have Weaver davits on the transom. As I only have a small dinghy and small motor I don't need a complex davit and lift system. With a small dinghy I don't have any problem when the boat is heeled. Thoroughly recommend this system for simplicity cost aesthetics and convenience.

[QUOTE=deising;10296]Stu, I have a Garhauer motor lift, in addition to the dinghy davits.

With all due respect, I would not feel comfortable at all using the motor lift in place of the davits, at least in my situation with a fairly heavy dinghy/engine.

I suspect that the standoff dimensions you rightfully note would also preclude the motor lifts working for that purpose.[/QUOTE]

You're right, but it all depends on the size of your dinghy/rig.

[url]http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5718.0.html[/url]

I didn't make this up, someone else did and it worked for them. Just another option to consider, may not always work for you.

YMMV (your mileage may vary) is what comes to mind, Stu.

I don't doubt someone has made such a rig work for them, and if it really suits their needs in the long haul, that's great.

As always, your contributions as a stalwart C34 owner are most welcome.

[QUOTE=deising;10301]YMMV (your mileage may vary) is what comes to mind, Stu.

I don't doubt someone has made such a rig work for them, and if it really suits their needs in the long haul, that's great...[/QUOTE]

I do NOT disagree. All I can say is that the OP's design criteria were this, as in the link within the link I originally posted above.

He said: [I]"...but without adding permanent davits for my 32 ft Catalina[/I]."

Inasmuch as this is what he had in mind, and that he already had one motor lift, I simply thought it was an option to pass along.

Won't work for everyone, and, as you say, YMVV.

And, your boat, your choice.

Enjoy.:)

PS - No pun intended for "in the long haul?" :):):)

I have "Kato" davits on my boat.
I have never regretted my decision and I would do it again.

I do have stabilizer bars on my davits to take the load off my railing. IMHO that is essential for a solid support system.

Just a question here. While we were in the Bahamas last year we came across a few boats that had a dingy lift system that was like a long arch. It has 2 pivot point where it connects to the bottom if the arch then a cable in the center of it where it is raised and lowed. Then the arch comes up into a set of chocks where it is secured with the dink attached. It looks like a very simple system but just wonder who makes them.