Ahoy,
Having just recently purchased our 1998 Catalina 36 MKII we are going to install a davit for our dingy. Looking for advice from other sailors who have installed and chosen a davit. Installation is not a concern more choosing a quality davit from a professional and service orientated company. Although choosing the right company may make the install easier.
I have been researching on line and have narrowed my search to: Forespar, Garhauer Marine, Kato and Martek. Do you have experience and recommendations with any of the above. Or endorse another company? I have a 10x42 Zodiac with a 6 hp out board approx. 200lbs. I know I should include some stein rail support.
As an option has anybody installed an arch on a Catalina 36?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Fair winds and smooth seas
Amoore
Gina & Louie
You can search this site and receive a lot of great insight on the subject of davits. We have the heavy duty Garhauer units (installation artice in Mainsheet) and have been happy with an 8ft, 200 lb dinghy/ small engine. I had the boat out in rough conditions yesterday (not by choice)and was pleased on how it handled 6-10ft+ waves/swells on down-wind and broad reaches. No water contact with the dinghy despit taking a wave or two over the aft quarter. Secure tie down is as important as the davits.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Don't have davits, but FWIW, I can only say good things about Garhauer. Their products seem well made and good value for the money, and I've worked with them in the past to dial-in/customize parts to our specs/needs (see, for example, our upgraded traveler. www.catalina36.org/comment/55992#comment-55992.
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY