Snap Davits – Pros and Cons

Mymobo

Mymobo

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Hi could the forum let me know what they think of Snap Davits? Following my recent post on a tender, I am thinking that snap davits may be a better way to go to store the tender while cruising, do they cause drag while under way?

Thanks in advance.
 
No they won't cause drag.
The beauty of them is that you can drop the dinghy and attach the outboard without the ding drifting about.
Then pile all the booze and peeps on board safely.
Then start the 'put put' and cast off!.

Do they cause drag?
Do You mean will the ding cause drag?

Or the 'hinges'.
No matter really.

nickred is correct.
There are bleedin expensive for what they are.
Good kit I reckon though
 
Hi Kawasaki,
Yes I mean will the tender cause drag once lifted up when you are under way. Always thought it would be like having a kite on the back of the boat or am I wrong?

Thanks in advance.
 
have wanted some for a while but whilst spending several hundred on covers or even thousands on an engine seems palatable, the cost of snap davits is akin to day light robbery. So far a couple of cargo straps on the bathing platform suffices
 
I might try roping or straping the boat on the back of the boat first to see if I like it before buying the "The most expensive hinges in the history of man"

Cheers
 
they're the best thing we did to our last boat. Transforms the use of the dinghy and as long as you tie the dinghy to the transom when underway its no real issue. Consider whether you can get one and off via the swim platform when you're berthed (assuming stern to). We have some rope with a loop that leaves it in a stable position when berthed, leaning slightly backwards. Same rope secures it underway.

If you use the dinghy a lot, then do it. The convenience far outweighs the cost.
 
Biggest issue for me is that you have to take the engine, and fuel tank on and off....although for even more money Weaver will sell you a gizmo that let's you keep the engine on when you ltilt up the dinghy. Rigging some kind of strapping is never secure enough underway and looks nasty IMHO. Do you have space to store it while deflated? If you are going to have to take the engine off, save money on the davits and buy a top line inflater and find a place to store it when not in use.
 
Agreed - they are an excellent bit of kit, albeit expensive. Makes getting in and out of the dinghy and attaching/detaching the outboard a doddle/safe.
Also means the dinghy is kept out of the way yet ready for immediate use.

Never found a problem with the dinghy cluttering up the bathing platform - can either lower it down into the water or else tie it so that it's, say, half way down. Bathing platform is then free to use.

Never noticed any drag problem, except when one forgets to lift the dinghy out of the water /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
Wouldnt be without mine. No effect on performance. Had a support system made up with stainless that holds it vertical so no intrusion on bathing platform. As others have said, ready to use stable platform to step on with outboard etc. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
The Weaver Snap Davits can be a great asset for lauching and stowing a tender. There are a variety of styles depending on the type of tender you have. Soft bottom inflatable, RIB, or fiberglass. Will they cause a drag? Unless the ends of the tender extend beyond the transom there will be no drag. Most boats have a draft similar to autos and that helps hold it in place. In fact when I'm racing along at a brisk 7.5 to 8 knots with a stern wind, I will get a little bit of a push. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif You might check ebay.com and see what is offered. Usually a fraction of the retail price. I've had them for years and for the money are a great way to carry the tender. Stand-offs will also keep the swim platform accessible.
 
Generally like them. Really nice to be able to step down into the dinghy without hanging on. Also gives a stable platform for chucking the dog into the Avon. Main downside is trying to release them when everyone is in the dinghy. The downward pressure means you are effectively lifting the Avon out of water to get it over the lip of the catch. Can be a bit finger nipping
 
You can launch the dingy in 10 seconds single handed,it instantly provides a very stable platform to load up,takes seconds to unattach from the bathing platform when ready to go. Makes a great remote stern thruster.

Cant think of anything negative.
 
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