Weaver vs other snap davits

[sandman1]

I'm considering installing swim platform mounted snap davits. Weaver seems to be 'the name' in snap davits but at a price premium. Wetline / IBS snap davits can be bought at almost half the price of Weavers. I'm wondering about the quality of the cheaper versions. My dinghy weighs about 22kg so is well within the stated 55kg capacity, and will be used inland so not subject to rough seas. Does anyone have any experience of Wetline / IBS? Are they up to the job? Any other issues to consider?

 

[sandman1]

Before I buy, surely somebody has bought non-Weaver Davits?

 

[pvb]

Well, I haven't bought any yet, but I've looked at them. The IBS davits look to me to be the ones made by Ceredi in Italy. Typically, they're about £190. The genuine Weaver ones look to have more substantial rubber pads. You can buy genuine Weaver davits on eBay for about £250, so I'd probably spend the extra £60 and get the more substantial ones.

 

[neale]

My dinghy weighs about 22kg so is well within the stated 55kg capacity, and will be used inland so not subject to rough seas.

Taking these facts into account I would go with the cheaper option and save the cash.

 

[tico]

Ive had the IBS ones and yes they are Ceredi made in Italy. They are fine, did many miles with the tender mounted on them and used them hundreds of times (often 4-5 times /day). Just take care when fitting that the pads are stuck down really well (same applies to any davit patch) and ensure that you can 'hook on' easily when the tender is deployed.

 

[anniebray]

I have the Weaver type davits which I think are the Italian copies. Very pleased with them & combines well with the stern cockpit door (Sadler 290). Will soon be looking for a 12v Stannah lift then should be sailing till I'm 90.
My davits come with SS pockets which are bolted to the transom, and the davit with its sliding sprung latch projects about 100mm. I usually manoevre the dinghy alongside the transom drop one of the SS hoops (fixed to the dinghy via a rubber pad) over a davit & apply pressure which causes the latch to operate. Dinghy tethered , then its quite simple to latch the other davit. A little bit of a worry coming alongside because the davits are about 8mm dia & could be unkind to your dinghy. Ive had 2x 15stoners aboard in the dinghy hitched to the davits no problem. Gluing the SS hoop + rubber assemblies should be carefully done, one of mine is getting to be unstuck. For your typical PVC dinghy, I think this is best left to a professional (also repairs....DIY only temporary). I use Rib Repair in Brockenhurst.