L_B_2015_04_

The Dish on Davits

Todd Hurley of Hurley Marine explains how the right davit makes

loading your dinghy a breeze.

LB: What are the benefits of bringing a tender

aboard using a davit?

Hurley: Instead of towing a dinghy behind your craft, you

easily can bring it aboard to eliminate performance-robbing

drag. The low-profile storage position on Hurley Davits

provides exceptional stern visibility.

LB: What factors should be taken into

consideration when choosing a davit?

Hurley: Platform and dinghy measurements, as well as

weight, should be kept in mind. We advise choosing the

best davit for your boat and letting that dictate your choice

of dinghy. Remember that dinghy size and weight may

impact trim, performance and the structural integrity of

your vessel. While some boat owners get around this by

towing their dinghy, it’s neither

safe nor practical.

LB: Are davits hard to install?

Hurley: Hurley Davits are easily mounted with simple hand

tools, even when the vessel is in the water.

LB: Is it difficult to remove a davit?

Hurley: Hurley Davits neatly and easily stow elsewhere

by removing the pins.

LB: What if the boat has a small swim platform?

Hurley: Hurley offers davit mounts in a variety of sizes.

For smaller swim platforms, we offer 36-inch mounts

for our Traditional and H2O (Hurley’s Second Option)

Davit systems. You can use our Davit Mounting Chart

at HURLEYMARINE.COM to determine which size works best.

LB: How hard is it to retrieve a dinghy?

Hurley: The Hurley Traditional and H2O davits are manual

systems. How much strength is required depends on how

high off the water your platform is and the weight of the dinghy.

Some customers add either a winch or block-and-tackle for

assistance. Our H3O (Hurley’s Third Option) provides a

winch to easily lift heavier dinghies or a lightweight Jet Ski.

LB: What materials are used to construct

Hurley Davits?

Hurley: Our Traditional Davit is constructed of lightweight,

marine-grade aluminum, electro-coated to military

specifications with isolated stainless steel fasteners and

hardware. Our H2O and H3O models are made of marine-

grade, high-density polyethylene with polished 316 stainless

steel components. These superior materials are chosen for

their light weight, strength and durability.

LB: How is the dinghy secured to the davit?

Hurley: We recommend our three-point tie-down system.

Secure one at the bow, the stern and another over the inboard

pontoon. More tie-downs can be added if needed. We

supply illustrations on our website. We also recommend an

Outboard Motor Strap to keep your outboard in the “up”

position, so it doesn’t come crashing down during transport.

LB: Will a loaded davit withstand high seas?

Hurley: You can carry anything up to the designed weight

rating of your davit system, even in rough seas. Double

check the dinghy and make sure it’s lashed tight to the deck.

Always run with your drain plug out and the tender covered.

LB: How are davits rated?

Hurley: Hurley Davits are rated on their ability to carry a

safe working load. They have a large margin of strength

and simply do not fail when used within their ratings;

however, allowing the dinghy to fill with water will create

a bad situation. Again, remember to remove the drain plug

if your boat will be unattended and while underway.

LB: What’s the price range of davits?

Hurley: The starting price for Hurley’s Traditional Davit

is $889.95, the H2O model is $1,289.95, and the H3O

retails for $1,789.95.

LB: How does one determine if a dinghy will fit on

a particular davit?

Hurley: Simply fill out the Davit Worksheet on our

website so we can suggest the correct davit and components

for you. ★ PHOTOS COURTESY OF HURLEY MARINE

by Elizabeth Altick

ASK THE EXPERT

Elizabeth Altick

specializes in recreational

marine, cultural and human-

interest subjects. She was

formerly executive editor

of a recreational boating

magazine.

CONTACT

Hurley Marine Inc.

1125 Lake Shore Dr.

Escanaba, MI 49829

906-553-6249

HURLEYMARINE.COM

towing their dinghy, it’s neither

safe nor practical.

HURLEYMARINE.COM

Hurley H30

22 APRIL 2015 | LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Expert_APR15.indd 22 3/2/15 11:58 AM