Swim platform dinghy lift

[clovehitch]

My wife and I own a 1988 Carver 4207. We are interested in installing an Olson Mfg ST-275 tilt davit dinghy lift on the swim platform. Has anyone installed one of this davits and if so what is your opinion on the lift.

[Viper]

Welcome aboard.

It's not a difficult install and they are a good fit for a shallow platform. They're bulky so you can't stow them on board but you can put it in the water and out of the way for the most part when you're anchored and want to use the platform.

[clovehitch]

Thank you for your experience with the davit.

[Viper]

I've also found that the higher you mount the pulley on the transom, the easier it is to get the dinghy out of the water. For securing the dinghy in place though, it works best if you have a lower tie down point on the transom for securing everything while underway. The type of pulley you get will also make a big difference in the amount of effort needed to pull the dinghy out of the water. The less the effort though, the more pulls needed to complete the travel....pulley science.

[clovehitch]

Thanks Viper.
We are leaning heavily toward this tilt lift.

[Tbw5959]

Viper - we are also eyeing the Olsson ST-275 davit. Would you mind describing how you mounted it to the swim platform? We're looking at putting it onto a 466 swim platform, and with that being an integrated box structure I'm wondering if we'd have to cut holes in the platform deck in order to put in some backing plates etc? Thanks much

[Viper]

Cut access holes in the bottom at both fastening areas then cover the holes with solid access plates. Usually a 5-6" cutout makes it easy to work with, then just get a plate large enough to cover the cutout and accommodate screw holes for the plate. You should be able to get 8" round plates. Just make sure you seal them properly, 3M 4200 works fine.