Carver 356 aftcabin swim platform davit question

[cpoint]

Hi all, I am looking for a davit that's cheap and does not hinder the back when not in use. Preferably a pull up one, that slides into place when one wishes to use. I found some but they are ridiculously priced for 2 little metal posts. But my question is more so the 2 sets of 3x screws on swim platform. They do not look like they are holding anything, and I looked at similar models and they did not have it. Are these possibly placed there for installing Davits? anyone know? I will post picture this weekend when I get to it. If they are designed for that I can custom make something possibly. But not sure the screws have re-enforcement under the (inside) swim platform. They do not go all the way through so one can not see it way under the platform. I am not sure they are holding the swim ladder as they are not exactly on where the ladder is under platform.

[cpoint]

looks like I had a picture of what I am talking about after all. there are 6 screws in swim platform (shown with red arrow), what are these holding?

[DanM]

Those are not stock so someone added them for what probably was a davit or roll up system.

[cpoint]

That's what I am thinking also, now I need to find cheap davits that can fit them without having additional holes. Is there any access to see inside the swim platform from anywhere?

[Viper]

If it's a hollow platform, first look under it to see if someone has cut access holes in those locations and installed access plates/covers. Pretty sure you can gain access through the aft cabin behind the bed. Just don't know in that particular model how much access or how far back you can get but it would be a stretch. Does yours have an auxiliary fuel tank back there? It's also possible that they used blind anchors so you don't have to access the underside.

[cpoint]

I do have aux tank, not sure exactly where. I will look back there this weekend.

[Elliott]

On my 355 , I looked into the swim platform. i did this because i was examining the small night table and noticed it is designed to dismantle. Lift the top, it will click, then you will be able to see , and take pictures of, whatever is underneath those 6 holes. My opinion is that the previous owner installed heavier load distribution plates behind blind nuts, and it is probably glued to the underside surface.
I did this on mine to install a lifting crane

I will look for better pictures

[Lyndon670]

That will be a hollow platform and your AUX tank will be there. You can gain access to it by removing the panel in the aft cabin that is along the transom. Its a PITA to get in there but it is doable. I installed under water lights on my buddies 97 355 and had to get access through there.

[cpoint]

Elliott thanks, did not get around to it last year with other issues about. I will check it out this time around, I am hoping it is as you suggest. If so I can just screw in the Davits I purchased easily. You know when an owner does something like this they should document it for the next guy

[Elliott]

I could use your help on two separate counts. The first is easy. How do I post a question or a topic on this site, if I am not replying to anything. I can not find any button that says post new topic, or something like that.
2
As I am far from my boat, I can not measure this. How high (in inches) is the top of the swim platform from the water.
I am thinking of making my own flip davits and I want to know if it will be too high to pull a boat up sideways.
Thanks