Quite some time ago, I began thinking about the davit portion of this project. I have seen all the styles out there and was less than eager to go with one of them. The best of the group (IMO) was the one Less was working on but it has 2 big draw backs as well. Mounting on the gunnel, you loose the ability to safely go forward on that side of the boat, and being a fixed davit you have to contend with the workboat look all the time.
Originally I was going to use the starboard side and simply use the area behind the head which is totally unused space. Then I got into shrimping and needed to switch sides to mount the puller.
The davit is made from aircraft grade aluminum and all support hardware is Nitronic 50 Stainless. Exotic materials were not necessary but why not use the best stuff on your own boat? It has been proofed to 600 lbs which is way conservative but more than sufficient for my needs. For hoisting the dingy or in a MOB situation I will use a small block and tackle arrangement. The puller will do any heavy lifting.
On the port side I use that rear cabinet for life jackets and fishing gear and once everything was shoehorned in, I only lost 1 lifejacket slot.
The puller is a commercial lobster pot puller and was chosen for it's ability to bulkhead mount. It only stands off the wall 2 1/2 inches and will surely do what I want, pulling shrimp pots.
I have had brief conversations with C-dory about the davit and when I get home this time a disc of construction photos will be forwarded to them. Who knows, you may have a factory davit option some day!
Mike
