Stainless Steel Tender Davit – 120 kg Fixed Deck Crane

The Osculati Stainless Steel Davit (42.352.01) is a simple yet robust solution for handling tenders or other heavy items on board, using the strength and shine of stainless steel. This davit is a fixed (non-telescopic) crane arm that is typically used in pairs to lift a small dinghy or PWC, or singly to lift an outboard engine, life raft, or similar equipment. With a load rating of 120 kg per pair, two davits can safely support a tender or load up to that weight (approximately a 8–10 ft inflatable with a lightweight motor, or any gear under ~250 lbs when distributed). The construction is straightforward: it’s a single 40 mm diameter stainless steel tube formed as a davit arm, mirror-polished for aesthetics and corrosion resistance.

Installation & Use: This davit employs a flush deck mounting system – it comes with a stainless steel deck socket (or base) that installs permanently at the desired location (commonly the aft deck, swim platform, or cockpit coaming). The installation involves cutting a hole for the socket and bolting it in place; the socket’s top is flat and low-profile. The davit arm itself can slide into the socket when you want to use it, and then be secured with a locking pin or bolt. When inserted, the davit stands upright and ready; when removed, the socket has a cover so that the deck remains clear and flat. This way, you don’t have a permanently raised davit in the way – you can stow the arm when not needed.

The height of the davit and reach are optimized for general use: it will typically stand about 60–70 cm tall above the socket (installer can adjust insertion depth to tweak height if needed) and reach out roughly 75 cm from the base. It’s designed to get a tender just far enough off the side or transom to clear the hull when hoisting. Unlike swivelling models, this davit in use is usually kept fixed in one orientation during lift (often angled slightly outboard). You may mount a pair at a fixed angle outward to lift a dinghy between them.

Hoisting Mechanism: Simplicity is a key feature – this davit includes a pulley (block) at the top and a lifting strap/rope so you can manually raise and lower items. Essentially, think of it like a gin-pole or a fixed block and tackle: you attach the nylon webbing strap or rope to the object (there might be a hook or loop on the end of the strap for convenience), run it through the top pulley, and pull down on the free end to lift the object. The bottom end of the strap is typically secured to a cleat or the base of the davit once the load is up, or you can tie it off to a nearby strongpoint. Because of the mechanical advantage of the pulley, moderate weights can be lifted by one person without a winch. For example, to lift an outboard, you would secure the strap around the engine (or hook onto its lifting eye), then haul on the rope – the pulley at the davit head changes the direction of pull and halves the effort (if it’s a single pulley with one line doubled, it’s a 2:1 advantage). It’s a simple, fail-proof system – no winch gears to maintain, and very little can go wrong.

If using two davits for a tender, you’d rig one on each side of the dinghy with their straps, then have two people simultaneously (or one side at a time carefully) hoist the dinghy out of the water. Many boaters use such a setup to store an inflatable tender slightly above the water at the stern – it keeps the dinghy safe overnight or during passages, without needing a full davit kit or crane.

Durability and Maintenance: Being made of AISI 316 stainless steel, this davit is built to last in the harsh marine environment. It won’t rust or degrade even if left installed for long periods. The polished finish gives it a “yacht grade” look and also makes it easier to clean (salt and grime wipe off smoothly). Maintenance is minimal: occasional rinsing and a polish will keep it shining. Because it has no moving telescopic parts or winch, the potential points of failure are minimal. The nylon strap should be checked periodically for wear (since webbing can degrade from UV after many seasons; it’s easily replaceable or you can use a rope if preferred). The deck socket has a robust design, ensuring the loads are spread and the connection is secure.

When to Choose This Davit: This stainless steel davit is a great choice if you prefer a simple, strong and elegant solution. It might be favored by those who don’t need the extra complexity of telescoping or swivelling arms. For instance, if you have a 25–35 ft sailboat and just want a basic way to lift your small dinghy’s outboard on deck, this single davit could do that job well. Or if you have a pair on the transom of a motorboat, you can lift a lightweight dinghy clear of the water without installing bulky permanent davit arms. Because they’re removable, you maintain the boat’s aesthetics and avoid interference with docking or sail handling when not in use.

In summary, the Osculati 42.352.01 Stainless Steel Davit is a reliable, no-nonsense deck crane. It leverages high-quality materials and a straightforward design to provide the functionality you need (lifting up to 120 kg in tandem) with minimal fuss. Its removable nature and integrated pulley make it convenient and user-friendly. Whether used as a single unit for engine lifting or as a double for a tender, it adds capability to your boat while maintaining a sleek look.