Foldable & Swivelling Outboard Davit – Portable Crane (45 kg)

If you need a helping hand to move your outboard engine or other heavy gear between your boat and dinghy, the Osculati Foldable & Swivelling Davit (42.360.00) is the perfect solution. This clever device is essentially a portable mini-crane that you can attach to your boat when needed and stow away when finished. It’s specifically designed for handling loads up to 45 kg – which covers most small to medium outboard motors (e.g., 2 HP to ~10–15 HP four-stroke engines), a fuel tank or battery, or even a small tender if used in pairs. The davit is constructed from marine-grade aluminum (for the main boom) combined with stainless steel (for critical hardware and brackets). It’s strong yet lightweight – the entire unit weighs only ~5 kg – making it feasible for one person to use and store.

Key Features:

• Foldable Boom: The davit’s boom has a hinged design, allowing it to fold roughly in half. When deployed, it stands about 135 cm tall with a 50 cm outreach (sufficient to clear most guardrails or gunwales). When folded, it collapses down to only 75 cm in length and about 38 mm in diameter (basically the size of a folded umbrella or a rolled-up deck chair). This compact form factor means it can be stored in tight spaces on board. Osculati includes a dedicated storage bag, so after use you can rinse the davit, fold it, and tuck it into the bag to keep everything organized and to avoid scratching other equipment.
• Swivel Base Bracket: The davit comes with a mounting bracket system that attaches to your boat. The base is designed for quick mounting – it uses a slip-on bracket with a locking pin. Typically, you would install a small plate or bracket on a solid surface (for example, on the cockpit coaming, transom, or a cockpit floor near the stern). When you want to use the davit, the bottom end of its vertical tube slots into this base and a pin secures it. The base allows the davit to swivel so you can swing the load inboard or outboard as needed. When not in use, the bracket is low-profile; some users even install multiple brackets on different parts of the boat (port or starboard side) so they can use the davit in various locations as required. The socket size is Ø22 mm (7/8″), which is a common size – meaning in some cases it can fit into existing rod-holder bases or canopy bases if those are strong enough. Because the davit is portable, there’s flexibility – for instance, mount a bracket on your foredeck to lift heavy anchors or equipment, and one on the aft to handle the dinghy motor.
• Hoisting Mechanism: The davit is equipped with a hand-operated winch/hoist mechanism. At the top of the boom, there is a small pulley block and at the lower end, a built-in hand-crank or hoist with rope (depending on the exact configuration). You attach the hook (stainless steel) to your outboard or load, and then either pull the rope or turn the integrated handle to lift the item. The inclusion of a stainless steel snap hook and pulley makes lifting smooth and reduces the effort needed. There’s also a safety lock to hold the position once lifted (so the rope/strap won’t run back out). Essentially, one person can raise a 40–45 kg motor steadily without needing a second pair of hands. Once the load is lifted to the desired height, you simply swivel the davit arm gently to move the load over to the target location (e.g., from over the water to over the deck or vice versa).
• Materials and Finish: All materials are chosen for the marine environment. The aluminum sections are coated with white epoxy paint – this not only gives it a clean, non-intrusive look (it blends with white boat interiors/exteriors) but also provides an extra layer of protection against saltwater and UV exposure. The stainless steel components (like the rotation pin, hook, and brackets) are AISI 316 grade, which means they can handle continuous exposure to saltwater without rusting. Nylon inserts are used where needed to ensure smooth folding and to prevent metal-on-metal binding. The overall build feels robust despite the unit’s compactness – it’s engineered for stability when lifting within its weight limit.

Usage & Benefits: This foldable davit is a game-changer for single-handed boaters or couples, as it takes the strain out of moving heavy gear. For example, lifting an outboard motor (which might weigh 30–40 kg) from your dinghy to the deck of your sailboat can be dangerous if done manually – there’s risk of injury or dropping the engine into the water. With this davit, you attach the lifting hook to the engine’s lifting eye, crank it up effortlessly, then swing and set it down safely on the rail mount. It also works in reverse to lower the engine onto the dinghy transom without sudden shocks. Aside from motors, you can use it to hoist scuba gear, batteries, jerry cans of fuel or water, and other cumbersome items from a dock or tender. When used in pairs (one on each side of the transom), some people have even lifted small inflatable tenders completely out of the water for short-term storage (45 kg per davit, 90 kg total, though for a full tender + motor this capacity may be limiting – check your tender’s weight).

One of the greatest benefits is that after you’re done, you can quickly dismount and fold the davit. It doesn’t become a permanent fixture or eyesore on your boat. Space is at a premium on any vessel – this device recognizes that by being portable and stowable. Its small storage footprint means even on a 30-ft sailboat you can find a spot for it (like a cockpit locker or under a berth).

In summary, the Osculati Foldable & Swivelling Davit is an ingenious tool for boat owners, combining the functionalities of a crane and the convenience of portability. It’s strong enough for common tasks (45 kg rating), simple to set up, and compact to store. Built with corrosion-proof materials and a user-friendly design, it becomes almost an essential piece of kit for safely handling heavy gear on board – saving your back and avoiding accidents during those critical transfer moments.