Frequently Asked Questions
 

Why a Hurley Davit™?

This hassle-free launch and retrieval system allows you to store your inflatable, with outboard, on your swim platform while giving you 1/3 more space. Made with light weight aircraft aluminum, stainless steel fasteners and hardware allows for a highly durable system. Easily mounted on the swim platform, this hassle free system lets you pull your dinghy on for easy storage or just push off for launching. Easily launched for an emergency and allows no growth on the dinghy.


How do I know it will fit my swim platform?

To determine that this system will work for you, measure the beam of your dinghy and divide by 2 and add 4 inches. If this figure is equal or larger than the depth (transom to the end) of your platform we have a Hurley Davit™ for you! This number can be tweaked, contact us for details. Extension mounts can be purchased for smaller swim platforms.


Why don't you use a roller system?

Many of our competitors that have chosen to copy our design have included rollers. Right off the bat when we first designed this system we opted out. The reason being is that it's like a trailer for your boat. With a bunk system you get more surface area contact allowing for a very stable ride. In addition, with our system, you can retrieve from either the front or side of the davit. The roller system only allows one way of retrieval and has a small foot-print for each roller for contact. The rollers don't really aide much in ease of retrieval and allow for more parts to corrode and breakdown.


Is my swim platform strong enough?

Usually, but not always, particularly if you are planning on cradling a heavy dinghy. We suggest consulting the manufacturer for the "safe working load" of your swim platform.


How should I plan my installation?

Take your time and plan your installation! The ideal position for the dinghy on the davit is to have the dinghy sitting squarely in the "cradle" of the davit and off-set the davit on the platform so that the stern (transom) of the dinghy is more supported due to weight of motor, etc. Measure twice and drill once!


Can I use the rails on my swim platform to mount my davit?

Yes. We have mounts to attach directly to swim platform rails.


How are davits rated?

Hurley Davits™ are rated on their ability to carry a "safe working load". For example, it is unreasonable to suggest that a davit with a safe working load of 300lbs. could cradle a dinghy weighing double that or 600lbs. Our davits have a very large margin of strength designed into them and simply do not fail if used within their designed ratings. However, allowing the dinghy to fill with water will create a bad situation. Remember to remove the drain plug if your boat will be unattended to any period of time.


Why use aluminum and not stainless steel?

When it comes to marine application metals, most people think of stainless steel. But aluminum is also a great choice. It’s lightweight, strong, cheaper than stainless, and doesn’t rust. But aluminum and stainless steel both are no match for the saltwater environment unless it receives the proper care.

One of the most effective ways to protect aluminum is E-coat (primer) and Powder Coat (finished coat). E-coat and Powder Coat is dry process using a special powder that’s sprayed onto the aluminum, then baked. The result is a skin coat that is much more durable then regular paint. Once applied, this finish is simple to maintain. Simply remove soot, salt, and grime by washing with a neutral detergent and washing with fresh water.


Can I remove my davit?

Yes! Hurley Davits™ that have the deck mounts have two quick release pins and can be removed in seconds for storage and only weighs approx. 16 pounds.


Should I tie the dinghy in place?

Yes! Damage or loss is certain to result if not tied down. The dinghy should be tied down securely from the bow and stern to prevent movement of the dinghy and shock loads coming from heavy seas. We prefer to see ratchet or cam straps used. If the straps become loose at sea, a simple pull on the ratchet lever or strap will snug the dinghy.


Can I take my boat in heavy seas with the dinghy on the davit?

Yes! We all know the type of seas we are generally comfortable and/or experienced in. You can carry anything you like on the davits up to the designed weight rating of your davit system. If you are planning a cruise and expect rougher conditions, consider double straping your dinghy to the deck. Double check the dinghy and make sure it's lashed tight to the deck . . . you cannot know what conditions you might encounter and bad weather is no place to discover that you should have paid closer attention.


Can I get my davit customized to fit my hard bottom dinghy?

Yes you can customize it. When ordering be sure to add "Customize For Rib" to your shopping cart. We will then insert polyethylene blocks that can be cut perfectly to match your Rib. This not only gives you a custom fit, but also adds strength to your system. Older models can be sent to us to be customized as well.


How hard is it to retrieve the dinghy?

The Hurley Davit system is nothing magical. It is a manual lift and depends upon how high off the water your platform is, how heavy your dinghy is, and of course, your strength.


Can I order direct or do you have dealers?

You can order factory direct or from a dealer. However, if you wish to have someone install your system a dealer has the tools and knowledge of your davit system for a proper installation. An alternative would also be your boat yard mechanic.