I am trying to get some information on the best way to install Weaver type davits on a friends Mariner's swim platform. I understand that there is very little space between the top and bottom of the platform, and am looking at what other people have done.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
1999 Carver Mariner 350 davit installation
- Thread starter Naut Home
- Start date
The swim platform is integral with the boat. The swim platform forms the top side, and the hull forms the bottom side, with about an inch between the two. If you start drilling thru the swim platform you would go thru it, then you would enter the one inch space, then if you kept drilling you would go thru the bottom hull (which is above the water line). I hope this makes more sense.
We had weaver davits on our Mariner. You are correct about not a lot of room in the swim platform. The were unable to be through bolted and the yard ended up mounting them with screws and 5200. It worked fine but in my opinion wasn't ideal.
max
max
I'm getting ready to install Weaver davits on our Carver Mariner 350. I have studied this and determined that the spacing between the top and bottom is more than one inch. The top layer of the swim platform is one inch thick. You can remove the hand grip between the swim ladder to get an idea what the spacing is. I'm going to install a Weaver "Quick Kit" first. I'm going to use 2 Weaver "Toggler Anchors" for the front bolts (the 2 furthest from the swim platform edge) and 2 stainless sheet metal screws for the other 2 holes.
I completed the davits installation this weekend. The swim platform top layer is about 1 1/2" thick. About 1/4" fiberglass on the top and bottom of 1" wood. I drilled pilot holes to make sure of the clearance between the top and bottom of the swim platform. The clearance measured about 4" nearest the edge of the swim platform and about 3 1/2" at the location of the other holes. That is because of the bottom of the swim platform angle. I also decided to use Weaver "Toggler Anchors" on all the holes instead of sheet metal screws. I had another set of anchors as a spare and it just felt stronger.
Thanks for the reply. Are your davits spaced wide apart? eg. are the davits close to the port and starboard edges of the boat? When I was in his engine bay, there seems to be more space at the outboard areas than in the center 6 feet.
There is about 3' to 4' spacing between the davits and are offset from the centerline to the starboard by about 2'. So yes, the davits are within this center 6' area you mentioned. The dinghy is 10' long and the beam of the boat is about 12' so it is centered on the platform. There is more space on the outboard sides cause the bottom of the swim platform is angled in this center 6' area. It was not a very difficult installation once I got over the fear of drilling 1/2" holes for the toggle anchors.