Bertram33 User Forum

This is a subject that has been visited before and like many I have searched for a way to handle the damn inflatable without breaking my back. None of the products available would either fit, looked good, or left behind too many ugly brackets or mounts when removed. So I made my own. The deck plate is welded to a pipe that extends down and is attached to the small shelf molded into the cockpit sole. It could be the toughest rod holder out there. I currently hang our 9 ft Caribe HBI. It had a 9.9 4 stroke but I put the little Merc 4hp as the dinghy was stern heavy (though fast) [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/P7200027.JPG[/img] Folded square [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/P7200029.JPG[/img] Ready to go [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/P7200030.JPG[/img] Removed [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/P7200031.JPG[/img] Deck Plate [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/P7250033.JPG[/img] Hanging high After hoisting I use ratchet straps to lock it down to prevent any movement. The heavy wall SS tube that plugs into the deck plate also extends up into the vertical post of the davit arm and takes the stress.

That looks great. You need to start selling them. Buzz

Yours is the best looking davit system for a Bert I have ever seen!

Very Nice! I think you have cracked the code on what is needed for the dinghy problem.

What do you think the max load that can handle is?

When designing these my goal was to match the commercially available units in capacity which is around 350# per pair. My RIB weighs around 145 and the Merc 4 2 stroke about 44#. These davits don't even feel that load. With the 9.9 yamaha 4 stroke at 91# plus about 15# for the fuel tank its a little harder to lift, but as long as its strapped in tight so it can't bounce it seems OK. No excessive flex. We use our RIB alot as the boat is on a mooring and we generally don't stay in marinas and this is the best thing we have ever added that removes a real PIA to enjoying the boat.

Nice Work

Very nice job. You wouldn't happen to have a picture of the way you attached the deck plates to the cockpit sole, would you? Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

Joe, I don't have a picture but the bottom of the pipe that hangs down from the deck plate fits over a short 4" long section of the same size tubing (turned to fit) that plugs into the top. A base plate is welded across the bottom of the short tube. The base plate is bolted to the shelf. The pipe and tubes were dry fitted, marked, drilled and cross bolted together to prevent any movement and to transfer the load from the coaming to the deck sole. If I did it again I would substitute a angle for the base fitting to adjust for the crown of the deck relative to the flat surface of the sole. I can get pics but that means removing the back panel...

Thanks for the info Bill. That will certainly handle much more load than either the swim platform mount or the standard gunnel mounts. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

Not to hijack the thread, but on a similar note has anyone ever seen a good bike rack? My wife always wants to bring bikes, but I hate the grease on the boat, tripping over them and wondering what part of the boat is going to get scratched. I caught someone last week on vacation with the bikes hanging off the back of the flybridge. It seemed like maybe a nice place, but required an adequate mount. It was a nice boat, and looked to be a well done setup. We were underway so there wasn't muh time to check it out.

Scott, I think the bike rack you saw was made by a guy on our dock that owns a plastics business in Norwalk CT. He was on vacation during the time of your inquiry. He has a 45ft. Post. He not only made the bike rack that attaches to his fly bridge rail, he also made the bridge enclosure. His company is Lorex Plastics. The phone number is 203-286-0020 or 800-569-1465 and the website is www.lorexplastics.com. I've known him a long time and my brother, who ownes a marine repair business, has used him a lot for boat hatches and wind screen plastic material. He specializes in custom work. His name is Ed and his prices are very reasonable.

What are the odds? That is great. Once again it was at a distance and was a Post or similar boat in Essex if I remembe right. I will contact him when I get a chance. Thanks.

I have to replace the splash screen on the flybridge at some point as well. Looks like he might be the man for the job.