Adding Davits to an E37
Date: November 19, 2001
From: Stefan Sargeant stefan@thevermonster.com
I am considering getting davits for the back of my E37 Ketch. The problem is, my skiff is a 12' fiberglass Carolina Skiff, with a 15 horse Merc. The total weight of the skiff with motor is 280 lbs. Is this too much weight for the E37 and is the length of the skiff too long for a boat with a 11'6" beam? I have visions of being up on big heal and burying the skiff in the water.
Date: November 19, 2001
From: Paul C. Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
Stefan,
While I don't feel qualified to truly answer your question not being an owner of a 37 or navel architect, I do know that the transom of all Endeavours is solid glass. What I have read is that many builders will reinforce the transom area with a plywood core to add stiffness even if only adding a stern ladder. Obviously davits and a dinghy weigh substantially more than a ladder with a person on it so proper support and stiffness should probably be a concern.
The other thing you should consider is that you'll be adding a lot of additional weight off the back end of the boat which will accentuate any tendency for the boat to pitch in a seaway.
Like I said, I don't have any real advice and can only play the Devil's advocate in this case.
Date: November 20, 2001
From: Carl Hibbard Chgypsy@aol.com
Hello Stefan,
Your beam may be 11' 6" but your stern definately isn't. I have not seen anyone with davits on the stern of an E37 for this kind of weight. The ones that I have seen were inflatables with the pipe supports actually replacing part of the stern outer sheet tracks, as you have to maintain clearance for the rear cleats.
Date: January 30, 2002
From: Frank D. Boensch FDBASSOCIATES@compuserve.com
Gary,
We have an E-40 and I installed davits from Kato Marine in Annapolis. We have had them for 9 years and they have served us well. We have an 8&Mac226; Avon with a 5hp outboard. While they may recommend rigid links to keep the davits in line, I used cable with turn buckles to tie to the sail tracks on either side and wire with turnbuckles to keep the arms in line. The installation was simple in that I did not need to through bolt the base of the davits. I used lag screws and went into the teak caprail. If you think about the loads they are vertical and shear loads so nothing is trying to pull the screws out. Kato has plastic blocks with stainless bolts which attach the davit to the stern pulpit. I replaced the blocks this year as the sun had gotten to them. If you have questions let me know.
Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2002
From: Robert Servis rservis@pmgpays.com
Davits. We are currently putting KATO davits on our E43. Looking good so far... But having to add a second pair of supports from stern rail to deck. Reason is the split stern rail. This will add a couple of hundred bucks but should be extremely sturdy. The transom is about 1" thick solid fiberglass. Built like a tank.
Date: January 31, 2002
From: Jonathan A. Richards Endeav35@aol.com
The Endeavour 38 I purchased late this fall came equipped with Atkins and Hoyle davits. They are massive and appear to be a good quality product. Although I have not yet had the chance to work with them, I noted one negative, that being when not carrying the boat you cannot swing them inboard out of the way like some of the lighter stainless steel units I've seen advertised. They will just hang out over the transom like claws. The other side of the coin is the SS units do not appear as substantial as the A&H units, although they in fact may be. I suggest you check out the A&H website, they have a selection of units and I might add, they are very responsive to email inquiries.
I now have two ten foot inflatable boats, both the RIB that came with the E38, a Carib, and an all soft Avon I used with my now sold E35. Both are gray and white. Unfortunately, until I get a chance to use both this summer I won't be in a position to know whether I want to keep one or both. It's a classic buyer and seller coming together at the wrong time. When you decide on the davits make sure whomever installs them uses appropriate backing plates under the deck and teak rail.
Date: May 20, 2002
From: Michele Marquez michelemarquez@bellsouth.net
Hi there,
Does anyone have any experience with mounting davits (Edson) to the stern of their Endeavour? We found a pair of Edson Compact Davits for $350 and were wondering if it is possible, worth the time/effort, safe etc... to mount them to our 37' Endeavour. Any comments or opinions on Davits for dinghy's?? thanks,
Date: May 28, 2002
From: Robert Servis rservis@pmgpays.com
I have had KATO davits installed on Calypso's Ketch (E43) and they work great. We added 4 braces to stern rail over the transom . Two on each side, of the gangway opening, from the top stern rail to the deck. On each side, the most outboard brace is just inside where the top rail curve begins and the inboard partner is just outside of the most inboard stanchion. We had to add the second brace to each side because - with the split stern rail, there was some 'wobble' with one brace (per side). Thus, there are now two top rail to deck braces about a foot apart on each side of the gangway opening in the stern rail.
Also, there was some concern that the davits + dinghy would put torsional strain or twisting on the transom, but we have seen no problem in that area. We have an 11 foot Caribe light dinghy
