Dinghy Davits

[Mike Brown]

I've ordered and will install Kato dinghy davits on our 43. They recommend reinforcing the upper transom where the lower davit mounts. Has anyone installed davits and of so added reinforcement?

Mike

[Gavin White]

Hi Mike

I see you haven't had much uptake on this and I haven't got any words of wisdom either.  I am interested however in how you got on.  Kato is not a brand we have here and I would be keen to know how the fit went and which model and parts you went with etc along with a pic or two.  I may look at ordering and getting a family member to bring down at Christmas. Hope this is not too much trouble.

Thanks and regards

Gavin

[Mike Brown]

Gavin, thanks for the note, yes I did install Kato davits. The installation was pretty straightforward other than I had to strengthen the transom by using expoxy and marine plywood as a backing plate. There was too much flex in the area where the bottom mounts were bolted on. I also had to add vertical stern rail supports as the railing just isn't up to handling the weight of an 8hp outboard and a 125lb hard bottom dinghy. Kato makes high quality products which I thought made the cost worth it. I went with the cross stabilizer that will support solar panels when I'm ready to install them. I got a chance over the last 3 days (especially today) to see how well they work. So far minimal to no movement even in 2-3' choppy seas. I posted some pictures for you to see what they look like. Hopefully you'll be able to see past all the other crap I have hanging off the back of the boat. Let me know if you have any questions.
Mike
Mike