Dinghy davits - any DIY designs / experience?

[Chris Forbath N30C - #27 "Scatter" Penetanguishene]

I've read through a few threads on dinghy davits. Curious if anyone has come up with their own DIY design that works well and costs considerably less than what's on offer in the marketplace (now wish I'd taken engineering instead of history, although engineering faculty probably very relieved).  Regarding davits in general, has anyone found them to be more expensive or more hassle than they are worth? I suppose it very much depends on how often you use your dinghy... 

Many thanks.

Best,

Chris

1979 NS 30C - Scatter #27

Penetanguishene, ON

[Bob Neches (Solar Wind, N26C #143)]

Chris,

I can't give advice on davits beyond suggesting that you say a bit more about your sailing interests, dinghy preferences expected conditions, and intended uses.  Sailing interests because your ideal design will differ depending on your concerns about the mainsheet catching.  Expected conditions and dinghy preferences because that will affect what weight it'll have to bear and what forces will be acting on it.  Intended uses because that will affect how concerned you want to be about ease of access and whether you want removable or detachable.

FWIW, I did some work trying to help the U.S. Government improve how they design, build and buy things.  You may wish you knew more engineering, but I knew a lot of engineers who I wish knew more history.

-- Bob

   Solar Wind

   Nonsuch 26C #143

[Mariner's Cat V 26C Brentwood Bay BC]

Many folks in the Georgian Bay tow, using commercially available towing gear and home made rigs. Probably $200.   Then there are davits and dinghy tow solutions, more money ( $1500)  more secure.  There was an article on building your own davits in GOB a few years ago based on laminating wood with epoxy. 

Towing a dinghy and motor takes some careful thought. I you are travelling up the North Channel and you lose you dinghy, well that is pretty much the end of the vacation ...... and even a used dinghy and motor going to cost you at least $800

Every summer I hear folks calling on 16 announcing a lost dinghy..

On Friday, July 2, 2021 at 8:37:38 AM UTC-7 Chris Forbath N30C - #27 "Scatter" Penetanguishene wrote:

[Chris Forbath N30C - #27 "Scatter" Penetanguishene]

Bob and Thor - thanks for your responses.  I don't even have a proper dinghy at present. The one that came with the boat might make a decent wading pool for the dog, but it's at the end of its life as far as being a dependable tender / lifeboat.  So I'm looking for an appropriate (ideally relatively newish secondhand) RIB (the current dinghy has plastic floorboards). I've only day-sailed since getting Scatter late last August. Once I've amassed some experience sailing further afield, I expect I'll know then if davits are the way to go for my needs.

Best,

Chris

1979 NS 30C - Scatter #27

Penetanguishene, ON