Installing Weaver Davit system on molded swim platform

[rinkerhd]

Hello, and thanks for reading. 

I have  1992 Rinker Vesta Vee 30.  I am adding a Weaver Davit system on the back for my dingy and need some assistance from you pro's.  I can't see how to access the inside of the molded swim platform since it is so deep. 

The only thing that I can figure out what to do would be to drill through the entire platform and put longer bolts through.  Are there issues if I do this?  Does anyone else have any idea's? 

Please let me know if you have run into this before and if so, what you did.  Thank group.

[LifesGood]

Not sure I'd go all the way through.  As you tighten the bolts you may crush the glass on both sides since the space in the middle is hollow.  Some how you need to get in the empty space inside behind your engine.  You may need to make a special tool with an extension on it that holds the washers and nut in place as you tighten the bolt from above. You will also need a wood or nylon material "cutting board" cut to shape as a backing plate.  Otherwise, if the dingy catches water while underway or if some one jumps it the dingy really hard it may pull the bolts right through the glass.

Good Luck

LG

[Le Meez]

Our mechanic made a special tool like Lifes Good said. It was a long reach, longer than any mans arm, that's for sure. That's why I paid him to do it.

[rinkerhd]

I guess I better start looking for a technician, why is it that the simplest things become so difficult on aboat? 

[Lifes Good]

Yup it's always the easy stuff that turns out harder than planned.  Though this is where I like putting my thinking cap on.  So I have no idea how tight or even if you have some visibility but If you want to attempt this yourself this is what I would do.

Measure and pre-drill the backing plate. Same dimensions as the davit.

Drill the holes in the swim deck and match the backing plate to the holes topside. Mark this position on the backing plate. The backing plate should be at least ¾ to 1” thick.

Get a mirror if needed and a second person.

Purchase a 1/2" PVC pipe and on one end secure a measuring cup say 1/4 cup... you know the kind. The plastic one with a handle, that fits in the larger one and so on.  OK now fill that cup with firm putty to the top and slightly over say a ¼ inch.

Take the backing plate and put some 3-M 4200 quick dry on the top of the backing plate.  Put the other side of the backing plate firmly into the putty so it won’t move.  Place the backing plate up to the holes inside the boat. “Same position as you did above”  The holes must match.  Put the 4 bolts through topside.  Push up with the PVC pipe to get the caulking to stick and the bolts to hold.  You may need to hold this position for a few minutes to give it a chance to secure.
 
Now put the nut in the putty next the washer and then a lock-washer.  The lock washer will help keep the nut in place. Put some 3-M 4200 on the washer so it sticks to the backing plate and keeps water out of the boat.  Now on the swim platform, begin turning the bolts while the other person holds the cup in place until the threading begins. Work on the two furthest from you first then the two closest.  If the nut spins you can also put a wrench on the end of the PVC to help hold the nut from spinning.

If you are committed to the davit system and confident you can drill the holes in the right place, then I say go for it.  The worst that can happen is you turn the project over to a shop and half the labor is already done.

Good Luck and let us know how it works out!

LG

[rinkerhd]

Wow LG, great idea, it might work!  Thanks

[Lifes Good]

Looks like you caught the post I sent before I finished it.  Try reading it again.

Now it should make sense!

LG

[rinkerhd]

It made sense before, it got me thinking, but even better now.  Thanks

[rinkerhd]

Both of you, thanks.

Thanks again, I was racking my brain on this one, but you helped.  I am building a stainless steel plate, tacking the nuts on in the proper postion and tacking a handle on it so that it can be held in place while I screw in the bolts, You really did get me thinking, thanks again.

[Lifes Good]

You are welcome.  Sounds like you have come up with even a better plan.  Take some pictures if you don't mind.

[rinkerhd]

I will do so, thanks again for getting me started down the right path.