Davit Flex...how much is normal?

[oceanjake]

As per my other thread, I successfully lifted my whaler aboard today. I was watching closely how it loaded up as I know the whaler is heavy and likely near capacity. When coming under load, the tip of the davit comes down a good 6” as the whaler hangs. The arm itself is not bending. The deck plate is not moving. Where is the flex likely coming from? How much is normal? I did notice after the whaler was aboard and davit was lowered that I can get about the same abount of flex by putting my 160lb self over the end of the lifting arm. Again, zero flex in the deck or arm. Davit pivots smoothly. Nothing feels sloppy. Thoughts?

[Glory]

I lift a 700# RIB with a 70's style Pipe welders, tube style davit it's likely flexing 4-5" maybe 6.

[rsmith]

6" is a lot I'd pull the gas tanks out before I'd pic the whaler. I've seen snapped davits at sailor man it's not pretty

[gbharrington]

It is likely that the flex is coming from the area between the deck plate and the brace or the bend. The closer you get to the deck plate, the higher the loads.

[rsmith]

If it's like mine the stand pipe goes through the deck down into a closet and fastens to the deck in the closet. I had the screws that hold the bottom plate rot out SS into AL and the only thing holding the davit support pole from kicking was the carpet it was glued to.