Dinghy engine lifts..narrowed down options?

[star302]

After searching thru forums and internet, it seems the most recommended dinghy engine lifts for our 6hp engine would be Garhauer, Kato230 or St Croix Little Crane...
The thought would be first to find the one easiest to use, installation and also be able to be stored away when not in use. We have a Hunter356 and being new sailors, we are trying to make the right decisions from the start..Thank you to those that have been such a great help to us with all our questions.
Best,
Lauri

 

[kjretlaw]

There are a lot of choices out there, went with the Garhauer lifting davit. Mounting the lift base between the arch and the seat rails. It's out of the way if it's left up, but breaks down for storage. It swings quite easy so the motor can be picked up with the dinghy at the back of the transom or along side. The engine is stored on the cross bar of the arch so it's out of the way as well. With a 6-1 lift it easy for my wife or I to lift the Honda 9.9 which is about 100 lbs.

 

[star302]

Do you have a picture of the way you mounted it? Having it mounted out of the way like that to us would be the best option.

 

[jeff356]

As a new 356 owner and also to sailing we are facing the same issue with a Tohatsu 6hp motor. Have you also considered Ocean Marine Systems motor lift? Just got our tender and the outboard and transferred off the stern in a still calm anchorage but it can be a beast. Will follow with interest.
Jeff

 

[Chief RA]

Just asking, but is the topping lift, boom and mainsheet an option for this? I know it is used to retrieve a person overboard if necessary.
Chief

 

[jeff356]

I use the topping lift to deploy an anchor sail and pull it forward to help launch the dinghy from the fore deck but the boom end is too far forward of the aft rail to easily pick the motor up and lower.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Ocean Marine would be a good choice I think. We have their davits. They have access to the Hunter design specifications. So it will fit properly and not damage the stern rail etc.

I would look carefully at how a motor on a lift will work if you have davits. On our boat I would have to remove the cross bar on the davits to allow the lift tackle to swing the motor close enough to put it right on to the stern rail. Or I could lift it off the dinghy with the davit tackle and then switch to the lift tackle once the motor is over the swim platform.....

I find using the starboard davit to lift the motor off the dinghy and up over the swim platform it is then an easy lift for me the rest of the way on to the stern rail outboard bracket. Much less drama than standing up in a dinghy with an outboard motor and then trying to step up on to the swim platform .

On a H356 you will probably want to mount the outboard on the starboard side of the vessel.

Bob

 

[seadaddler]

Garhauer

I have Garhauer motor lift and Ocean Marine Davits,
it's not a perfect straight up and down and the davits
does get in the way but I just pull on my 8HP Yamaha
to line up with the dinghy mounting position and moving
the dinghy forward to port.
Nick