Outboard Crane

[sandpiper10471]

I want to add a crane to my 37C to lift and lower the dinghy outboard. Doing a lot of single handing, I find the current procedure rather bothersome and somehow I am not getting any younger. A crane would be the ticket but there is little room around the stern rails.
Anyone with a 37C added one? If so, which brand was chosen? There are many fine ones on the market, although most are pretty pricey. Also, most rely on the sternpit for support and the original rail is not particularly sturdy. I am only looking at a six horse two stroke so the weight is not great.

 

[Ed Schenck]

I have the Garhauer radar pole on my boat Bill: http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=42 . If you click on the picture of the pole you will see a bigger image. That image shows their engine lift attached. I did not get that option. But my pole could easily lift an engine. In fact I probably should add that feature. My motor is only 2hp but is still a hassle to lift off of the motorboard and down onto the dinghy. You can see it in the picture.

 

[Ed A]

i like the geharouer.

you know which one i mean. this puter wont write wat i think
they are great easy to use well designed.

mounted on the flat mount just fits on the transom flange on top.
it was a little long because the boat is narrow aft. when you swing the motor in it wanted to go to the center of the rail and i would have to push the motor over to the mount while lowering it down. if i did it again i would order one a little shorter on the arm. was still lots better than hauling the motor up by hand. i used it with an 8 and a 15 with little problem. gaherhuer or what ever it is are great to work with.

 

[captainpat]

You will definitely save $ with the Garhauer. It is very well made and designed and is 100% stainless. I use the Garhauer radar pole with OB motor lift. I also had Garhauer custom design a wind generator mounting pole which I was very pleased with. The Garhauer stuff, however, is more heavily designed adding a bit more weight then others, if that matters.

 

[Bill1565]

I have a Garhauer on my 37c. Also had them on my Morgan 34 and S-2 7.9. Great unit. It doesn't rely on the push pit for support, only balance. The unit sits on a ball, like a trailer ball. Transmits load to the deck. The rail clamp just helps keep it vertical. As one of the Ed's said it is too long for the narrow transom, and you have to swing the motor over to the mount, but that is easily done from in the 37c, not necessary while standing in the Dink.

 

[sandpiper10471]

Thanks, guys for the input. One concern on the 37C is the narrow transom (and I am using davits with a 9 1/2 ft. Achilles and it is just fine) but my bigger concern is the weak rails. If feel mounting a 6 hp on that rail will be pushing it and hanging it off an arm almost a yard away from the gunwale will put just that much more stress on it.
I like Garhauer stuff and their motor lift would be my commercial choice. However, I might just laminate a curved post and cover it in carbon fiber then mount it on some kind of bearing so it can pivot. Will have to go to the drawing board.