What in the world are these? Davits or something?

[Sailor Scotty]

I work at a marine consignment store in Portland Oregon and recently pulled two of these from the depths of a long lost storage unit... After spending a few hours on google and even contacting the manufacture (Vetus) Im still no closer to figuring out their application. Any one have any ideas?
There is a pair of them and they are square, made out of aluminumm and are 79 inches long-3 inches wide and have 1 inch ratchet straps attached to them. There is also stainless steel mounting brackets located on the base. Im stumped Thanks for your help!!!

 

[Stephan]

That is exactly what they are. I remember those. They were circa 1992 (at least that was when they were first [and last] in the Defender catalog.

Cannot remember who the manufacturer was, but they were a fairly simple device and worked pretty well for lighter boats (definitely not for RIBs).

Back then they were offered for $234.95 a set, with an option for a stabilizing cross bar for about $40.

Cheers

Stephan

 

[Stephan]

Oh yeah, missing in the images you posted are the curved arms that held the tender. They slid in the channel in the aluminum "rail", for easy adjustment. A quick release allowed you to launch the boat. The arms pivoted.

S-

 

[Sailor Scotty]

Thank you so much! This is truly an amazing site

 

[SamLust]

See? You never know who is lurking around this site!