would this work for davits?

[Del Wiese]

I want to put davits on my 89 Legend 37, but this idea would work on a variety of boats (if it works). The thought is to install two horizontal stainless steel tubes extending aft from the stern rail, with a tube at their end between them, forming a "U" from the stern rail. The horizontal pieces extending from the stern rail would be supported by a stainless steel wire from the top of the mast to a point about 10 feet above the "U", with two wires attached at this point and connecting to the ends of the tubes extending from the stern rail. I thought about using the back stay, but decided not to put more load/stress on it. Seems like this would be very strong, very simple and most important, very inexpensive. I am going to jury rig one up using the main halyard and either 2x2 wood or PVC pipe, to determine if it will work. Could be made to be easily removed for day sailing or racing, only installed when cruising. Looking for feedback, what are your thoughts, am I crazy, are there alternatives or things I am not considering?

 

[Colin]

Intersting concept.

Like inventive people hope you follow through and then tell us how well it worked.

 

[Don Alexander]

Backstay

Del,A novel innovation. Re the backstay - the extra load will also be transferred to the forestay in any case so, if the dinghy is light enough, ie. small inflatable, then the additional loading on the rig might not compromise its integrity.I would worry about catching it on anything and bringing the mast down though.It might be better to provide prop from under each of your horizontal tubes and back to the hull if there is room.