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Replacing my Davit

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by motoryachtlover, Jun 11, 2018.

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  1. motoryachtlover, Jun 11, 2018
    #1
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    smithfield, VA
    Just got back from my big annual cruise and my 1000 lb manual davit with 120V “winch” gave me more trouble than I am willing to put up with. Are hydraulic davits more reliable than electric davits? Salesperson is saying that the hydraulic pump, sump, and motor are below deck and out of the elements. He is recommending hydraulic “winch” and hydraulic boom with manual rotation. My main goal is a reliable davit. What are the forums thoughts on the reliability of hydraulic vs electric davits? Has anyone dealt with YRM (makes davits) out of Miami? Any other recommendations on a quality davit? Thanks for your time.
  2. Capt J, Jun 11, 2018
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Hydraulic davits are pretty reliable. I am not too familiar with YRM other than seeing them on a few yachts. Marquip has been the leader in davits in the size you're looking at for a long time.
  3. Lenny, Jun 12, 2018
    #3
    Lenny

    Lenny Member

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    YRM is the best company in the USA, no kidding. Chris, the boss, is unbelievably special. Disclaimer, I have no financial interest in the company in any way. I have been using Chris for years for many difficult projects. For example. We needed a new passerell. Took the old one and manufacture a beautiful, new light weight one. Upon installation, it was not level. We had new teak decks installed, not by them. The teak people did not reinstall the receiver at an angle, as before. NOT YRM fault. YRM fixed the receiver, no charge. He apologized that he did not notice it. REALLY. 100% not his fault. Needed a new boarding ladder, could have gone to Marquip. Went to Chris, same price, really custom beautiful ladder. These are first class people. I am sitting now on the aft deck of my boat in Ibiza. When our painter redid the varnish he lost the chrome receivers to hold the aft gates open. VERY difficult part to manufacture. I am looking at them, done by YRM, perfect.
    As to Hydraulic vs Electric. I am an engineer. We just replaced the entire hydraulic system on my boat, read very big job. One of the reasons was to replace the electric anchor windless, single, with duel hydraulic. All other things being equal, they never are, hydraulic is far more reliable, especially on a boat in the salt water.
  4. captainwjm, Jun 12, 2018
    #4
    captainwjm

    captainwjm Senior member

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    Miami, FL, Cape Elizabeth, ME
    Avoid Nautical Structures; horrible customer service.
  5. motoryachtlover, Jun 12, 2018
    #5
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Thank you all for your replies. I to like Chris. I worked with him when he was at UMT. I have read on here about Nautical Structures and am not looking at their davits. Will take a closer look at Marquipt.
  6. Pascal, Jun 12, 2018
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Take a look at Quick Lift of Miami. I had one on the 70 footer I ran for 9 years and their service was fantastic. They also do chocks.

    A few years back I had a pump failure while in the Exumas, within 24 hours I had received the part.

    And about Nautical Structures... I have sent them the credit card form almost a week ago and I am still waiting to hear back when they will replace the frayed davit cable...
  7. motoryachtlover, Jan 30, 2019
    #7
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Got back down to the boat and used my new fully hydraulic Steelhead davit sold and installed by Bullhead Marine in Stuart. Amazing how much easier it was to use. Also very quiet were as the old electric UMT davit would wake the dead. Can’t say enough good things about BullHead and its owner Dennis Speck.
  8. winesk, Mar 9, 2019
    #8
    winesk

    winesk New Member

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    I have had good experience with Steelhead. Make sure you get a model with power rotation.
  9. Capt J, Mar 9, 2019
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I have dealt with Chris when he used to be at UMT and can say that he was very good and I had a very good experience dealing with him when he was at UMT.
  10. Cruz, Mar 9, 2019
    #10
    Cruz

    Cruz Member

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    So glad it worked out for you. A year + on we continue to love our Steelhead over the electric UMT it replaced. Zero issues and a joy use.