420/44 DB Owners Club

[Robf]

Rob, I researched many different davit systems and after determining that I did not want to invest in a retractable swim platform let alone adding the weight and maintenance issues I decided that the Nick Jackson was the way to go. As luck would have it I ran into a boat owner that had abandoned his, opting to use a crane davit as his boat had a hardtop to stow a dink on. He made me a great deal on his old Nick Jackson. It did not have the reinforced supports that would be required for installation on the 44. Many boats have a solid transom that will support the fixed anchor required to pull against. The 44's transom is not structural to the hull at all. It is really just a molded locker screwed to the deck. I built a hard point to install on the aft end of the flybridge deck out of a 3/16th SS plate to use as the anchor point. I opted to keep mine removable and much to my surprise the Davit only weighs about 65 lbs. I use a removable 12 volt cord that is stowed in the transom locker when I need to use davit. This made the install and portability simple.
The davit handles my Achilles 350 center console that weighs in at about 450 with ease. It rides solid as a rock in moderate short chop which is about as bad as we get in the Bay and Delta with a couple of lines or ratchet straps to the aft cleats. It takes me about ten minutes from the bed of my truck to being ready to load the dink when I am planning to need the dink on a cruise. Down side is while the davit is installed one needs to mind the support cables when traversing the swim platform. I mitigate that by tying to port so guests don't have to pass under the cables. I can give you specifics as to the install if you like. I have been really happy with the set up. Cheers
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Rusty, thank you! I am going to look further into this to see if it would be an option for me as well.
Rob

 

[craigswardmtb]

If you have 30k burning a hole in your pocket than check out Sealift's hydraulic platform. The best solution IMO that has additional upside aside from being a reasonable davit system for your dink.
With that said mine was damaged in a storm and i am awaiting the install of an entirely new lift system. However i mostly chock that up to an abnormal weather event that even damaged other peoples fixed swim platforms at our marina. 2 boats even sank. It always could have been worse.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

If you have 30k burning a hole in your pocket than check out Sealift's hydraulic platform. The best solution IMO that has additional upside aside from being a reasonable davit system for your dink.
With that said mine was damaged in a storm and i am awaiting the install of an entirely new lift system. However i mostly chock that up to an abnormal weather event that even damaged other peoples fixed swim platforms at our marina. 2 boats even sank. It always could have been worse.

I see a lot of those Retractable platforms on boats and they do seem nifty but I just don’t see the justification for the exposure. They are just to damn fragile IMO for the investment. I sure don’t see folks getting any of that back when they sell the boat. The other Davits that attach to the surface do limit the platform use though so the concept is cool as hell. My compromise was making mine portable as I have the space to store it and room in my slip for a floaty dock for the dink.
Cheers

 

[Tomco]

Well I finally got a couple hours to start my aftercooler cleaning and gear cooler replacement project. I managed to get both aftercoolers and gear coolers off, as well as the airseps. Man, that port side aftercooler is not fun to get to. I expect putting it back together will be a pita... Epecially threading those lower bolts that secure the lower mounting bracket to the aftercooler. Now I need to get the cores out and start the cleaning project.

Took mine off in fall to service over the winter. I removed the plumbing from the turbo to the aftercooler - it made access a whole lot easier. The lower bolts were on very tight (locktite?), I used my torque wrench and a socket to get the leverage … didn't find it too bad.

 

[Tomco]

Has anyone with a 44 or 420 SD found gelcoat stress cracks on the fore deck? I've got a series of cracks about 18 inches long in the radius between the forward stateroom hatch and the fender lockers. They have been there since I bought the boat 5 years ago and don't seem to be growing. Just wondering if this is common.

Rusty, mine has them as well. Was like this when we purchased. Are you planning on doing anything about it on yours?
I was once told that if the gelcoat is too thick it can result in stress cracks. Since it is in the same spot, it might be seeing a little more deflection that was designed for.

 

[my3sons]

Use a piece of all-thread or take one of the 3 bolts that hold the aftercooler to the top bracket to the hardware store and match it up to one that is longer. Cut the head off and thread it into the aftercooler so you can then hang the aftercooler in position from it. It'll make the reinstallation a whole lot easier than trying to hold that thing up there while starting bolts.

 

[Tomco]

If you have 30k burning a hole in your pocket than check out Sealift's hydraulic platform. The best solution IMO that has additional upside aside from being a reasonable davit system for your dink.
With that said mine was damaged in a storm and i am awaiting the install of an entirely new lift system. However i mostly chock that up to an abnormal weather event that even damaged other peoples fixed swim platforms at our marina. 2 boats even sank. It always could have been worse.

We have the hydraulic platform and really like the extra 'deck' space it provides for entertaining. New to us so don't have the experience of others but there hasn't been any major problems with it (15yrs) as everything is still original. I like a clean uncluttered swim platform so this design works for us.

 

[craigswardmtb]

Use a piece of all-thread or take one of the 3 bolts that hold the aftercooler to the top bracket to the hardware store and match it up to one that is longer. Cut the head off and thread it into the aftercooler so you can then hang the aftercooler in position from it. It'll make the reinstallation a whole lot easier than trying to hold that thing up there while starting bolts.

That is definitely the plan. I used that trick on my old 360's manifolds every time and it made it so much easier..

 

[Robf]

I appreciate everyone's comments on the davits/platforms. The $30k "burning a hole in my pocket" is not a problem I have! While it is possible, I am looking for a more economical solution for a rigid bottom dink with console. I have considered towing it as I boat on inland waters, but that seems like a real hassle. The Nick Jackson davits seem like a great compromise between the two, assuming the cost is substantially less! Once I get the deal closed on the boat, I will definitely be searching in earnest as my hope is to have it installed while on the hard getting everything else up to speed.
Rob

 

[swaterhouse]

I appreciate everyone's comments on the davits/platforms. The $30k "burning a hole in my pocket" is not a problem I have! While it is possible, I am looking for a more economical solution for a rigid bottom dink with console. I have considered towing it as I boat on inland waters, but that seems like a real hassle. The Nick Jackson davits seem like a great compromise between the two, assuming the cost is substantially less! Once I get the deal closed on the boat, I will definitely be searching in earnest as my hope is to have it installed while on the hard getting everything else up to speed.
Rob

Have you looked at the Hurley H30 (or if heavier the H30+)?

https://hurleymarine.com/shop/dinghy-davit-boat/h3o/

I have the H20 on the 44 DA, basically (maybe even exactly) the same swim platform as the 44 DB and really like it. My dinghy is 350lbs and can lift it without a winch but I do have the electric winch and it makes it super easy to handle.

 

[Robf]

I have looked at these before when I had a 390, and the swim platform was too shallow for the davit system. I have not measured the depth of the platform on the 44 to see if it meets the requirements or not. My dink weighs in around 500, so would have to go with the 30+ with the electric winch to make it doable. Maybe Rusty can weigh in on the platform depth!
Rob

 

[b_arrington]

Have you looked at any of these?

http://www.dinghydavits.com/

I have the extended undermount system. Works well for my configuration. Very solid.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I have looked at these before when I had a 390, and the swim platform was too shallow for the davit system. I have not measured the depth of the platform on the 44 to see if it meets the requirements or not. My dink weighs in around 500, so would have to go with the 30+ with the electric winch to make it doable. Maybe Rusty can weigh in on the platform depth!
Rob

I don't have those figures in my head but can measure it for you Rob. Some of those other options are interesting but I think they are best for the lighter weight dinks. I think the lift style will ultimately be the route you will want to explore. Towing the dink can be a pain for sure especially if the weather turns on you.
Cheers

 

[swaterhouse]

I have looked at these before when I had a 390, and the swim platform was too shallow for the davit system. I have not measured the depth of the platform on the 44 to see if it meets the requirements or not. My dink weighs in around 500, so would have to go with the 30+ with the electric winch to make it doable. Maybe Rusty can weigh in on the platform depth!
Rob

I am pretty sure your platform is the same size as mine, besides one of the videos on Hurley site looks to be from a 420DB.

Also, I mounted mine so the keel is just on the back edge of the platform. Hurley now sells an extension plate to ge it out even further.

If your unsure at all I would call and talk to Todd Hurley, he is extremely helpful and will give you honest views on whether it will work or not for your boat, dinghy and needs. I started with an H20 that he recommended against said it would be possible but difficult to use. That lasted one season and nearly a flipped dinghy and a hurt back multiple times before we went with the H30.

 

[Robf]

I don't have those figures in my head but can measure it for you Rob. Some of those other options are interesting but I think they are best for the lighter weight dinks. I think the lift style will ultimately be the route you will want to explore. Towing the dink can be a pain for sure especially if the weather turns on you.
Cheers

Rusty, appreciate the offer, but no worries, I can get it when I am ready. Figured this was something you may have right off the top of your head! I am a little concerned with some of the lighter davit setups but did find a davit from Sweden, Presto Marine Lift XL500. I am trying to find more information on it, but the Youtube videos look interesting.
Rob

 

[Xdream39]

Hi everyone - long time lurker here. I went through the entire thread but couldn’t find the answer.

I recently bought a 2004 420DB and for some unknown reason the boat didn’t come with the aft Bimini top. I am attaching a picture of the boat. The front part (“roof”) is there but the back is nonexistent. The broker claimed it was an option in 2004 and that the previous owner chose not to install it.
As such I now need to purchase the steel frame and the corresponding canvas that goes along with the bridge.
Has anyone seen this before and does anyone have any idea where I can purchase the frame and canvas.

Thank you guys!

 

[searay495]

When I bought my boat the PO had stored it under the seats in the dinette. Maybe check there?

 

[Xdream39]

When I bought my boat the PO had stored it under the seats in the dinette. Maybe check there?

The boat is missing the actual steel frame to which the canvas is attached. I have looked at multiple 420DB images and haven’t seen a single one missing a part of the roof. I have the canvas curtains that go on top but not the actual back steel frame and canvas. Also no holes in the arch where the frame would have attached if it was originally there.

Strange stuff

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Wow, I’ve never seen one sans aft Bimini either. I can’t imagine anyone ordering one without it, it just looks odd.
I would think that at this point the structure will need to be custom built but the canvas and liner can probably be ordered at Gioia Sails as they have the patterns for these boats.
Good luck. I hope you are near another 420 or 44 DB so your fabricator can pattern the structure, it’s got to be precise in order to use Gioia’s stock patterns.
CD

 

[bbwhitejr]

Wow, I’ve never seen one sans aft Bimini either. I can’t imagine anyone ordering one without it, it just looks odd.
I would think that at this point the structure will need to be custom built but the canvas and liner can probably be ordered at Gioia Sails as they have the patterns for these boats.
Good luck. I hope you are near another 420 or 44 DB so your fabricator can pattern the structure, it’s got to be precise in order to use Gioia’s stock patterns.
CD

Hey Rusty,

Have you ever contacted Gioia Sails? Before we bought our boat, we had looked at another one and it needed part of the bridge enclosure, cockpit enclosure, or something....can’t really remember. I saw their tag on what was there and called them. They told me under the outboard bunk in the midcabin there would be a print/drawings and I would need that for them to replace what I wanted. According to the person I spoke with, they did not have patterns....just what I was told.....

Bennett