Davit Crane

Davit cranes are mechanical arms mounted on the foredeck or upper level of larger launches. They are usually powered (electric or hydraulic) and are used to hoist the dinghy out of the water and swing it onto the boat.

Pros:

• Lifts heavy tenders with ease

• Good for launches with limited swim platform space

Cons:

• Expensive and complex to install due to significant reinforcing needed

• Adds weight high on the boat 

• Expensive initial outlay ($14,000 NZD for a manual version, more for electric or hydraulic options)

• Still generally requires 2 person operation due to swinging of dinghy

• Stores the dinghy upright so can collect water and needs covers
  
  

Ideal for:
Larger launches where tender weight exceeds what’s manageable manually.

Slide Davits

Slide davits are a set of brackets installed on the transom. The dinghy clips onto the davit while in the water, and then slides up onto the platform with a winch.

Pros:

• Cost-effective compared to crane systems ($7-10,000)

• Low-profile design keeps things tidy

• Low visual impact

Cons:

• Can't be used if you have outboards

• Requires a strong, wide swim platform

• Transom space for fishing & diving is reduced once the dinghy is stored

• Stores the dinghy upright so can collect water and needs covers
  
  

Ideal for:
Launch owners with robust swim platforms who want a simple, budget-friendly solution.

Over-Outboard Frame

An over-outboard frame is a metal cradle that hangs the dinghy over the engines off the stern (on some options upside down and some slide across upright). It suspends the dinghy and sometimes its outboard engine too, ready to drop back into the water.

Pros:

• No heavy lifting if an electric winch is used

• Relatively inexpensive 
  
  

Cons:

• Affects the boat's length for docking and manoeuvring

• Adds stress to the stern of the boat

• Significantly restricts visibility 

• Needs to be custom made
  
  

Ideal for:
Launch owners who need quick access to the tender and don’t mind a bit of extra rear overhang.

Dinghy Davit/Jet Ski Lift

Mounts on a transom (also comes as a lowerable hydraulic platform) where you can drive the tender or jetski straight into place then step off onto the boat.  

Pros:

• Fast, remote-controlled operation

• Self-adjusting keel fits a variety of hull types

Cons:

• Affects the boat's length for docking and manoeuvring

• High cost ($20-22,500)

• Can't be used if you have outboards

• Stores the dinghy upright so can collect water and needs covers

Manual Lifting

Good old-fashioned manually lifting or dragging the dinghy onto the swim platform, often using ropes, rollers, or sheer brute strength.

Pros:

• Free!

• Immediate and straightforward (assuming you’re strong enough)

Cons:

• Physical strain — especially with heavier tenders

• Risk of damaging the dinghy, paintwork, or yourself

• Not practical in rough conditions or with heavier dinghies

• Usually no convenient storage location so the dinghy is in the way
  
  

Ideal for:
Small lightweight inflatables and physically capable boaters.

Introducing Sea Turner

Sea Turner is an innovative dinghy lifter that allows you to effortlessly lift and store your dinghy onto your launch’s roof or foredeck. Designed for ocean lovers who want simple, reliable, and elegant solutions, Sea Turner eliminates the struggles of traditional systems.

• Minimal physical effort required

• Simple installation - just 8 bolts and no point loadings

• Maintains easy access to foredeck and transom

• Sleek design that complements the look of your launch

• Multiple attachment points means the boat comes up smoothly, even in rough weather

• Stores the dinghy upside down so doesn't collect water or debris
  
  

Ideal for:
Launch owners who want a smart, hands-on solution that blends form, function, and freedom.