Boat Davits, Lifts & Wheels
Easily move dinghies, motors and small watercraft with davits, boat lifts and wheels.
Simple machines like davits, wheels and lifts can make it much easier to haul up an outboard motor, a dinghy, jet ski or runabout boat on to a larger vessel or on to a dock. What you’ll want to look for when purchasing boat wheels or a lift system will depend on what you need to move, how far it needs to move and the maximum weight you expect to move.
What do you need to raise or move?
West Marine supplies lifts, wheels and boat davits designed to move and hold items weighing up to 350 pounds. The davits listed on this page are for hoisting inflatable dinghies or tenders, motors, gear or small jet skis.
How far do you need to move it?
If you have a small boat you need to haul from a trailer or storage shed to the water, retractable or easily detachable wheels are a great choice. Two strong polymer wheels attached to a hard transom make moving small boats less of a chore—even for one person.
A davit lift system uses slings placed under the item and hauls it straight up. These systems are great for hauling outboard motors out of the water for storage onboard. Models are available that can raise a dinghy completely out of the water—which eliminates the drag a dinghy creates when it is towed.
How much do you need to move?
Consider the load capacity of the davit and the sling sling required. Heavy duty nylon webbing slings can lift up to 500 pounds. For durability and versatility, be sure to look for slings with stainless steel hardware that will not rust or weaken.
When choosing a sling, be sure to select one compatible with your lift system, whether it is a 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-point harness. Most slings can be adjusted for raising a dinghy with or without a motor.