Dinghy Davits

Lift your tender safely with a PrestoMarine® dinghy davit — engineered in Sweden, powered by 12V DC hydraulics. Our davit systems handle dinghies and inflatables up to 500 kg, mounting directly to your swim platform for fast, single-handed launch and retrieval.
Mikael Johansson

Mikael Johansson

Founder & Lead Engineer – Marine Lifting Systems

Mikael Johansson is the Founder and Lead Engineer at Presto Marine, specializing in boat-mounted marine lifting systems. He has led the development of dinghy davits designed for safe, efficient onboard handling of tenders and PWCs.

His work focuses on reliable, space-efficient solutions for stern and swim platform installations, developed for long-term performance in demanding marine environments.

Inflatable Dinghies & RIBs

Our dinghy davit systems lift inflatable tenders and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) weighing up to 500 kg.

  • RIBs from 2.5 m to 4.5 m with outboard motors attached
  • Soft-bottom inflatable dinghies and roll-up tenders
  • Aluminum-hull tenders commonly used in North America and Australia

Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis & PWCs)

PrestoMarine® davits double as jet ski lifts for personal watercraft up to 500 kg.

  • Sea-Doo Spark and lightweight PWC models (L300 series)
  • Full-size jet skis including Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner and Kawasaki
  • Three-seater PWCs with the XL500 heavy-duty system

Small Craft & Utility Boats

Versatile davit mounting handles more than just tenders and jet skis.

  • Kayaks, paddleboards and small sailing dinghies
  • Fishing skiffs and aluminum utility boats
  • Dive platforms and water-sport equipment storage

Compatible Boat Types

PrestoMarine® dinghy davits install on a wide range of vessels from 25 to 80+ feet.

  • Sailboats and catamarans with transom or swim platforms
  • Motor yachts, trawlers and flybridge cruisers
  • Sportfishers, center consoles and expedition vessels

Installation & Buying Guides

Learn how to choose, install and maintain your dinghy davit system. Our help center covers sizing guides, mounting options and step-by-step installation instructions.

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See Our Lifts in Action

Watch how PrestoMarine® dinghy davits launch and retrieve a tender in under 60 seconds — operated by one person from the swim platform.

FAQ — Dinghy Davits

What is a dinghy davit and how does it work?

A dinghy davit is a lifting system mounted on your boat’s swim platform or transom that raises and lowers a tender, dinghy or inflatable. PrestoMarine® davits use 12V DC hydraulic power, allowing one person to launch or retrieve a tender in under a minute — no manual cranking, no crew needed.

What size dinghy can a PrestoMarine® davit lift?

Our L300 series lifts tenders and jet skis up to 300 kg (660 lbs), ideal for smaller inflatables and Sea-Doo Spark models. The XL500 series handles loads up to 500 kg (1,100 lbs), supporting full-size RIBs with outboard motors and larger personal watercraft. The RapiX 450 lifts up to 450 kg (1,000 lbs).

Can I install a dinghy davit on a sailboat or catamaran?

Yes. PrestoMarine® davit systems mount on sailboats, catamarans, motor yachts and trawlers. The L300R and XL500R rail-system models offer flexible positioning on the swim platform, making them particularly well suited for multihulls and boats where weight distribution matters. Custom rail lengths from 800 mm to 1,500 mm are available.

What is the difference between the fixed (F) and rail (R) davit models?

Fixed models (L300F, XL500F) bolt directly to the swim platform — a simpler, lighter installation best for boats with shorter platforms. Rail models (L300R, XL500R) slide along stainless-steel rails, letting you reposition the davit fore and aft. Rails are ideal for weight-sensitive vessels and boats over 40 feet.

Does the davit run on the boat's existing electrical system?

All PrestoMarine® dinghy davits operate on 12V DC power, connecting directly to your boat’s standard battery system. XL500 models also offer a 24V option for larger yachts. No separate generator or shore power is required — the system draws minimal current during each lift cycle.

How long does installation take and can I do it myself?

Most installations are completed in four to eight hours by a qualified marine technician. The davit mounts to the swim platform using standard marine-grade hardware. PrestoMarine® provides detailed installation manuals, technical drawings and video guides. Many boat owners with mechanical experience complete the installation themselves over a weekend.

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