6 Best Transom Mounts For Dinghies That Maximize Every Inch

Your dinghy is your ticket to shore, but back at the boat, it’s often a bulky, awkward guest that eats up precious deck space. The real challenge isn’t just storing it; it’s creating a system so seamless that you’ll actually use it without a second thought. Choosing the right transom mount transforms your tender from a logistical headache into a launch-ready extension of your living space.

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Choosing Your Dinghy Transom Mount System

Let’s be clear: there is no single "best" dinghy davit system. The perfect solution is a direct reflection of your boat, your dinghy, and how you live. It’s a balancing act between the weight of your tender (especially with the motor), the size of your swim platform, and your own physical ability to haul it aboard.

Think of your swim platform as your back porch. Do you want it clear for swimming and socializing, or are you willing to dedicate it to permanent dinghy storage? A simple, manual system might be perfect for a lightweight inflatable you use occasionally. But if you have a heavier rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with a 15hp motor that you use daily, you’ll need a system with mechanical assistance to avoid turning every shore excursion into a major workout.

The goal is to find the system that reduces friction. If launching and retrieving your dinghy is a 20-minute, sweat-inducing ordeal, you’ll find excuses not to leave the mothership. The right mount makes the process so easy it becomes an afterthought, maximizing not just your space, but your freedom.

Weaver Snap Davits: The Time-Tested Classic

Weaver Snap Davits are the definition of simple, robust engineering. The system consists of two stainless steel hooks on your swim platform and two corresponding rubber pads glued onto your dinghy. You simply back the dinghy up, clip it in, and use a rope or a standoff bar to hoist it into a vertical position against the transom.

For the right setup—typically a lighter inflatable on a boat with a decent swim platform—this system is brilliant. It has a minimal footprint when the dinghy is deployed, leaving your platform almost completely clear. It’s also one of the most affordable and reliable options on the market, with very few moving parts to break or maintain.

The tradeoff is physical effort. You are manually lifting the dinghy from the water into its vertical storage position. While not a huge lift, it requires a bit of strength and technique, especially in choppy water. It also stores the dinghy on its side, which can block the view from the cockpit and make accessing transom lockers a bit of a squeeze.

St. Croix Removable Davits for Clear Decks

The biggest selling point for St. Croix davits is right in the name: they’re removable. These are traditional, curved davit arms that lift the dinghy up and over the transom, but they slot into low-profile deck fittings. When you’re not using them, you pull the arms out and stow them, leaving your swim platform completely unobstructed.

This is a game-changer for anyone who treats their swim platform as a primary social or activity area. You get the powerful lifting capability of davit arms—often assisted by a block and tackle system—without permanently sacrificing the space. This system easily handles heavier dinghies and allows you to keep the motor attached, a huge convenience.

Of course, the price for that clear deck is a bit more setup and teardown. You have to handle the davit arms themselves, which have to be stored somewhere. It’s a fantastic compromise, offering heavy-lifting capacity and a clean aesthetic, but it’s best for boaters who prioritize that multi-use space and don’t mind the extra step of setting up the arms before retrieval.

Hurley H3O Davit System for Heavier Tenders

When you move into the realm of heavy RIBs with substantial motors, manual lifting is off the table. The Hurley H3O (and its larger H3O+) is a winch-based cradle system designed for exactly this scenario. The dinghy rests on adjustable bunks, and an electric or manual winch provides the muscle to pull the tender smoothly out of the water and onto the swim platform.

This is the "easy button" for heavy dinghy management. The mechanical advantage of the winch means one person can easily and safely retrieve a tender that would be impossible to handle otherwise. Leaving the motor on is the standard procedure here, not the exception, which radically simplifies your daily routine.

The primary consideration is real estate. The Hurley system requires a dedicated footprint on your swim platform, as the cradle remains in place. It’s a purpose-built solution that effectively turns a portion of your platform into a permanent dinghy garage. For those with the space and the need to handle a heavy tender, the convenience is unmatched.

Nautley DinghyRamp for Easy Roll-On Loading

The Nautley DinghyRamp offers a clever middle ground between pure manual effort and a full winch system. It uses a set of rollers mounted on pivoting arms to create a ramp. You simply nudge the bow of the dinghy onto the rollers and pull it up onto the swim platform, where it rests securely in a horizontal position.

This system dramatically reduces the effort required compared to snap davits, as you are rolling the weight, not lifting it. It’s an excellent choice for people who want to keep their outboard attached to a moderately-sized dinghy but don’t need or want the complexity of a winch. The loading process is intuitive and can typically be handled by one person.

Like the Hurley, this system does occupy space on the swim platform when the dinghy is stowed. However, the components are often less bulky than a full cradle. It’s a fantastic solution for boaters who find snap davits too physically demanding but don’t have a tender heavy enough to justify a full winch and cradle system.

Dinghy Caddy for Vertical Storage Solutions

The Dinghy Caddy takes a completely different approach to the space problem. Instead of storing the dinghy on the swim platform, it stores it behind and above it. This system uses a set of arms and a lifting harness to hoist the dinghy vertically, holding it clear of the platform entirely.

The result is 100% swim platform access, all the time. This is the ultimate solution for those who refuse to compromise on their "back porch" space. It can handle a dinghy with the motor attached and keeps everything tucked neatly behind the boat, often high enough to not interfere with stern lines or access.

The tradeoff is visual bulk and a more complex lifting procedure. The structure is significant and remains on the transom permanently. Getting the dinghy up into its vertical perch requires a specific sequence of operations with the lifting tackle. It’s an ingenious piece of engineering for maximizing space, but it’s best suited for the boater who values a clear swim platform above all else.

ProDav Swivel Davit for Simple Crane Action

For boats without a conventional swim platform or for those who want the dinghy stored elsewhere, a single-arm swivel davit is a powerful tool. The ProDav is a great example of this minimalist crane. It’s a single, robust davit arm that mounts to a sturdy point on the transom or deck, using a winch and line to lift the dinghy vertically out of the water.

Once lifted, the entire arm swivels, allowing you to swing the dinghy aboard and place it on the foredeck, cabin top, or an upper deck. This completely removes the tender from the stern area, freeing up sightlines and traffic flow. It’s a versatile solution that can be adapted to many different boat layouts.

The key here is having a solid mounting point, as all the force is concentrated in one spot. You also need a clear area to land the dinghy once it’s aboard. This isn’t a swim platform solution; it’s a true "lift and stow" system for getting the tender completely up and out of the way.

Key Factors in Selecting Your Dinghy Mount

Choosing the right system comes down to honestly assessing your specific needs. Don’t buy a system for the boat you wish you had; buy one for the boat, dinghy, and life you have right now. Focus on these five factors:

• Dinghies Weight & Type: This is the number one factor. A 50-pound inflatable requires a vastly different solution than a 250-pound RIB with a motor and fuel. Be realistic about the total weight you need to manage.
• Swim Platform Real Estate: How big is your platform, and how do you use it? If it’s your primary spot for diving and entertaining, a removable or vertical system like St. Croix or Dinghy Caddy is your best bet. If it’s just a place to get on and off the boat, a cradle system like Hurley might be perfect.
• Your Physical Ability: Be honest about how much lifting, pulling, and balancing you’re comfortable with, especially at the end of a long day or in less-than-ideal conditions. A system with mechanical assistance is often a wise investment in safety and convenience.
• Frequency of Use: If you’re launching your dinghy multiple times a day, speed and ease are paramount. A system that requires assembly or significant effort will quickly become a source of frustration.
• Budget: Davit systems range from a few hundred dollars for simple snap davits to many thousands for powered, high-capacity systems. Determine your budget, but also consider the "cost" of a system that’s difficult to use—a dinghy that never leaves the boat.

Ultimately, the best system is the one that makes you say "yes" to a spontaneous trip to that secluded beach or a quick run into town for supplies. It should serve your lifestyle, not dictate it. By weighing these factors, you can find the perfect mount that turns your dinghy into a seamless and joyful part of your life on the water.

Your transom mount isn’t just a piece of hardware; it’s the bridge between your home and your next adventure. Choosing thoughtfully means you’re not just storing a boat, you’re unlocking the full potential of your cruising lifestyle. The right system makes every inch of your space—and every moment of your time—count.