Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift

[pbyrne]

Does anyone have any experience with Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift? https://stainlessoutfitters.com/products/marine/handi-lift/

Seems a lot of people are happy with the Garhauer LD6-1 OM Davit Lifting System, but the Handi-lift is a few hunder cheaper, and can be stowed.

Just wonder if anyone has one and what they think.

[Ron Hill]

pby : I store my Gauhauer lift in the Fwd hanging locker!!

A thought

[Jim Hardesty]

My Gauhauer removes easy and sort of folds up to about 8 inches by 3 feet, if my memory is correct.  Easy to find storage for that.  Goes in my cockpit locker.  Takes as long to dig it from the locker as it does to assemble for use, about 10 min total, depending on the state of mess in the locker.  The PO installed it, ball socket on transom, hole drilled in stern seat, that's on a MKll.  I've sailed with it in place, but usually remove and store it. Works very well.
Jim

[pbyrne]

My Gauhauer removes easy and sort of folds up to about 8 inches by 3 feet, if my memory is correct.  Easy to find storage for that.  Goes in my cockpit locker.  Takes as long to dig it from the locker as it does to assemble for use, about 10 min total, depending on the state of mess in the locker.  The PO installed it, ball socket on transom, hole drilled in stern seat, that's on a MKll.  I've sailed with it in place, but usually remove and store it. Works very well.
Jim

Yes the Gauhauer looks really nice.  It's expensive though.  The Handi Lift is rated to 120 lbs vs 150 lbs for Gauhauer.  The design shows why, but even a 20 hp engine is around 90 to 100 lbs.

6-8 hp which is what I'm considering for a 290-310 dinghy, and they are 60-70 lbs, well within the weight range of both, so I'm not sure it makes sense to spend the extra money.

Also, what arm size is right for a MKII, the 26 or 34 on the Gauhauer?

[pbyrne]

Would anyone have a picture of the 'ball' mounting location, so that I can get a better idea of placement?  Where the bracket goes on the pushpit would be good too.

[Jim Hardesty]

Would anyone have a picture of the 'ball' mounting location, so that I can get a better idea of placement?  There the bracket goes on the pushpit would be good too.

The PO mounted the lift on Shamrock.  The bracket isn't used.  A hole is drilled in the stern seat the ball is directly below on the transom.  Will try to get a picture tomorrow.  He said the idea come from here, may be able to find with a search.
Jim

[Gregory M]

Never had a problem with SS outfitters, I have Tohatsu 9.8 4 stroke .
Bracket is located on flat portion of transom, 8 years and running good!

[Gregory M]

another one

[pbyrne]

Never had a problem with SS outfitters, I have Tohatsu 9.8 4 stroke .
Bracket is located on flat portion of transom, 8 years and running good!

Interesting!  The MKII has a rounder transition from top to stern which makes both options ....interesting... but good to see the SS in action.  Seems like a good piece of kit.  I've only got a 6hp too.

[pbyrne]

Would anyone have a picture of the 'ball' mounting location, so that I can get a better idea of placement?  There the bracket goes on the pushpit would be good too.

The PO mounted the lift on Shamrock.  The bracket isn't used.  A hole is drilled in the stern seat the ball is directly below on the transom.  Will try to get a picture tomorrow.  He said the idea come from here, may be able to find with a search.
Jim

Is this it? https://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=8503.0  I can't believe I found that...

What's the arm length, and is there anything needed to mount the ball on a curve like that?  Backing plate or..?

[Jim Hardesty]

I can't believe I found that...

The search does work well.  Just a lot to search and do need to be specific.   
I use the 26 inch arm length.  For wider dinghy's the longer length may work better.  Think the dink may determine the best arm length.  If I remember correctly there's some adjustment (more holes) on the angle brace mounting that would change the effective arm length. For your other questions, will check.
Jim

[pbyrne]

I can't believe I found that...

The search does work well.  Just a lot to search and do need to be specific.   
I use the 26 inch arm length.  For wider dinghy's the longer length may work better.  Think the dink may determine the best arm length.  If I remember correctly there's some adjustment (more holes) on the angle brace mounting that would change the effective arm length. For your other questions, will check.
Jim

Ok thanks! It's a Highfield 260UL.  About 5' 1" beam I think.

[Jim Hardesty]

Here are the pictures.  No backing plate on ball socket screws, washers and nuts.  No special spacer, would assume sealer.   The hole is cut just inside the pushpit tube.
Another message follows too many for one post.
Jim

[Jim Hardesty]

more pictures

[pbyrne]

more pictures

Thank you very much Jim.  Those are great photos.  I like the idea!  To be honest with the Princess seats and the transom slope I'm not sure what else would be a good fit.

Is yours the short or long version?