Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: pbyrne on May 06, 2023, 12:53:59 PM

Title: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 06, 2023, 12:53:59 PM
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.
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Ron Hill on May 06, 2023, 01:52:09 PM
pby : I store my Gauhauer lift in the Fwd hanging locker!!

A thought
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Jim Hardesty on May 07, 2023, 04:04:41 AM
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
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 07, 2023, 05:32:35 AM
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on May 07, 2023, 04:04:41 AM
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?
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 16, 2023, 01:43:57 PM
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.
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Jim Hardesty on May 16, 2023, 02:44:22 PM
QuoteWould 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
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Gregory M on May 16, 2023, 05:39:13 PM
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!
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Gregory M on May 16, 2023, 05:40:25 PM
another one
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 16, 2023, 05:51:10 PM
Quote from: Gregory M on May 16, 2023, 05:39:13 PM
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.
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 16, 2023, 05:51:48 PM
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on May 16, 2023, 02:44:22 PM
QuoteWould 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..?
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Jim Hardesty on May 17, 2023, 04:08:06 AM
QuoteI 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
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 17, 2023, 04:56:18 AM
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on May 17, 2023, 04:08:06 AM
QuoteI 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.
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Jim Hardesty on May 17, 2023, 12:41:50 PM
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
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Jim Hardesty on May 17, 2023, 12:43:35 PM
more pictures
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 17, 2023, 08:50:20 PM
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on May 17, 2023, 12:43:35 PM
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?
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 17, 2023, 08:55:50 PM
Quote from: Gregory M on May 16, 2023, 05:39:13 PM
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!

That looks good!  I've got a MKII so we have Princess seats and a sloped transom which makes things a bit interested.  I do like that though, and it's a bit cheaper!
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 17, 2023, 09:23:51 PM
Ok, so looking at the photos of the install and my boat, I'm scratching my head.  I've got davits too, and it looks like they are going to be in the way.

Any suggestions?  There has to be a way...

Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Jim Hardesty on May 18, 2023, 04:20:33 AM
QuoteIs yours the short or long version?

Think it's the short version, I didn't buy it came with boat.  The photo with it laid out on floor has a tape measure beside the arm.
Jim
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: Stu Jackson on May 18, 2023, 07:35:50 AM
Quote from: pbyrne on May 17, 2023, 09:23:51 PM
Ok, so looking at the photos of the install and my boat, I'm scratching my head.  I've got davits too, and it looks like they are going to be in the way.

Any suggestions?  There has to be a way...

There most likely is.  Now that you've seen the "parts" go and get a 1 1/2" inch piece of PVC tubing and bring it down to the boat and play around with it.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Stainless Outfitters Handi-Lift Outboard Motor Lift
Post by: pbyrne on May 18, 2023, 07:56:31 AM
Quote from: Stu Jackson on May 18, 2023, 07:35:50 AM
Quote from: pbyrne on May 17, 2023, 09:23:51 PM
Ok, so looking at the photos of the install and my boat, I'm scratching my head.  I've got davits too, and it looks like they are going to be in the way.

Any suggestions?  There has to be a way...

There most likely is.  Now that you've seen the "parts" go and get a 1 1/2" inch piece of PVC tubing and bring it down to the boat and play around with it.  Good luck.

That's a good idea...can use it later to fend off boarders...