Lifting with davits?
 

I have a 2003 20ft master angler, Has anyone ever lifted their boat with davits? will the transom u-bolts and bow eye support the boat?

Install one of these bow lifting eye kits with the SS all thread bolt and use a spreader bar across the transom. Make sure the U-bolts on the transom are tight, no need to ask why I know about this.

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/Bowliftingeyes.htm

The way they designed the boat, the eye is fiberglassed in and the rear also.

Really? You can't see the u-bolt's threads, fender washer, lock washers and nuts from the anchor locker or transom? Dang, that's different.

My u bolts came right out when I rebuilt my '79 transom. Not fiberglassed at all.

yea, i have no idea what I'm going to have to do if they ever loosen up on me. Seems like crap that i have to cut just to excess them. Also there is no anchor locker.

Beware delamination. Also, transom D-rings not designed for that kind of weight. Straps under would be different.

Beware of the davit booms themselves. I have seen older davits fail due to rusting from the inside and failed anchors. Lot of weak links with those systems.

Speaking of weak links, my 25 seafari was on a davit for many years, attached to a bow eye and stern lifting rings. When I bought it one of the lifting rings was cracked half way and beginning to bend. Don't care to think about how much longer it would have lasted.