The short answer
Compare a rescue tripod and davit using your opening geometry, available footprint, reach, base arrangement and documented system limits. Davits can use portable or permanently installed bases; they are not all fixed installations. Ask for a model-specific proposal instead of assuming that one format is always cheaper, stronger or faster.
Portability depends on the configuration
3M describes both portable three-piece davit bases and permanent or clamp-on base options. That evidence corrects the common assumption that every davit must be permanently installed. It does not establish compatibility with PST-361 or availability from SafetyTripod.
Compare the site fit
For each proposal, record the required footprint, usable headroom and access around the opening. For a davit, request the base type, reach and any mounting or structural assessment requirements. For a tripod, request the documented leg arrangement and clearance for the proposed configuration.
Have your responsible team assess these details against the site. A general equipment category does not determine whether a particular installation is suitable.
Compare complete packages and limits
Use the same list of winches, brackets, lines and connecting equipment for each supplier response. Ask what is included and what is optional. Request the limits and instructions for the offered combination, rather than comparing isolated component figures.
Do not assume a universal setup time, price advantage or load ranking between the two formats. Compare documented model information and itemised quotations.
A worksheet for comparing two actual proposals
Ask each supplier to complete the same six rows below. Record the model and document reference beside each answer, then mark it as received, awaiting evidence or requiring your site team’s review. An empty field is unresolved; it is not a pass or a reason to select the other format automatically.
The 3M reference instructions identify model-specific compatibility for tripods and davits, including davit base combinations and base-specific restrictions. This supports asking for the complete configuration. The worksheet is a purchasing aid, not a design calculation, installation method or approval of either proposal.
| Comparison field | Tripod proposal: ask for | Davit proposal: ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Fit at the opening | A model drawing showing footprint, height and clearance for review against your site dimensions. | A model drawing showing reach, height, base footprint and clearance for review against the same site dimensions. |
| Supporting arrangement | The documented support and leg-arrangement requirements, with any site assumptions listed. | The exact base and mast models, mounting requirements and any structural assessment or installation work in scope. |
| Components and functions | Identified winch, brackets, lines and devices for each requested function, with compatibility references. | Identified arm, mast, base, winch, brackets and devices for each requested function, with compatibility references. |
| Limits and evidence | Current instructions and documented limits for the offered combination; list any missing evidence. | Current instructions and documented limits for the offered combination, including base restrictions; list any missing evidence. |
| Moving between sites | Transport dimensions, component weights and storage requirements for the actual kit. | Which parts move, which remain at a site, transport dimensions and any additional bases needed. |
| Comparable scope and cost | An itemised kit plus freight, documents and separately confirmed service or training costs. | An itemised kit plus bases, any installation/assessment work, freight and separately confirmed service or training costs. |
3M high-capacity davit reference instructions — model and base compatibility
Turn the comparison into a clear RFQ
Attach the site dimensions, requested quantity, delivery destination and required documents. Ask suppliers to explain any assumptions in their proposals and identify missing information. Use our quotation checklist to keep the comparison consistent.
Resolve exclusions before comparing the total
If one offer excludes a base, bracket, required device or installation assessment, record that gap before comparing totals. Ask for an updated itemised response and send the configuration and supporting documents to your responsible reviewer. Keep the accepted revision with the purchase order so later substitutions trigger a new review.
The PST-361 catalogue includes listed tripod dimensions and separate component figures, with a note that image markings can differ. Use those details to identify your enquiry; request the current model drawing and documents before treating the catalogue as evidence of site fit.
Buyer questions
Is a davit always a permanent installation?
No. The 3M base range cited above includes portable, permanent and clamp-on options. Ask for the exact base and mast in the proposed system and the requirements that apply to that combination.
Can I reuse my existing winch when changing from a tripod to a davit?
Do not infer compatibility from the winch name or its rated load. Give the supplier its exact model and the proposed support and bracket models, then request manufacturer documentation for the combination and your required function. Have the responsible team review any unresolved match.
Which proposal is cheaper once all required items are included?
Compare itemised written offers for the same site requirements. Include excluded components, bases, any assessment or installation work, transport and agreed service scope. A category name or an incomplete kit price cannot establish the lower complete cost.