Slewing Crane
A tender lift system moves equipment vertically between the swim platform and the waterline. A ceiling crane moves equipment within the garage. Neither can lift equipment over the vessel's side from a fixed deck position and reach around the vessel to where the load actually is.
The Slewing Crane is a deck-mounted hydraulic crane with a rotating tower and a telescopic boom. The tower rotates around the full working arc. The boom extends outboard. The hoist at the tip of the boom lifts and lowers. Three axes of movement, one system, full operational coverage around the vessel.
Three-axis operation: slew, telescope, and hoist — full coverage around the vessel.
The slewing crane's defining capability is its three-axis working envelope. The tower rotates, giving the boom access to every point in the working arc from a single deck-mounted foundation. The boom telescopes, extending outboard to reach the load regardless of where it sits in the water relative to the vessel's side. The hoist at the boom tip lifts and lowers the load at any combination of tower angle and boom extension.
This capability matters because yacht operations involve loads that come from unpredictable directions. The tender may be approaching from astern or from the beam. Conditions may require the crane to work at an angle not anticipated at the time of installation. The rotating tower and telescopic boom mean the crane adapts to the operation, not the other way around.
The telescopic boom is particularly relevant for yachts where deck space is at a premium. In the retracted position, the boom stows close to the tower and occupies a minimal deck footprint. Extended, it reaches well outboard — far enough to clear the hull and reach the tender at the waterline.
Two rotation variants: smooth hydraulic rotary drive or chain-cylinder system.
The slewing crane is available with two tower rotation mechanisms, each suited to different installation contexts and performance requirements. The hydraulic rotary drive uses a dedicated hydraulic motor to rotate the tower. It delivers smooth, proportional rotation — the tower speed is directly proportional to the control input, allowing precise positioning without overshoot.
The chain drive variant uses two chain cylinders to rotate the tower. Retracting one cylinder pulls the chain in the corresponding direction, rotating the tower. The chain drive is mechanically simpler, easier to access for maintenance, and well-suited to installations where the hydraulic circuit complexity of a rotary motor is not preferred.
Both drive variants deliver the same crane performance in terms of load capacity, boom reach, and hoist speed. The choice between hydraulic rotary and chain drive is made during the engineering phase based on the specific installation geometry, maintenance access requirements, and operational preferences of the owner and shipyard.
Tenders, jet skis, life rafts, provisions — one crane for all external handling.
The slewing crane is not a single-purpose tender davit. Its three-axis working envelope and variable load capacity make it the primary external handling system for every task that involves moving loads between the vessel and the water or shore.
For safety equipment, the slewing crane provides a controlled deployment path for life rafts and rescue equipment. The controlled hydraulic descent eliminates the uncontrolled drop that characterises manual deployment, and the crane can recover equipment as well as deploy it.
The multifunctionality also extends to maintenance operations. The crane can lift outboard engines for servicing, hoist provisions and equipment aboard from a tender or dock, and support any other operation that requires a controlled lift at the vessel's side.
Visual overview
Examine the Slewing Crane from every angle — side view showing the boom in stowed and deployed positions, frontal view of the rotating tower, and detail of both drive variants.
Technical Specifications
A deck-mounted hydraulic slewing crane with rotating tower and telescopic boom for lifting tenders, jet skis, safety equipment, and provisions. Tower drive, boom reach, and hoist capacity configured per project.
FUNCTION
Three-axis movement: tower slewing (rotation), boom telescoping (extension/retraction), and cable hoisting (lift/lower). All three axes hydraulically powered and independently controlled.
TOWER DRIVE
Two variants available. Hydraulic rotary drive: smooth proportional rotation via hydraulic motor. Chain drive: rotation via two chain cylinders, mechanically simpler, easier maintenance access.
BOOM
Telescopic boom extended by main hydraulic cylinder. Proportional speed control. Positive position holding at any extension length.
HOIST
Cable hoist at boom tip. Cable paid out and retracted by dedicated cable cylinder. Controlled descent and ascent at proportional speed.
INSTALLATION
Visible or concealed. Visible: crane tower and boom exposed as deck element. Concealed: crane retracts into housing or below-deck enclosure.
"The lifts are not just functional — they match our design and standards. With H+B, it feels more like a team than a supplier relationship."
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about the Slewing Crane.
The Ceiling Crane is mounted inside the yacht garage and moves loads vertically and laterally within the enclosed garage space. The Slewing Crane is deck-mounted and designed to lift loads over the vessel's side — from the water to the deck, or from the deck to the water. They operate in different locations and solve different handling problems.
The hydraulic rotary drive provides smoother, more proportional rotation and is best for vessels that use the crane frequently or require precise positioning. The chain drive is mechanically simpler and easier to maintain, and suits applications where operational simplicity and maintenance access are priorities.
Yes. The crane can lift and lower life rafts over the side in a controlled, hydraulic descent. It can also recover rafts after use. The controlled hydraulic movement eliminates the uncontrolled drop of manual deployment.
The boom's outboard reach depends on the telescopic extension length, which is configured per project based on the vessel's hull geometry and the required working radius. Reach is confirmed during the engineering phase.
Yes. All three crane functions — slewing, telescoping, and hoisting — are hydraulically powered and controlled via a single panel or wireless remote. One operator can complete the full handling cycle without assistance.
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Customization option
Tailored solutions perfectly suited to your needs. At H+B technics, we not only offer our proven products but also the opportunity to customize them according to your specific requirements. Our experienced team is ready to support you in developing and realizing bespoke products for your yacht or project, always with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and precision.
Whether it’s special dimensions, functions, or an entirely new design, we bring your vision to life. Rely on our expertise and let’s make your ideas a reality together.
Jan Olfenbüttel
Head of Sales & Marketing
Start your project
Every Slewing Crane is individually configured for your vessel. Share your deck drawings, equipment list, and operational requirements and we support you from the first concept to the finished installation.
