FFB 6,6 M
The Ernst Hatecke FFB 6,6 M is a davit launch system designed to safely lower and recover a 6.6 m fiberglass lifeboat or rescue raft, featuring an integrated diesel‑driven winch and SOLAS‑approved release hook.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Diesel power pack failing to start on demand due to neglected battery charge, fuel condition, or lube oil level
- Hydraulic hose or cylinder seal leakage at the winch and davit arm circuits
- Wire fall corrosion, birdcaging, or loss of lubrication reducing residual strength
- On-load release hook mechanism sticking, or interlock misadjustment risking premature or delayed release
- Limit switch or brake malfunction allowing overspeed lowering or failure to stop at davit arm limits
- Winch brake lining wear reducing fall control and holding capability
- Corrosion of davit structure, pivot pins, and fasteners from weather exposure
Inspection checklist
- Weekly visual check of falls, hydraulic hoses, and diesel power pack readiness (fuel, battery, oil)
- Monthly operation of the winch in power and manual/gravity modes, checking brake holding
- Function test of the on-load release hook mechanism per SOLAS/LSA Code requirements
- Check davit limit switches and interlocks for correct operation
- Inspect wire falls for broken strands, wear, and lubrication condition
- Verify hydraulic oil level, condition, and cylinder seal integrity
- Test emergency manual lowering and centrifugal/mechanical brake operation
- Confirm annual thorough examination and 5-yearly dynamic/load test status is current
Service intervals
| On-load release hook thorough examination | annual per SOLAS, with 5-yearly operational test under load |
| Wire falls | renew per manufacturer/class schedule, typically around every 5 years or earlier on condition |
| Diesel power pack service | per engine manufacturer's interval, typically every 250-500 running hours or annually |
| Hydraulic oil | change every 1-2 years or per condition monitoring |
| Winch brake inspection | annual |
| Davit structural inspection | 5-yearly at major LSA survey, or on damage |
Typical wear limits
| Wire fall diameter reduction | renew when diameter reduction exceeds roughly 10% of nominal, or per class/manufacturer criteria, whichever is stricter |
| Brake lining thickness | renew per manufacturer minimum, generally once worn below about half of new thickness - confirm against Hatecke manual |
| Hook trigger clearance | set only to manufacturer's tolerance and documented procedure - do not field-adjust without the Hatecke manual |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- On-load release hook trigger/interlock mechanism spares
- Hydraulic cylinder seal kits
- Complete wire fall set
- Diesel power pack starter battery
- Winch brake linings
- Hydraulic hoses for davit arm and winch circuits
Safety
- Uncontrolled/falling load if brake or hook interlock fails - never position personnel under a suspended boat without mechanical stops fitted
- Hook premature release during drills - interlock and hydrostatic release checks are safety-critical, not routine
- Stored hydraulic pressure during hose disconnection
- Crush and pinch points at davit arm pivots and winch drum
- Diesel exhaust and fuel handling hazards in an enclosed davit house
Class survey
LSA equipment is a recurring survey item: annual thorough examination of davit, winch, and on-load release gear; no-load operational test at each annual survey; 5-yearly dynamic/load test of falls and davit under working load per SOLAS Ch.III and the LSA Code. Hook overhaul and re-certification records (matching model number 3351306 Lux) should be onboard and cross-checked against the maker's service history.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
Service & Maintenance
Engine test weekly (min. 5 min). Release hook maintenance annually by approved service (SOLAS MSC.402(96)). GRP hull inspection at docking. 5-year basic survey.
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DNV type approval
Verified against the DNV Approval Finder — the certificate below is issued by DNV, not by us.
- Certificate
- 3351306 Lux
- Approved as
- Life-saving appliances
- Certificate holder
- Ernst Hatecke GmbH (Germany)
- Valid until
- 2030-01-01