Abstract: A launching and recovery apparatus for a lifeboat, rescue launch or like small boat fitted to a ship, floating or fixed marine platform or other vessel which is controlled by a single fall comprises a launching and recovery cradle 7 from which a boat can hang freely on a releaseable support. During its travel between a fully hoisted and a partly lowered position the boat and cradle are supported on trackways 2 extending inwardly and upwardly from the deck of the vessel by roller assemblies 31, 32 at the base of the cradle which run on respective trackways. The cradle 7 has a symmetrical upwardly convergent frame 35, 36, 37 whose apex is arranged for connection of the single fall wire 43 by which the cradle is held in a stable attitude during launching and recovery with the boat suspended freely from the cradle on a single releaseable support 38. A single sheave 15 located above the cradle symmetrically between the trackways 2a takes up or pays out the fall wire 43, to raise or lower the cradle 7.