STATISTICS OF LIFE-BOATS AND FISHING-BOATS. 329 
Boats’ Davits.—As to boats’ davits and tackle-blocks, having experienced 
loss of boats from the bending of iron davits, and the difficulty of hoisting 
boats up in sea-way, in 1835, the writer was induced to alter the curve and 
form of the iron davits, and to adopt large threefold blocks with swivel 
hooks, which resulted in greater security to the boats and much facility in 
lowering and recovering them at sea; and with reference to the before-men- 
tioned right-angle and round form of davits, and small blocks now in use, 
the expediency of exhibiting an improved construction of both is suggested. 
As to davits, it is proposed to increase the strength with reduced weight, 
by giving a less acute angle to the curve, and, by increasing the width of the 
davit in the direction of the curve, to double the diameter of the round part 
at the clamp or rail. Or from the rail upwards the davit may be converted 
from double-headed railway-bars, the thick parts of railway-bar, forming the 
top and bottom of the davit along the curve, to be welded together at the 
upper end, to hang the tackle block,—also to carry a roller, over which a 
single pennant will run, so as to lower the boat by single ropes from the 
ship when under way, the end of the rope running through one roller 
freeing the boat from the ship. - This is a modification of Guthrie’s plan 
already adopted in the Peninsular and Oriental Company’s steamers, being 
lowered by two men on board the ship, and in opposition to Mr. Clifford’s 
plan of one man in the centre of the boat lowering her by two ropes through 
four sheaves, one in the bottom of the boat. 
As to blocks, it is proposed to use large threefold wooden blocks with 
iron inside straps, the upper block to have a swivel-hook, the lower block 
to have a hook hung on a pin connecting the inside straps of the block, 
‘so that the hook can be disengaged from the sling without turning the 
block. 
Mr. Ewing, of Birkenhead, has made a model of this block, which is 
exhibited, and may be inspected at the Mercantile Marine Association 
Rooms, 20 Water Street, Liverpool, where any suggestions for the further- 
ance of the formation of a Ship’s Life-boat and Fittings Committee will be 
thankfully received. 
There are also models and plans of boats’ davits, slings, valves, and life- 
boat fittings, submitted for the consideration of the Members of the Asso- 
ciation. 
