The two most common types of mechanical davits are ___ and ___.

Prepare for the Water Survival 929 Test. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get water safe!

Multiple Choice

The two most common types of mechanical davits are ___ and ___.

Explanation:
Mechanical davits are the devices that lower lifeboats and other loads from a ship, so the test is really about identifying the two designs you’ll see most often in standard equipment. The widely used pair is quadrantal davits and sheath screw davits. Quadrantal davits use a curved arm that sweeps through a quarter-circle (a quadrant) as the boat is lowered, giving a straightforward, reliable control with a simple winch or capstan driving the motion. This design is favored for its robustness and ease of maintenance, making it a common sight on many vessels. Sheath screw davits rely on a screw-type drive to reel the load in or out, with the rope or cable guided through a protective sheath. This arrangement provides positive, smooth, and well-protected operation, which is especially valuable for careful lowering in rough seas and for long-term reliability. Other types exist, but these two are the most common due to their balance of simplicity, control, and durability.

Mechanical davits are the devices that lower lifeboats and other loads from a ship, so the test is really about identifying the two designs you’ll see most often in standard equipment. The widely used pair is quadrantal davits and sheath screw davits.

Quadrantal davits use a curved arm that sweeps through a quarter-circle (a quadrant) as the boat is lowered, giving a straightforward, reliable control with a simple winch or capstan driving the motion. This design is favored for its robustness and ease of maintenance, making it a common sight on many vessels.

Sheath screw davits rely on a screw-type drive to reel the load in or out, with the rope or cable guided through a protective sheath. This arrangement provides positive, smooth, and well-protected operation, which is especially valuable for careful lowering in rough seas and for long-term reliability.

Other types exist, but these two are the most common due to their balance of simplicity, control, and durability.