HMS Polyphemus (1881), DavitsSorry Andy, this project has indeed been a long one. Thanks for your perseverance.
Davits I already have the aftermost pairs of davit mountings secured to the sides of the hull. The foremost pairs mount from the main deck and flying deck edge, and although well inboard of the hull a crane-boom on the mast plus a couple of large hand winches allowed them to be swung outboard for launching when required. Not so clear is how the boom can swing either side of the standing rigging.
The real anomaly is the single boat alongside the chart house, above the turrets. According to the plans and at least one photo the davits for these were mounted from the hull side, unsupported, and really high. Other photos, and pictures of a superb model of her, show the davits mounted from the flying deck edge as above, but with very long horizontal arms so could be launched without a crane boom. There are also photos with this boat and davits omitted. Conundrum.
See also photo #493I decided on the inboard option with long overhanging arms as this gave the best field of fire for the guns. Still, 100mm tall and a 40mm reach looks strange, but this boat has to be above the turrets.
3mm brass tube for the supports with 2mm solid brass arms. Supports drilled into deck and with soldered flanges epoxied to underside of flying decks.
Plasticard top flanges can thus be more ‘scale’ than structural.
Davit mountingsAt least this 'supported' option should be less vulnerable to damage.