Forespar Nova Davit — Installation Manual

Overview & Dimensions

Dimensions are read from the drawing on page 3 of the installation sheet. The leg is double thickness; the base socket assembly tilts to the deck or transom angle and lets the davits rotate inboard for compact storage.

Fitting the Davit

To avoid losing parts over the side, tie a light line to the davit, base socket and rail clamp while assembling.

1. Fit the rail clamp over the top aft rail in the chosen position with the 1" stub facing aft.
2. Place the nuts, washers and locknut in the same order as supplied. Squeeze the rail clamp down and carefully tighten the locknut – do not forget the small 3/8" washer under the locknut. Do not overtighten: it may need readjusting.
3. Hold the davit in place with the rail clamp and check the height. The rail clamp assembly can be moved up and down to help.
4. Slip the davit leg into the base socket assembly and tape the socket temporarily in place.
5. Fit the rail clamp assembly over the rail clamp stub, push both parts firmly together and align the holes so the quick release pin passes through the clamp on the davit and the stub (the stub may need rotating 180°). The Allen-head set screw can also be tightened.
6. The set screw only holds the davit temporarily while you align it: DO NOT load the davit yet.
7. Tighten the rail clamp nuts.
8. Position the leg and base socket and fasten the base plate to the deck, cap-rail or transom. Rotate the plate and socket to suit the surface angle (not necessarily fore and aft); they must not be forced down under tension or the davit will not turn freely for folding. A small teak or plastic trimming pad can correct the angle.
9. Align the davit and drill a 1/4" hole through the small guide holes in the foot socket, from both sides, then pass the bit through to align. Fit the 1/4" bolt and nylock nut supplied.

Lateral Bracing & Warnings

• The 1/4" retaining bolts and the 2 set screws on the rail tee joints are only a LIGHT DUTY restraint against lateral forces. Always restrain the dinghy from athwartship movement with lines.
• For quick-folding or removable davits, the 1/4" bolt in the base socket can be replaced with a quick release fast pin (Forespar P/N 156445).
• Fit the diagonal bracing struts (supplied with clamps) between rail and davit arm: they brace the davits back to the rail and greatly increase outer-end stability.
• Warning: do not leave the engine on a dinghy hoisted on davits. The weight overloads one arm and can lead to failure of the davit arm and/or stern rails. Remove the engine before hoisting.