... I have a set of cast Danforth Davits. Have blasted and painted them
and am now nearly ready to put them on the boat.

They are rated 175 lbs each.

They are going on the stern of a 39' 1980 center cockpit boat. The
fiberglass is very thick.

First, I'd like your collective input on how much/what sort of bracing
in the aft cabin to support the davits with a hardshell dinghy mounted.
I'm thinking a piece of 1/2" aluminum - to cover the space between the
davits plus 4-5" wider all round.

Second, what quantity (blocks) and other type of hardware will I need?
What size line will I need? This will determine the type of block.

Sorry to sound so dense but I'm relatively new at this and there is
no-one around here to ask. (I'm the only sailboat at the yard (all rest
are fishermen or shrimpers).

Thirdly, I've got to balance effort against price. I don't think I can
afford an electric hoist, nor do I see where it could be mounted, so a
hand winch will have to do. So, how do you get two hoist lines to go on
one winch? (I'm guessing it's a matter of more pulleys(?)

TIA

--
Molesworth