Is there a method or material to stop the davit lines from twisting themselves up? When they twist up, the lines lose flexibility and make the effort on the lift horrible. Is it the lines, the reeving, or what? I have the same problem with line twist on my H34 main sheet.
Dinghy Davit Line Twist
- Thread starter sailboss
- Start date
Stu, They are St. Croix davits with four fixed blocks in a welded head and a double four at the lift end. The double four is a larger block in the same cheek plates with a smaller block on top and two assemblies side-by-side with the hook below the larger pair.
Reason I asked is that many folks have trouble with their mainsheets because the blocks aren't fixed. Happened to my PO who used light twine wrapped around the block connectors to make them fixed. I replaced all the blocks many years ago, no issues since.
In your case, all I can recommend is to remove and re-reeve the lines.
Good luck.
In your case, all I can recommend is to remove and re-reeve the lines.
Good luck.
I have the St Croix davits also and have tried a couple of different lines and they still twist up.
Did you find an answer?
Is it possible that someone on the boat accidentally flips the block through the lines when using the dingy? Yes, this happens a lot, and it creates a twist that is annoying to decode. If you figure it out, often you can make it right by flipping the block back through.
Is the line winched?
I seriously doubt the type of line is the problem. If it was construction twist alone, it would work its way out each time you lifted faster than it is occurring.
Is the line winched?
I seriously doubt the type of line is the problem. If it was construction twist alone, it would work its way out each time you lifted faster than it is occurring.
The lines aren't twisted and the runs aren't crossing. One would think that the lines would untwist, but they don't.
They are fixed at the becket so they can't untwist by themselves unless you do it from the working end.
Re-reave the lines and avoid letting the blocks flip through the lines.
Re-reave the lines and avoid letting the blocks flip through the lines.
All these entries were a great help in resolving MY twist problem. I would like to share to two greatest steps .
I) I read the davit manufacturer's instructions and realized that I had not laced the blocks correctly
2) Tenex line is terrific . No twist,little stretch and much cheaper than Spectra. I got mine from Wespur.com at a very reasonable price
I) I read the davit manufacturer's instructions and realized that I had not laced the blocks correctly
2) Tenex line is terrific . No twist,little stretch and much cheaper than Spectra. I got mine from Wespur.com at a very reasonable price
Good to hear. One of the most common problems with multi-blocks in incorrect reeving. It's not obvious at all. One of the more common is 6:1, and I need to look at the instructions every time.
You are coiling your lines wrong. If your line forms a symmetrical loop when cooled it is incorrect. You are putting twist in the line. Your line must have a figure eight shape when coiled. Remove all line from the davits. Lay it out and remove all twist. Reinstall and coil excess by using thumb pressure on the side of the line. If done correctly line will lay in a figure eight position with no twist. Practice on a spare line until you get it right. Coil all lines in the same manner
Well, I'll be darned. I never knew.......Good to hear. One of the most common problems with multi-blocks in incorrect reeving. It's not obvious at all. One of the more common is 6:1, and I need to look at the instructions every time.
rjarrel wins the prize. the rest of you boys are pretty clueless. that's right, i said it. 
i, myself teach and use the over/under method when hand coiling. just easier and faster.
all the newbiees wanna coil the ropes, makes them feel helpful. NOT!
coiling 101. it's a game changer. quit putting the twist in the rope when you coil!
i, myself teach and use the over/under method when hand coiling. just easier and faster.
all the newbiees wanna coil the ropes, makes them feel helpful. NOT!
coiling 101. it's a game changer. quit putting the twist in the rope when you coil!