Lifting blocks getting tangled

[hoges in wa]

Hi. Let's see if I can explain this without confusing everyone. I have a lifting block and tackle that I use as a boom brake and also to lift the dinghy up to the foredeck. It is made up from 2 x Selden 80 triples and about 90' of line. Works very well EXCEPT that the lines keep getting tangled up. For the life of me I can't see how this happens but maybe some evil sprite does it when I look away.

Is there anything I can add to the setup between the two blocks that will stop this? When not in use, I secure the six lines close to their respective blocks with Velcro, and the looped line itself with one of those large cable clips. It's when it's extended and in use that there is an issue. Assistance appreciated.

 

[woodster]

is this braded line or three strand.....

regards

woody

 

[All U Get]

Hi Hoges,
A picture or drawing would help. I've had braided line twist under strain causing the blocks to swivel some. Where does the final line segment leave the blocks? Do you begin with a fiddle on the top block?

All U Get

 

[tkanzler]

A picture would help here, as I'm not clear on what's getting twisted. If the two blocks are spinning up, using a free block (usually the lower one) that doesn't have a swivel would stop it as long as the load isn't free to rotate. If it is free to rotate, you may need to take the end off the becket and turn the line to take the twist out.

Rigging the two blocks with the shafts 90 degrees from each other may help, also, using the center sheave on the top block as the lead-in.

 

[hoges in wa]

That makes sense. Thanks.

 

[All U Get]

Try this site for some ideas. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Fiddle+Block+Rigging&FORM=RESTAB

All U Get

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I'd bet the top block swivels. Used to have the same problem with my mainsheet, til I wired the upper block so it could not swivel. End of problem. Ok if the bottom one swivels.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Hoges, I had a simular set-up on my boat with 2 triple blocks. I found the answer on the Harken web site. They show how to reeve blocks with multiple sheeves. If it is not done just right it will most always spin and foul.
Ray

 

[Steve Dion]

Hoges:

The folkes at Garhauer told me that the blocks that swivel cause this. Check to see if any of your blocks have a set screw. If they don't simply get one that has the set screw.

 

[tkanzler]

This is what I'm talking about. I use a 5-part system on my gin pole, mostly because I had a triple and a double with a becket and didn't have another use for them (ball bearing Harken Mid-Range blocks), with the triple attached to the deck fitting and the double on the gin pole. Notice the 'hauling part' on the center sheave, which balances the top block better than if it came in on one of the end sheaves.

 

[Ross]

Pull them up chockablock and coil the tail. If you leave the tackle extended one of the blocks can invert though the falls and then you have a mess.

 

[hoges in wa]

Can't see it anywhere on there

Hoges, I had a simular set-up on my boat with 2 triple blocks. I found the answer on the Harken web site. They show how to reeve blocks with multiple sheeves. If it is not done just right it will most always spin and foul.
Ray

Hi Ray.
Hunted all around the Harken website and couldn't find anything showing triples being rigged.

 

[All U Get]

Re: Can't see it anywhere on there

Try this http://www.harken.com/content.aspx?id=3901

All U Get

 

[hoges in wa]

Update.
The line I am using is my old genoa sheet (29m) which is not that old it just frayed in one spot when I crossed the Atlantic (didn't notice the spot it was rubbing on).
Second, the blocks I am using are Selden 80 triples. They have a sliding switch on them for "Swivel" and "Lock". Neat, eh. So I slid in the top one to "Lock" and she don't swivel no more.
Finally, I reeved it so the pull is in the centre of the top (can't be the bottom, can it or it'd be a push). Will try it in the next few days. Just arrived in Le Castella from Arci Trezza in Calabria o/night and I needs a little lie down.

What I would really appreciate now I have minimised the problem/s is someone to tell me if there is a Good / Better / Best way to reeve the lines through the two triples? I can see the pics but they don't tell me the order. There is a youtube thing but it is in Spanish and the film quality is not good.

Thanks
Hoges in WA - no, in the Instep of the Boot of Italy!

 

[woodster]

Update.
The line I am using is my old genoa sheet (29m) which is not that old it just frayed in one spot when I crossed the Atlantic (didn't notice the spot it was rubbing on).
Second, the blocks I am using are Selden 80 triples. They have a sliding switch on them for "Swivel" and "Lock". Neat, eh. So I slid in the top one to "Lock" and she don't swivel no more.
Finally, I reeved it so the pull is in the centre of the top (can't be the bottom, can it or it'd be a push). Will try it in the next few days. Just arrived in Le Castella from Arci Trezza in Calabria o/night and I needs a little lie down.

What I would really appreciate now I have minimised the problem/s is someone to tell me if there is a Good / Better / Best way to reeve the lines through the two triples? I can see the pics but they don't tell me the order. There is a youtube thing but it is in Spanish and the film quality is not good.

Thanks
Hoges in WA - no, in the Instep of the Boot of Italy!

see if this helps

regards

woody

 

[hoges in wa]

Got it, thanks (found the instruction page no problems) I already rigged it up but it's just sitting in the cockpit so I'll do it all proper and give it a test.

 

[Ross]

It will still tangle badly if one block passes through the falls when it is in storage.

 

[tkanzler]

I pin the loose block to the hinge of the mast raising system for my 26X, then snug the system and coil the line. Never tangles; always ready to go.

 

[hoges in wa]

Storing

It will still tangle badly if one block passes through the falls when it is in storage.

That's true. I secure the lines immediately in front of each of the blocks with those Velcro straps you get at West Marine (they may be a giveaway item?) - black and yellow anyway. This keeps them tight so they can't move. I also secure the free line with one of those plastic ratcheting cable tie things - it's 29m long and there's a lot in it so I use the clamp to keep it tidy.