Dinghy Hoist System - Fixed or Swivel Blocks

[mark1882]

Hi
I am making a block and tackle system for easier lifting and lowering of the dinghy using my spinnaker halyard but can’t decide whether to to use swivel or fixed blocks.
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Mark

 

[prv]

The choice for the top one makes no difference, since it will be free to rotate on the halyard anyway. Assuming that's where the fall that you haul on leads from, it will be that which prevents it turning.

Based on the behaviour of my mainsheet (a six part tackle) I would probably choose a fixed block for the lower end. But don't just reeve the line in the obvious round-and-round way - there is a special sequence which prevents the tackle from twisting. Afraid I can't really describe it (I can do it when I have the gear in front of me...) but Google can probably find a picture. The axes of the two blocks should be at 90º to each other.

Pete

 

[Daydream believer]

If you have a cheap rope that is liable to twist, then a fixed block is better as the roves could start to wind together under load. However, you could buy swivel blocks with locks that prevent them from swivelling, Then you can change your mind if you wish.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Hi
I am making a block and tackle system for easier lifting and lowering of the dinghy using my spinnaker halyard but can’t decide whether to to use swivel or fixed blocks.
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Mark

I use my spinnaker halyard to lift my dingy from my fordeck over the side. I use my spinnaker pole to pole out the spinnaker halyard to keep the dingy away from the mast and over the side of the deck.

I have a swivel in the end of the spinnaker halyard and use a mast winch to lift and lower the dingy.

I also have a block and tackle to lower my outboard from a gantry on to the dingy. This block and tackle has a fixed block on the top and a block with a swivel connects to the lifting strap on the outboard.