Fairleads for Med mooring lines

[ITH]

The existing closed fairleads on my Nauticat 35 have difficulty accommodating the fatter Mediterranean mooring (laid) lines, which seem to be up to 18mm or more. I've googled without success, and wondered whether anyone else had found a supplier of larger opening fairleads?

My existing fairleads are cast aluminium, secured at the end of the toe rail by two machine screws. The fairlead opening is some 3cm high by 10cm long, and the overall length is 12cm.

 

[catmandoo]

Yes I have found that to . Only solution I have found is to tie on smaller ropes

 

[ITH]

Thanks Catmandoo, but I haven't any control over what size of lines are laid.
Cheers

 

[Carmel2]

Would Nauticat not have larger ones they fit to larger models?

 

[wazza]

I think (correct me if I'm wrong Catmandoo) he meant tie on smaller ropes to the ones that are laid.. that is tie a rolling hitch onto the mooring line with a smaller line then you can lead it through your fairlead and onto your cleat.

 

[SeamanStaines]

I think (correct me if I'm wrong Catmandoo) he meant tie on smaller ropes to the ones that are laid.. that is tie a rolling hitch onto the mooring line with a smaller line then you can lead it through your fairlead and onto your cleat.

I used to do this, but I found the rolling hitches had a habit of letting go if they went slack. Instead I now carry some climbing dyneema slings (that are useful for all sorts of things) and use these with a klemheist and another thinner rope attached to the loop with a bowline. These work really well for me and have the advantage that I can tie them close and then slide them down the mooring line

 

[ITH]

I think (correct me if I'm wrong Catmandoo) he meant tie on smaller ropes to the ones that are laid.. that is tie you rolling hitch onto the mooring line with a smaller line then you can lead it through your fairlead and onto your cleat.

Thank you both; you are quite right of course, and if I were on semi/permanent moorings that's a good quick fix. Just not the answer when you are trying to keep the bow/stern off some concrete quay at the same time as getting your own lines ashore at the other end.

Nauticat were my first port of call Carmel, and as ever, they responded quickly. Alas they only make special stainless steel fairleads as one-offs in larger sizes so a hefty cost.

I wondered whether a large shackle or a carabiner attached to the existing fairlead would be the answer; what think you?

 

[wazza]

If you pad the shakle so it's not metal on metal, that might not be a bad idea..

SeamanStaines- With regards to the rolling hitch letting go, do you mean slipping back or coming unattached ?
The latter most definitely shouldn't happen if tied correctly.

 

[Cheoy Lee 41]

Try using two readymade strops to tie a Prussic Knot this will not slip no matter what the direction of pull. Very easy to apply as used initially by climbers.

 

[Ariadne]

Can't you get a local S/S fabricator to make up a set for you then; or do they have to be as spec'ed by the manufacturer?

We have a large S/S closed D shaped fairlead (big enough to get a hand through!) welded to a shaped plate that is fitted to the toe rail. Not original by any means but strong and they work.

 

[macd]

Try using two readymade strops to tie a Prussic Knot this will not slip no matter what the direction of pull.

I'm a fan of Prusik loops (I prefer the less acidic version ) and klemheist knots, but they work at their best when the diameter of the loop rope is around half that of the main line. They're also a bit iffy if the loops are salt-encrusted and stiff (although wet is OK). Good info with a nautical perspective here: http://fmg-www.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/prusik_knot.html

 

[charles_reed]

Thanks Catmandoo, but I haven't any control over what size of lines are laid.
Cheers

I think his proposal is that you put a rolling hitch on the mooring and use a smaller diameter rope which will go through your fairleads - that is what I've usually done.

 

[charles_reed]

Try using two readymade strops to tie a Prussic Knot this will not slip no matter what the direction of pull. Very easy to apply as used initially by climbers.

How easy is it to recover them when you leave? Mine got so tight I had to abandon them on the mooring!!!

 

[macd]

How easy is it to recover them when you leave? Mine got so tight I had to abandon them on the mooring!!!

You might try a klemheist next time: it's usually easier to undo.

 

[vyv_cox]

We use one of our bow rollers. One is normally occupied by an anchor, which also partly blankets the other. We either lower the anchor a little and let it hang from the chain, or hoist it up to hang beneath the pulpit.

 

[Marsupial]

We use one of our bow rollers. One is normally occupied by an anchor, which also partly blankets the other. We either lower the anchor a little and let it hang from the chain, or hoist it up to hang beneath the pulpit.

yes that's the way to go, pull it over your bow roller, if you moor for a length of time then maybe you would want to be a bit more creative. tie a bowline in the mooring line so the loop is at sea level and pass a smaller line through it and bring it on board through both port and starboard fairleads - so you have a bridle. Lots like that that in Turkey.

 

[Bertramdriver]

I had the same problem with my Bertram. After a frustrating episode I took an angle grinder to the fair leads and opened up a diagonal opening. A little work with a flap wheel and polishing kit and you'de never know the mod exists.