Function of plastic ring on mail outhaul

[SimonNZ]

What is the name and function of the red plastic ring shown in the picture, on the mail outhaul between the clew and the block?

It's free to move. Feels like it might be to prevent the end of the rope running past the block in the event of... well, a stopper knot coming undone? In which case, I don't see that it would be much help here since that scenario will have already freed the main.

Thanks!

 

[dunedin]

I am no expert on furling mainsails, but the disc will be intended to avoid the pulley on the clew being winched in too tightly and damaging either of the pulleys and/or jamming and not releasing.
But I wonder if it would be better on the lower rope just above the knot?

 

[SimonNZ]

Ah! That makes sense now - I've never got them that close but now you say it... thank you.

Is there a name for this part?

 

[BobnLesley]

Is there a name for this part?

The 'red plastic ring'

 

[mjcp]

Google for "doughnut" furling main / boom etc.

Several discussions about it and where it should be.

 

[dunedin]

Ah! That makes sense now - I've never got them that close but now you say it... thank you.

Is there a name for this part?

Commonly seen on spinnaker sheets and guys - sometimes referred to as a “shackle guard”

 

[SimonNZ]

This is great, thank you both!