Newbie question

[ShipsWoofy]

What is a snatch block and how is it different to a normal block?

I prolly have them, but didn't know what they were called?

I have ordered my camper van.....

 

[Deleted member 478]

It's when an essex girl says yes to everyone except you.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Brilliant /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Deleted member 478]

Here's a more sensible answer. A snatch block can be attached/detached easily and you won't need one for your camper van.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Aaaahhh, is that what they are, I never called them that before.

Cheers Stingo

 

[Deleted member 478]

My pleasure Julian. If you don't already know, they're generally used for spinnaker guys & sheets or for rigging a preventor or for hoisting the solar shower bag up to a convenient height.

 

[ashanta]

Think about it and look at the different blocks available and you'll come to the answer.
Clue will be, how can you fit a block on to a rope that's already in position and taught ?

Regards.

peter.

 

[Sybarite]

Man overboard hoist under the boom....

 

[Ships_Cat]

Not sure if the link makes it clear that the snap shackles are nothing to do with being a snatch block. On a snatch block one of cheeks unclips and swivels upwards away from the sheave so that the sheet, or whatever, can be passed over the sheave without having to thread it through between the cheeks.

John

 

[zephyrsailor]

there expensive when someone steals them off your boat the night before RTIR while you having dinner in the pub. very very annoying. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[snowleopard]

here's an idea for you. get a snatch block and fit it to the end of the boom. go out and buy a MOB sling ('oscar' or similar). when you have got the MOB alongside and are struggling to heave him aboard, put the rescue line through the snatch block, swing the boom out over the water, then use a handy winch to lift him out of the water then swing him back aboard by hauling the mainsheet. we tried it. it works.

p.s. to satisfy the prophets of doom: don't do this if he's been in the water a long time as a vertical lift can cause heart failure.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Thank you all, I see exactly now, I have seen them, just never knew what they were called. I have refereed to them in the past as quick release blocks for want of a better term.

Makes me wonder now how many items on board I call by the incorrect name.

I am about to set up a new (to me) spinny, and need some quick rel..... er, snatch blocks. Boat jumble Sunday, lets see what turns up.

***please note, no bad language was used during the writing of this post, so no threats of violence necessary***