Thoughts on improving a Galvanised Horse?

[Roach1948]

I have a galvanised horse for the mainsheet and now I have it re-dipped it I wonder whether the old system of attaching the mainsheet block/jammer with a galvanised shackle can be improved upon. Not only does the old system make a huge noise, but I am sure its not good for my new zinc coating!

So I was thinking of maybe building a harwood strop type thing to replace the shackle; it might be quieter and gentler on the zinc - specially if I leather the inside. Problem here is that I have already bedded the horse in so would need to build a strop in two parts. Advantages is that it could look the part and is a simple solution (if it works).

Second more complicated option: add a modern traveller track that I somehow attach in some way to a circular horse?

Anybody got any thoughts on this, or should I just leave it and put up with the grinding noise?

 

[DanTribe]

If you have enough clearance below, you could assemble a block around the horse so that the sheave runs on the rod.
I epoxied a strip of half round brass to the underside of mine. Bit of a bodge and metallurgically wrong I expect, but it worked.
Simpler but less effective, use a bronze shackle.

 

[Blueboatman]

Without seeing a piccy-have you thought about attaching a permant sheet block at each end of the traveller,either shackled beyond the raised flange at the travellers ends,or alternatively throughbolted to the deck.This would dampen the free movement of the shackled traveller block.
Another way would be to copy modern sail trim practise and fit secondary small blocks and tackles and jammers that allow you to 'lock' the traveller block anywhere along its free path(explained rather clumsily,sorry)

 

[Roach1948]

Here is a piccie for you that shows the current set-up.

I don't think two blocks either side will help on the noise front much. Also I am reserving the two uprights on the horse for attchments of the spinnaker blocks. Currently I use a tufnol jammer block which I really like as it allows me a dinghy style level of freedom when tacking singlehanded. I reck cleating-off will become a hasstle with more blocks.

I like DanTribe's idea though. I could make a custom wooden block and run a tufnol sheave on the underside. I think I have enough space. Need to check if I have enough space with the tiller there.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[DanTribe]

"I could make a custom wooden block and run a tufnol sheave on the underside."

You are far more sophisticated than me, I was thinking you could just use a standard block with removable pin at the becket.
I assume you have thought of the traditional turks head thump mat at each end also.

 

[Roach1948]

I am not aware of wooden blocks where you can take the pin out hence my idea of making one from scratch thus ensuring a perfect fit. Looking for suitable blocks I came across this horse traveller from Classic Marine

but I still think I would still get the noise and wear. I think these must be designed for bronze horses.

As for a the Turks heads, well this will have to be done next summer, at anchor, whilst sipping a G&T!

 

[PeteCooper]

You could get a snatch block, which is a block with a pivoting side. This would fit the horse, and run smoothly. I do not think that they are available in a traditional style however, but in the mid 60s we had one made of tufnol(sp?) albeit running on a stainless horse. Modern snatch blocks tend to be made of plastic and stainless.

 

[mickshep]

perhaps a wood shell/cheeks epoxied around the plastic snatch block?

 

[Roach1948]

Now I have measured I will have a about an inch and a half clearance if not I hit the tiller which is threatening the block idea a bit due to the limited space. As the horse is 14mm in diameter that means quite a large block that needs to very squat - any ideas on where to source? Then I had the idea of making a rope strop but using a half a lignum vitae bullsye for the running/contact side. I think this could work and look good?

 

[cliffordpope]

Most of the noise come when the wind drops and then suddenly gusts. The block drops on to the deck, and then gets snatched up again with a clatter. Some sort of travelling block that stayed on top of the horse even when not under tension would be a good idea.

 

[Blueboatman]

Agree re the noise.
A 2 part nylon sliding saddle around the horse,to which your existing block is shackled,would meet the requirements,especially if you could attach a spring around the shackle to 'support' the traveller block off the deck, but would require some dexterity to make and disguise in a suitably classic appearance.
Is the traveller really needed? It could be removed and the existing throughholes used to attach a pair of sheet blocks...

 

[Roach1948]

Thanks Blueboatman, never thought of Nylon - that would do the trick I reckon. As for the horse, I would like to keep it as apart from anything else it is a damn useful handhold when getting aboard from the tender (and when I am ashore from the ladder).

 

[Mirelle]

Leave well alone!

The shackle will only flog on the horse if you are in irons or if, heaven forbid, motoring into the wind with the mainsail up, which of course, being One of Us, you will never do! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[rogerthebodger]

How about using a fiddle block with the bar of the horse passing between the sheaves

 

[Gordonmc]

I bought one of these travellers and use it on a galvanised horse. Suprisingly it holds position quite well. Beating close to the wind it will stay in the middle of the horse without slipping.
The turks-head buffer stops seem a sensible way to prevent clatter. Anyone got a pic?