Regardless of their size, boats can be complicated pieces of construction. Due to the uncertainty of conditions out on the ocean, it’s imperative that all the necessary equipment is in place to allow for proper rigging and functioning when sailing the seas.
A key cattery of equipment that allows for this is deck equipment. Read on below as we offer you our short guide to essential deck equipment.
What is Deck Equipment?
Deck equipment is the name given to various pieces of equipment and machinery that are found aboard the decks of a ship. This can include fairleads, sheaves, snatch blocks, steering gear and capstans, windlasses and other types of winches – all of which play an essential part in ensuring the safety of a boat both when out at sea or when moored at a dock.
Essential Deck Equipment
Fairleads
A fairlead is a device used to guide a line, rope or cable around an object or direct it through a congested area so that it doesn’t snag or get caught and stuck. On a ship, this is most commonly used with a mooring line, allowing it to pass through the ship’s bulwark (the sides of the ship that extend above the deck) or other barriers.
They are also found within winches, so that there is no friction against the cable or rope being used, extending the lifespan and quality of the winch line.
Sheaves
Similar to a fairlead, a sheave is also used to guide wire or rope, although these allow ropes and cables to change direction vertically, allowing for a directional change of up to 180 degrees.
They typically have a rotating bushing in their centre to help the rope or cable move freely without causing friction.
Winches
There are various types of boat winches that can be found on a ship. Two of the most common types of winch that are often used on ships are capstans and windlasses. Both are used to let-out and heave up heavy equipment on a ship, such as its anchor or fishing trawl, however the main difference between the two is the direction in which they work.
A windlass tends to have a horizontal axis, meaning its drum is on its side, whereas a capstan has a vertical axis, meaning its drum stands up. Though they have different names, the two achieve the same purpose.
Get in Touch
Do you require quality deck equipment solutions? We’ve got you covered here at Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services.
With the largest range of snatch blocks, sheaves and fairleads available for hire or sale in the entirety of the UK, along with our selection of boat winches, we’re sure to have the deck equipment you need to optimise your operations.
Get in touch with us today to speak with a member of our team and enquire about our products.
