Deck equipment is the collective term for the machinery and fittings found on a vessel’s deck, including fairleads, sheaves, snatch blocks and winches. Designed to guide, control and secure ropes, wires and cables, this equipment is essential for mooring, towing and load-handling operations aboard workboats, barges, tugs, offshore support vessels and other marine craft. Whether you require a boat winch, a winch fairlead or another type of deck equipment, Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services is sure to have everything you need to optimise your operations.
Deck Equipment
We Stock a Huge Range of Deck Equipment
Enhance your marine and industrial operations with our high-quality range of deck equipment, designed for reliability and performance in demanding environments. Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services offers one of the UK’s most extensive selections of winching and rigging products, providing dependable solutions for a wide variety of applications.
From durable snatch blocks and precision-engineered sheaves to top-tier winch fairleads and winch rollers, we’ve got everything you need. Whether you’re looking to hire or purchase, our comprehensive collection ensures that you’ll find the perfect solution, whether it’s a boat winch or other essential gear. Trust us to provide quality and reliability for your next project! New to deck equipment? Take a look at our A-Z guide to deck equipment for a quick introduction to the essentials.
Deck Equipment: A Quick Glossary
Not sure which piece of deck equipment you need? Here are five of the essentials, explained:
- Fairlead – guides a rope, wire or cable around an object or through a congested area to stop it snagging, commonly used with mooring lines or within a winch itself.
- Sheave – changes the direction of a rope or wire vertically, by up to 180 degrees, using a rotating bushing to reduce friction.
- Winch – deck machinery used to let out and heave up heavy loads, such as an anchor or trawl.
- Windlass – a winch with a horizontal axis, so its drum lies on its side; typically used for anchor handling.
- Capstan – a winch with a vertical axis, so its drum stands upright; used for the same mooring and anchor-handling tasks as a windlass.
Swivel Head Winch Fairleads
A winch fairlead is an essential piece of deck equipment designed to keep wires and ropes securely in place, guiding them away from potential obstacles and preventing unwanted horizontal movement. Whether you’re working with a deck winch or a boat winch, fairleads play a crucial role in maintaining safety and efficiency during operations.
Often paired with a winch roller, but equally effective on their own, fairleads are versatile tools that can be utilised across a wide range of industrial and maritime applications. From ensuring smooth rope handling to enhancing the performance of your boat winch, a winch fairlead is an indispensable system for professionals looking to streamline their operations.
Universal Fairleads
Our broad range of universal fairleads includes:
- Roller Versions – 5,6 and 8 winch roller versions available
- ‘Open top versions’ are also available.
- Roller diameter – 50mm to 600mm,
- Rope Sizes – 10-250mm
Get in touch with one of our deck equipment and fairlead specialists today for advice on which option is best for your project.
Deck Equipment: Horizontal Deck Sheaves
Otherwise known as deck pulleys, deck sheaves are another mechanism used to guide ropes and wires. Unlike fairleads, they use rollers on a ball bearing to complete this function.
Deck Equipment: Vertical Deck Sheaves
We have a range of vertical deck sheaves available to suit 16mm – 76mm diameter wire rope, available for sale or hire.
Deck Equipment FAQs
What is deck equipment used for?
Deck equipment such as fairleads, sheaves and winches is used to guide, control and secure ropes and wires during mooring, towing, anchoring and load-handling operations on a vessel’s deck.
What size wire rope do your deck sheaves take?
Our horizontal and vertical deck sheaves suit wire rope diameters from 16mm to 76mm, and are available for sale or hire.
What’s the difference between a fairlead and a sheave?
A fairlead guides rope or cable to stop it snagging, while a sheave uses a rotating bushing to change a rope’s direction vertically, by up to 180 degrees.
Can I hire deck equipment for a single project?
Yes. All of our deck equipment, including fairleads, sheaves and winch rollers, is available for short or long-term hire, as well as for purchase.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about our deck equipment or want our help finding the right products for your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach our Head Office in Scotland on 01899 221 577 or our Essex office on 01371 859 555.