Garrett12
Member
I was wondering how a block works and what a decent setup is. Also, what is the purpose of the bridles?
Block & Bridle
- Thread starter Garrett12
- Start date
beldar boathead
Married to Primat Boathead
Block is the nautical term for pulley. The bridle is where you fasten the aft end of the sheet to the boat. No bridle = no way to attach the sheet to the boat. BB
Bill Siler
Member
I have the two loop bridle. I use no block, instead tying the sheet end around the bridle with a small bowline. Nice and simple.
Garrett12
Member
So what is the difference between 1, 2, and 3 loop bridles? Also, what is the purpose of the block (pulley).
Bill Siler
Member
The current, 2 loop bridle has a loop at each end for attachment. Ths allows the bridle to slide across the boat depending on what tack you are on. Previous, 3 loop bridles had an additional loop in the biddle to fasten the sheet to in a fixed position.. No one loop bridles that I know of. A block was/is used to fasten the sheet to bridles made of line, to ease travel. A such bridles are nor longer class legal, and factory bridles are cheap ($11), I don't see the point.
danpal
Well-Known Member
The block is what's used to take the load off of the main sheet (the main rope attached to the sail). The old way was to use the hook that was at the front of the cockpit.
The bridle is what the other end of the main sheet is attached to. The bridle is usually a plastic coated braided wire with two or three loops. Today, the two loop bridle is what's usually used. In the past, the three loop bridle was used and the other end of the main sheet was attached to the center loop.
To attach the main sheet to the bridle, most sailors use a bowline knot. In the case of the three loop bridle, the bowline would be attached at the center loop. In the two loop bridle, the main sheet bowline would be allowed to move freely along the whole length of the bridle.
The bridle is what the other end of the main sheet is attached to. The bridle is usually a plastic coated braided wire with two or three loops. Today, the two loop bridle is what's usually used. In the past, the three loop bridle was used and the other end of the main sheet was attached to the center loop.
To attach the main sheet to the bridle, most sailors use a bowline knot. In the case of the three loop bridle, the bowline would be attached at the center loop. In the two loop bridle, the main sheet bowline would be allowed to move freely along the whole length of the bridle.
Bill Siler
Member
I misunderstood what block the OP might be refering to. Thanks for jumping in with the pictures, Danpal.
tag
my2fish
I recognize that picture of the mainsheet block!
the mainsheet block, as danpal mentioned, can help to reduce the line pull your hands see to keep the sail in position. the cam cleat, mounted below on the cockpit lip, is to "tie off" the mainsheet - but I only use that for light winds if I want to grab a drink of water or something like that.