[MHml] Friction in lines and blocks

[Dave Howorth]

On Wed, 2007-12-05 at 22:09 +0100, Martin Schöön wrote:
> What could happen in a high load case is of course that one
> type of bearing starts to misbehave or even break down.

That's the traditional argument for roller or plain bearings - apart
from cost. Something like: 'Ball bearings are OK for temporary loads but
not for standing loads'. No idea whether it's still true, or ever was.
But I bought some very pretty Rutgerson roller-bearing blocks because of
their high load rating.

> Given the new insight my report provides us with it may be that I
> should really convert my main sheet to winch + tackle. I don't like
> the idea of winches and handles and all that for single handed
> sailing though. I would be forced to use both hands for sheeting in anything
> but the lightest breeze. Today I use both hands when the wind is up
> but it is a very quick maneuver.

You also have to move to where the winch is. You can't just choose the
sunniest place to sit :)

> Using a video camera for measuring speed would work but I don't
> have one.

Most digital cameras and even phones will now do video with reasonable
time resolution. High space resolution is probably not an issue.

Cheers, Dave