Closed Chocks

[Triton 185]

I'm feeling a little shy about asking this one...but here goes. What's the deal with closed chocks? I have never used them, but is there a reason to prefer them over open ones and what are their pros and cons?

Thanks

[Hirilondë]

If your line is going to lead other than down from the chocks, like to a high fixed dock or possibly when towing then the closed chock keeps the line from jumping out.

[Tim]

The clear advantage to a closed chock is that the line cannot jump out of the chock.

One disadvantage is that it's harder to get the line in and out in the first place, whether you're talking about a fully enclosed chock or fairlead such as those often found in a raised bulwark, or a surface mount chock with a locking pin.

I feel that if the chock is the proper size for the line, the chances of the line jumping out of the chock during normal use is minimal, so there's little need for a closed chock. But closed chocks might be handy in places where the vertical angle of your line lead changes frequently, such as tying to a fixed pier in a tidal area, where the line might lead upwards.

The chock should fit the most-used application in any event. Whether it's open or closed is secondary to whether the chock is of the right size and properly shaped to allow passage of the line without undue chafe.

[rshowarth]

On the recommendation of a friend, I ran my jib and main halyards down through my deck and back to Harken chocks with fairleads installed upside down under the aft edge of my deck at the cockpit. I have had trouble with them slipping out of the chocks during our races. Very frustrating.

I am going to reinstall them topside and may go with a Spilock Clutch to ensure they do not release.

[Figment]

Chocks to secure halyards below deck? Not camcleats? (boat words are fun)
Chocks. ("fairleads" to those outside the USA)


Camcleats.


Anyway, before you re-rig everything to clutches ($$$$), you might give the spinlock PX cleats a try.

I like the idea of closed chocks at the bow, but they necessarily need to be much larger and can get to look way out of scale. I think the captive-pin chocks are an excellent compromise, but they're expensive and I have yet to see one with a pleasant appearance.

No wonder I have no chocks on my bow. I can't even settle on a type!

[dasein668]

Oh, man! I played with those Spinlock PX Cam Cleats when I was in West Marine the other day. They are really, really?NO! REALLY!?nice. The action is so smooth. Yummy.

Nope, I'm not a Spinlock sales rep!

[Figment]

The more I thought about it, the more I thought that the PX was a bad solution to your problem. The halyards are falling from the jaws of the camcleats from their own weight? The PX will be worse, not better. Their whole existence is based on being easier to release while under load.
They're great for a mainsheet, though. In heavy air, I sit outboard of the coaming, way forward against the cabin. Playing the mainsheet from here is easy with a PX, as "throwing a hump" in the line is enough to release the cam.

and just what the #%*#@ were you doing in a wastemarine????? ;P

[dasein668]

and just what the #%*#@ were you doing in a wastemarine????? ;P

Using my father-in-law's employee discount. Best pricing available, bar none. Despite their outrageous retail prices.

[rshowarth]

Chocks to secure halyards below deck? Not camcleats? (boat words are fun)
Chocks. ("fairleads" to those outside the USA)


Camcleats.


Anyway, before you re-rig everything to clutches ($$$$), you might give the spinlock PX cleats a try.

I like the idea of closed chocks at the bow, but they necessarily need to be much larger and can get to look way out of scale. I think the captive-pin chocks are an excellent compromise, but they're expensive and I have yet to see one with a pleasant appearance.

No wonder I have no chocks on my bow. I can't even settle on a type!

Figment is correct. I am using Harken cam cleats.

I have purchased some Spinlock XAS clutches. I am sure this is overkill and more expensive than needed but is an indication of my frustration level.