274 YACHT EQUIPMENT 



able tension, the spreading is best done by means of a 

 mechanical spreader ; this apparatus is sometimes 

 supplied by the manufacturers of trawling- winches. In 

 some patterns the wire is spread by a long steel fork, 

 which moves, either mechanically or by means of a 

 handle fitted to a long pivoted arm, across the face 

 of the barrel. In this type the friction on the warp 

 when hauling heavy weights would be very destructive ; 

 a carrier holding three rollers (two upright and one 

 horizontal) should be substituted. In a simple type, 

 which one of us is able to recommend, the carrier and 

 rollers are made to travel on a slide by the rotation of 

 a long screw-shaft, actuated by a handle from one 

 side. The work can be done with more labour by 

 using a snatchblock on a lanyard or spar ; but while 

 this method will be found efficient for light work, or 

 for reeling wire that is not under tension, it is scarcely 

 applicable when hauling heavy gear, for in such cases 

 the strain is so great that the united efforts of two 

 men and a " purchase " will be required. 



Greasing is also an essential to the preservation of 

 wire rope. As it comes in, it should pass through well- 

 oiled cotton-waste. Castor oil is excellent, but ex- 

 pensive ; boiled oils seem to form a good hard coat ; the 

 ordinary fluid machine oils seem to disappear at once, 

 and should be renewed daily if used at all. 



It should be stipulated with the makers that all 

 wire ropes be sent properly coiled on a reel of some 

 kind. As soon as received, if the rope is to go on the 

 trawling-winch, it should be paid on to the winch 

 barrel under a steady strain with the reel revolving ; 

 under no circumstances should it be paid on with the 

 reel flat, or from a coil. Before being used for trawling, 

 the whole length should be run out at sea, and carefully 

 reeled up under a fairly high strain. 



