Dagglewrimples and Cuddlestocks

[SailNet]

I'm forever getting my dagglewrimples confused with my cuddlestocks. Can you offer any advice to help me straighten this all out?

SailNet responds:
Thanks for your question. Don't worry; you're not alone. Even some of the most experienced voyagers have trouble keeping these vital parts straight. The best way to distinguish dagglewrimples from cuddlestocks is by their axial orientation. Dagglewrimples are almost always set up on the bias where as cuddlestocks are layed out in a 90-degree pattern. Of course the thread pattern can help you determine that as well. Dagglewrimples are threaded clockwise and cuddlestocks counterclockwise.

Here's an example that might help you. If you're out on the boomkin finagling with the oristobrator and the skipper asks you to adjust the dagglewrimple, all you have to do is stand over it facing astern and note its orientation. If it's angled, then you've got the right part, if it's layed athwartships, then don't touch anything because you're looking at the cuddlestock.

Now, adjusting dagglewrimples is a fairly precise science, so don't attempt this unless you really know what you're doing. Here's hoping that this information helps you sort out your dilemma.