Chocks?

sailboter97 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2002

I have been building a home made sailboat and it came time to look for cleats. I came across some strange looking ones but they were cheap and my budget is limited so I purchased them. I could not figure out how to use them so I did a little research. I learned they are called chocks but still do not know how to use them. If anyone knows how to use "chocks" or know what they are used for please let me know. Thanks, Bryan

SailorMitch · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2002

Bryan,

Chocks are most often found on the bow of a boat to act as leads for lines, or even the anchor rode. you lead lines through the chock to help reduce chafe on the line (for example, the lines used to tie up a boat in a slip), and possibly to give the line a clear run to the clete itself.

But chocks also can be found on the stern, or even the sides in the toe rail, of some bigger boats--wherever there''s a need to produce a "fair" lead for a line, and to protect it from chafe.

One suggestion is to get a BOAT/US or West Marine catalog. Those often have photos of various gear in use, or at least situated on a boat. And if you can, also meander through a marina looking at boats and asking questions of folks you see on them. I have yet to meet a sailor who won''t talk about his boat no matter what the question is. Good luck.

sailboter97 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2002

Thanks for your reply. I guess I will look around and see about buying a set of open based cleats. West Marine is a good place to start.

SailorMitch · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2002

Bryan,

I saw your other post about your building a kit boat. Which one? Just curious is all. I''m familiar with Chesapeake Light Craft and was wondering if it was one of theirs?

BTW, it''s great you built your own sailboat at such a young age. You''re learning sailing the right way (I didn''t sail until I was an adult.) Keep it up and spread the word. Sailing needs more young people!

SailorMitch · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2002

Also meant to say that West Marine will have a nice assortment of smallish cleats for your boat. Plus West usually has the most knowledgeable sales staff, at least compared to Boat/US stores.

sailboter97 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2002

My boat came from a place called Uncle John''s. It is the 9''7" kit. It came as a rowboat kit but I converted it for sailing. I wish I could get more people interested in sailing but most of my peers are not interested. I live in New Mexico and there is very few lakes. The lake I sail at is quite small but big enough for my boat. Thank you everyone for your feedback. -Bryan

SailorMitch · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2002

Bryan,

Now I understand your sailing problem a little better. New Mexico is not exactly sailor''s heaven. Beautiful state, but yep, not much water.

So here''s a plan. Study hard and go to college some place that''s at least close to the water, or one that has a sailing team even. That''s one way to get your sailing fix, although not right away. Just a thought.

sailboter97 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2002

Yes, I plan on doing so. I am going to study to be a naval architect (designing yachts) and hope to go to the University of New Orleans. They offer a program in naval architecture. The university is located right on Lake Ponchatrain.

sailboter97 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2002

While I am on the subject of engineering and architecture, another problem I have is the tiller. It is a 1" wood dal rod 48" long. I sit in the middle seat when I sail. The only problem with this is I cannot take on passengers. The tiller moves from left to right all the way over the back seat. My boat has no front seat but a deck instead. Is there a way to convert the tiller so someone can sit in the rear seat and me still be able to steer?

DuaneIsing · #10 (**permalink**) 04-05-2002

You mentioned in a previous post that your kit was originally a rowboat. It''s very likely that the designer never allowed for a tiller in the layout of the seats.

To some degree, you could shorten the tiller (all it does is provide leverage). In theory, if you (and it) had enough strength, the tiller could be 4 inches long. In reality, I''m guessing that with a tiller as short as practible, you will still not find the rear seat useable.

My mind conjurs up a complicated series of levers, sheaves (pulleys), and non-stretch lines to transfer the steering control to an alternate position, but I doubt it would allow you to control the boat very well.

Sure would be nice if there were a picture of the boat available on the web to view.