fairlead

Rope routing device

A fairlead is a ring, tube, or fitting that guides a rope or cable, keeping it from chafing or tangling as it passes through.

Common on boats, where lines must run cleanly from winches to cleats: The jib sheet runs through a fairlead on the deck.

Also used in industrial rigging and vehicle recovery equipment.

rigging

cleat

Shoe spike for grip

winchDrum-and-cable lifting mechanism
blockSolid mass, or impede
tackleGear or takedown

shackle · halyard · sheet · line · rope · furler · jammer · clutch · chock · bullseye

function

guide

Leader or instruction book

channelPassage for transmission
routingPath selection process
threadingPassing strand through opening

alignment · tension · passage · direction · smooth · friction · wear · abrasion · redirect · control

Categories

boat partshull, keel, mast, rudder, helm
Boating Gearanchor chain, bilge pump, boat hook, bow light, bow line
sailboat partsmast, sail, boom, hull, keel
ship equipmentbilge pump, ballast, capstan, cargo crane, main engine
ship partshull, keel, deck, mast, bow
pulling gearwinch, pulley, block and tackle, tow rope, tow strap

Opposites

rope/cable guidance function

fairleadpulley

Grooved wheel for rope

block · block and tackle · sheave · chock · cleat

rope handling function

fairleadobstruction

Something blocking the way

snag · chock · sharp edge · friction point

Family

fair, lead, leader, fairway

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G