Capt.

I am trying to avoid twisting in the fall for a chandelier. I work as a capt. taking guests to a private island with an old English Manor style house. Occasionally, I am asked to lower a chandelier and insert new candles. The Chandelier is lowered with a 4 part side by side tackle, using 3 strand manila: top block is single with becket. Bottom block is a double. At the top, the line exits the single block along the ceiling and down to a cleat..

As I lower and raise the chandelier, the line turns in the tackle, inducing a lot of twist in the 4 part fall, creating lots of friction. This effect must have some history in schoonering and cargoing. Can I re-rig the fall with a cross-over style to relieve the problem? Any ideas that might work? The owner is not ready for braided line, by the way.

Incidentally, Brian, I have studied two phenomena that afflict modern systems; No. 1 is the phone cord twist: most people pick up right handed, Yak, Yak, Yak, and hang up left handed. The twist is predictable.

No. 2 is the induced twist inside the boom of outhaul systems and topping lifts with modern braided line; people coil the line as if it were 3 strand and create an invisible twisted "fall" inside the boom

We met at a show one time and I was envious that you made a career out of rigging. I am just a dabbler but I enjoy everything you write and I am glad I found you on the web. FRED ENDEMANN Cutchogue, LI, NY