Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt Dan
Dan, I think a bridle can have many functions,
Number one, it is a hybrid of a single snubber, so
1. Snubber- to take some shock load out of an all chain rode
2. Safety- having two lines instead of one
3. Two points of attachment. But keep in mind that each must be as strong as the anchor gear, because each will carry the full load some of the time.
3. yaw relief- in normal use the two leads of the bridle are spread apart as much as possible (where the connect to the boat) and equal length. When the boat is directly in line with the anchor rode, both carry the load. As soon as the boat starts to yaw, the outboard pennant starts to take the majority of the strain and as soon as it does it try’s to pull the bow back straight. So when the bow tends to Starboard the Starboard pennant comes under strain and pulls the bow back towards the anchor. Of course the wider the bow the better. Most sailboats get little effect due to narrow bow. Trawlers much more bluff forward so two part bridle can be attached much further apart, thus more effective. Catamarans with their wide beam can get great effect . Conversely, that progression of boat designs each seem to “need” a bridle more and more.
Do you suppose there has been some confusion in this thread over the distinction between snubber and bridle. There is some overlap. Maybe we should call a bridle a “2-part bridle”.?
Dan
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#4 bridle for towing.... keeping the towed vessel centered to the towing vessel.
Per a snubber, yup reduce the shock of an all chain rode. The same for the bridle.
I have yet to see a capstan or wench designed to absorb the shock associated with riding on just the anchor rode. The snubber or bridle will spread these forces to a deck cleat or in the case of a bridle, between two deck cleats.