Blocks for Amsteel

[Fritz Koschmann]

I am replacing a small winch on my boat with another smaller winch on which I would like to use Amsteel Blue rope. On the old winch I was able to use 3/8" polyester but the new winch is smaller so I either need to use wire or 3/16" Amsteel Blue. The winch raises and lowers a ramp that my launch rides up on and the line passes through 4 blocks. My question regards the blocks. The blocks I have now are nice Garhauer ones that are more than required strength wise and generously sized for the 3/8" rope on them now. Do I need to get new blocks for the 3/16" Amsteel? Do I need wire blocks? By the way the 3/16" Amsteel Blue is rated at 5400 lbs. and SS 3/16" 7X19 wire rope is rated at around 3000 lbs.

[MiddleAgesMan]

The only reason to change out the blocks would be if the gap between the pulley and the straps is large enough to snag the smaller line.

[James McMullen]

Nice wide sheaves are easy on rope--unless it's so loose that it might be prone to jamming like MAM said.