fairlead

A fairlead is a device used to guide a rope, cable, or chain as it enters or leaves a drum, winch, or belay point, reducing abrasion and changing the direction of pull. By providing a smooth, guided path, a fairlead protects lines from snagging and wear at edges or through openings in decks or hulls. Fairleads are commonly stationary, though some incorporate rollers to further reduce friction on bent or loaded lines.

Types commonly encountered include hawse fairlead, used at the bow to guide anchor chain or rode into the hawsepipe; bow fairlead, installed at the bow for mooring or towing lines; plate fairlead, a flat plate with a groove or channel; and roller fairlead, which uses rollers to support the line around corners. They may be constructed from steel, stainless steel, bronze, or composites, and may be lined with nylon or rubber to reduce wear.

Applications span maritime vessels and industrial settings. On ships, fairleads guide anchors, mooring lines, or rigging as they pass through openings or around structures. In industrial environments, they channel cables into machinery or through openings while protecting the conductors from damage.

Design considerations include maximum load and angle of pull, alignment with the drum or winch, protection against corrosion and impact, and ease of inspection and replacement. Selection depends on the specific line material, operating environment, and the required service life. See also hawse pipe, winch, pulley, and bollard for related guidance.