Nigel Mills, a sailor, developed two brass rubbing strips for mounting aft of the halyard and downhaul cleats on a cabin top. These strips serve as a protective barrier, preventing damage to the cabin top during times of heavy use.
During sailing, the cabin top is a heavily used area. The halyards and downhauls, used for raising and lowering sails, often rub against the surface of the cabin top, causing scratches, dings, and ultimately, damage. This damage not only affects the aesthetics of the boat, but it can also weaken the structure over time.
To address this problem, Mills developed two brass strips. These strips are installed aft of the halyard and downhaul cleats, to provide a smooth surface for the lines to glide over. The strips are held in place with stainless-steel screws and can be easily replaced if they become damaged.
The strips are made of solid brass, providing a durable and long-lasting solution to the problem of cabin top damage. Brass is a commonly used material in marine applications because it is resistant to corrosion, easy to clean and has a low coefficient of friction. This last property is particularly important because it means that the halyard and downhaul lines will slide easily over the surface of the strips, reducing the likelihood of damage.
Mills’ invention has been well-received by other sailors, with many praising the simplicity and effectiveness of the solution. The strips are inexpensive and easy to install, making them an ideal solution for anyone looking to protect the cabin top of their boat.
Posted by Dale Simonson on 2014-04-19 03:20:36