🔍 Key Concepts

• Fleet angle definition and why it matters for lifeboat winch safety • Relationship between grooved drums and how tightly the falls must be guided onto the drum • Relevant U.S. regulations in 46 CFR for lifeboat winch installation and operation

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to the wire falls if the fleet angle is too large – what kind of damage or problems could occur on a lifeboat winch? • Compare the angles: which values seem more appropriate for precise, controlled spooling of a lifeboat fall on a small grooved drum? • Consider normal engineering practice: do critical life‑saving systems usually allow large deviation angles, or relatively small ones?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR the maximum fleet angle allowed for lifeboat winches fitted with grooved drums. • Eliminate angles that seem too large to avoid chafing, crushing, or jumping of the wire in the grooves. • Keep in mind that lifeboat systems are life‑saving appliances, so tolerances are typically on the conservative (smaller) side.