An oceanographic mooring winch system utilizing a horizontal double-barreled capstan

A self-contained winch system utilizing a horizontal double-barreled capstan has been developed and tested at sea. The system provides precision inching control of packages on deck, high line speeds when needed, and use of a broad range of line types and terminations. The low tension output of the capstan winch allows a simple level-wind to be used on the take-up spooler and facilitates the use of synthetic lines, which are stored under low tension if lightweight spools are used. The system design allows for ease of handling dockside and during shiploading, for use on ships of various layout, and for simplicity of transshipment. The design permits service under most shipboard conditions. The entire winch system was designed to facilitate transport in a single 20 foot cargo container.