Capstan (nautical)

A capstan is a machine that is used on sailing ships to pull ropes and cables (also called hawsers). It has a vertical axle, and is very much like the windlass, which has a horizontal axle.

Grip on power pull capstan and it's opposite brakeforce on bollard posts; both work thru Capstan Equation

Man powered capstan is a 2nd Class Lever concentrating man force inwards to smaller radius for more power from levers.

Motor powered capstan spins motor shaft from inside post/not outside levers so is a 3rd Class Lever delivering force wider radius than motor shaft force input.thumb|A model showing what a capstan looks like.

The man to left is 'tailing' rope with enough friction to grip turning capstan.  Each man's lever is concentrating his larger force radius into the smaller capstan post radius for more power.  Levers were removable.  Output force  used for anchor and sail etc.  

Category:Ships